Replace the front brake caliper on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, including bleeding the brake system and verifying proper operation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake caliper (left or right) × 1 — Use OEM Honda part or equivalent
• Brake hose copper washers (banjo bolt) × 2 — Honda 90441-PZ1-003 or equivalent
• Brake pads (if reusing old caliper bracket) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• DOT 3 Brake Fluid × 1 — Honda DOT 3 or equivalent

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground
3. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point and secure with jack stands under frame rails
4. Remove front wheel completely
5. Open brake fluid reservoir cap slightly to relieve pressure (do not remove completely)
6. Have brake fluid catch container and clean rags ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake hose from caliper
   Place a drain pan under the caliper. Using a 10mm flare nut wrench, loosen and remove the brake hose banjo bolt from the back of the caliper. Allow brake fluid to drain into the pan. Note the position of the two copper crush washers (one on each side of the banjo fitting). Plug the brake hose end with a clean rubber cap or wrap with plastic to minimize fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠Brake fluid will immediately begin draining. Have catch container positioned before loosening banjo bolt.
2. 2

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Locate the two caliper mounting bolts on the back side of the caliper (accessed from behind the caliper). These are the sliding pin bolts. Use a 14mm socket or wrench to remove both caliper mounting bolts. The caliper will now be free from the bracket.
3. 3

   Remove caliper and brake pads
   Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and brake pads. Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket and set aside. If reusing the bracket with the new caliper, inspect brake pads for wear and replace if necessary. Clean the bracket pad shims and hardware.
   ℹ️Mark brake pads as 'old' to avoid confusion if you are replacing the caliper but keeping the bracket and pads.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket (if replacing complete assembly)
   If replacing the entire caliper assembly including bracket, use a 17mm socket to remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These bolts are very tight and may require a breaker bar. Remove the bracket from the vehicle.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are high-torque fasteners. Use proper leverage and ensure socket is fully seated to avoid rounding.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Prepare new caliper
   Remove the new caliper from packaging. Verify it matches the old caliper (driver or passenger side specific). Remove any protective caps from the banjo bolt port and bleeder screw. If the caliper piston is fully extended, you may need to carefully compress it using a C-clamp before installation. Ensure rubber boots and seals are properly seated.
   ℹ️Some replacement calipers come with the piston already retracted. Do not compress piston if already in correct position.
6. 6

   Install caliper bracket (if removed)
   If you removed the caliper bracket, clean the mounting surface on the steering knuckle. Apply a thin layer of threadlocker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Position the bracket on the knuckle and install both bracket bolts. Torque the bracket bolts to specification using a torque wrench.
   ⚠Threadlocker is recommended for caliper bracket bolts to prevent loosening under vibration.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install brake pads and caliper
   Install brake pads into the caliper bracket with shims in correct position. Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake grease to pad backing plates where they contact shims (if applicable). Position the new caliper over the brake pads and rotor. Align the caliper mounting bolt holes with the bracket slide pins.
   ℹ️Ensure brake pads are correctly oriented with friction material facing the rotor.
8. 8

   Install caliper mounting bolts
   Insert both caliper mounting bolts (slide pin bolts) through the caliper and into the bracket. Tighten both bolts using a 14mm socket and torque wrench to the specified torque value. Verify the caliper moves smoothly on the slide pins.
9. 9

   Connect brake hose to caliper
   Remove the protective cap from the brake hose. Install a NEW copper crush washer onto the banjo bolt, then insert the banjo bolt through the brake hose banjo fitting. Install a second NEW copper crush washer on the other side. Thread the banjo bolt into the caliper body. Ensure the brake hose is not twisted. Torque the banjo bolt to specification using a torque wrench and 10mm socket.
   ⚠️Using old copper washers or omitting them will cause brake fluid leaks and brake failure. Always use NEW washers.
10. 10

    Bleed the brake caliper
    Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Attach a clear tube to the bleeder screw and place the other end in a container partially filled with brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 turn using an 8mm wrench. Fluid and air will flow out. Close the bleeder screw before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the tube. Torque bleeder screw to specification. Check reservoir level frequently and refill as needed.
    ⚠️Never allow brake fluid reservoir to run dry during bleeding, as this introduces more air into the system.
    ⚠Do not overtighten bleeder screw. The specified torque is low and the screw can easily break or strip.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel hub surface and wheel mounting surface. Position the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Use a 19mm socket to tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground, then torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
2. Securely reinstall brake fluid reservoir cap
3. Inspect all brake connections for leaks, particularly around the banjo bolt
4. Pump brake pedal several times until firm pressure is achieved

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal 10-15 times. Pedal should feel firm and not sink to floor
• Inspect caliper banjo bolt connection and bleeder screw for any signs of brake fluid leakage
• Start engine and verify brake warning light is off
• Perform a low-speed brake test (5-10 mph) in a safe area to verify proper braking function before returning to service
• Test drive at various speeds and verify no pulling to one side, no unusual noises, and firm pedal feel
• After 50-100 miles, re-check brake fluid level and inspect for leaks
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 25-50 miles of driving

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