Brake Rotors - Rear Pair

Replace rear brake rotors on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine. Includes caliper removal, rotor replacement, and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM Honda or equivalent 296mm vented rotors
• Rotor set screws (if damaged) × 2 — M6 x 1.0mm x 10mm

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks at front wheels.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while wheels are on ground, but do not remove.
3. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear jacking point and secure with jack stands under rear subframe or pinch welds.
4. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
5. Inspect brake system for leaks, damaged hoses, or excessive pad wear before proceeding.
6. If brake fluid reservoir is near MAX line, remove small amount of fluid with turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing pistons.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly (accessed from behind). Use a 14mm socket to remove both slide pin bolts. The caliper will now pivot/lift away from the rotor. Do not remove the caliper bracket at this time.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support and secure caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper assembly up and away from the rotor. Do NOT disconnect the brake hose. Use wire or a bungee cord to hang the caliper from the suspension spring or strut assembly. Ensure no tension or stress is placed on the brake hose.
   ⚠️Never let caliper hang by brake hose. Hose damage can cause brake fluid leakage and total brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the orientation and position of pad shims and any anti-rattle clips. Remove the pad retaining clips if equipped. Set all hardware aside in order for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Using a 17mm socket, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that mount the bracket to the rear knuckle. These bolts are torqued to a high value and may require significant force. Remove the caliper bracket completely.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rotor set screw and rotor
   Locate the Phillips rotor set screw on the face of the rotor (may be corroded). Use impact driver or manual Phillips screwdriver to remove the set screw. If stuck, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak. Once set screw is removed, pull rotor straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck, tap gently from behind with rubber mallet.
   ⚠Rotor may be stuck due to corrosion. Never strike rotor friction surface. Tap only on the center hat or use threaded holes if equipped for removal.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws6 Nm (5 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Clean hub surface
   Clean the hub mounting surface thoroughly with wire brush to remove rust, corrosion, and debris. Ensure the hub face is smooth and flat. Apply thin layer of anti-seize compound to hub face (avoid getting on wheel studs). This prevents rotor from seizing to hub.
7. 7

   Install new rotor
   Remove protective coating from new rotor using brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. Clean both sides of rotor friction surfaces thoroughly. Place new rotor onto hub, aligning holes. Install rotor set screw and torque to specification. Rotor should sit flush and flat against hub.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws6 Nm (5 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position caliper bracket back onto the rear knuckle mounting points. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to 97 Nm (71 lb-ft) using torque wrench. Ensure bracket is firmly seated before torquing.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts97 Nm (71 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Before reinstalling brake pads, the caliper piston must be compressed fully into the caliper bore. Use C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool to slowly compress the piston. Watch the brake fluid reservoir; level will rise as piston compresses. If reservoir overflows, remove excess fluid.
   ⚠Compress piston slowly and evenly. Do not damage piston dust boot or allow it to fold under. Damaged boot will cause piston corrosion and caliper failure.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake pads and hardware
    Install pad retaining clips and anti-rattle hardware into caliper bracket in original positions. Insert inner and outer brake pads with shims in correct orientation. Pads should fit snugly but move freely in bracket.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper assembly
    Remove caliper from support wire/bungee. Position caliper over brake pads and align slide pin bolt holes. Apply thin coat of silicone brake grease to slide pin bolts (do not use petroleum-based grease). Insert both slide pin bolts and torque to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat all steps (1-11) for the opposite rear wheel. Ensure both sides are completed before proceeding to verification.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern snug but not fully torqued. Lower vehicle from jack stands to ground. With full vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 lb-ft) in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts108 Nm (80 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all caliper bracket bolts and slide pin bolts are torqued to proper specifications on both sides.
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir level is between MIN and MAX marks. Top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if needed.
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in wheel wells before test driving.

Verification

• BEFORE DRIVING: Pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times until pedal feels firm and normal. Pedal must not go to floor.
• Check brake fluid reservoir level again after pumping pedal. Add DOT 3 fluid if necessary.
• Perform initial test stops at low speed (5-10 mph) in safe area to verify brake function before normal driving.
• After initial test, verify no brake fluid leaks at calipers, hoses, or wheel cylinders.
• Expect some minor noise or vibration during first 50-100 miles as pads mate to new rotor surface. Perform bedding procedure per pad manufacturer recommendations.
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50 miles of driving.
• If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or goes to floor, DO NOT DRIVE. Bleed brake system or seek professional service immediately.

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