Replacement of the brake caliper bracket (mounting bracket) on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic 1.5L Turbo, requiring removal of the caliper and rotor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket (front or rear as needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake pads (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• DOT 3 brake fluid (for topping off) × 1 — Honda OEM or equivalent DOT 3

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Engage parking brake if working on front brakes only, or use wheel chocks if working on rear.
2. Remove approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir using a turkey baster or syringe to prevent overflow when compressing caliper piston.
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Lift vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point and secure with jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system condition
   Visually inspect the brake rotor, pads, caliper, and brake hose for damage, excessive wear, or fluid leaks. If the rotor is deeply scored or the brake pads are below 3mm thickness, plan to replace them during this service. Check the brake hose for cracks, bulging, or seepage at the banjo bolt connection.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Using a 17mm socket or wrench, remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper to the bracket. These are located on the rear side of the caliper assembly. Keep these bolts as they will be reused.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Support and remove caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper off the bracket and rotor. Do NOT disconnect the brake hose unless replacing the caliper. Support the caliper by hanging it from the suspension or strut using a wire hanger or bungee cord. Ensure there is no tension or strain on the brake hose. Never let the caliper hang freely.
   ⚠️Allowing the caliper to hang by the brake hose can cause internal damage and brake system failure.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad wear indicators for proper reassembly. Remove any pad retaining clips or springs from the bracket. Keep all hardware organized if reusing.
5. 5

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the brake rotor straight off the wheel hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap it from behind, or thread bolts into the threaded holes (if present) to press it off. Clean the hub surface with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Using a 19mm socket and breaker bar, remove the two caliper bracket bolts. These bolts are torqued to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) and will require significant force. Ensure the socket is fully seated to avoid rounding the bolt heads. Remove the bracket from the hub assembly.
   ⚠These bolts are extremely tight. Use a breaker bar and ensure full socket engagement to prevent bolt damage.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface and the caliper bracket bolt holes using brake cleaner and a wire brush. Remove all rust, corrosion, and debris. Clean the threads of the bracket bolts with a wire brush. Inspect the bolts for damage or thread wear; replace if questionable.
8. 8

   Install new caliper bracket
   Apply a thin layer of medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of the caliper bracket bolts. Position the new bracket onto the hub assembly, aligning the bolt holes. Hand-thread both bracket bolts to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
9. 9

   Torque caliper bracket bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the caliper bracket bolts to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) in an alternating pattern (tighten one bolt partially, then the other, then torque both to final specification). Verify both bolts are fully torqued.
   ⚠Proper torque is critical for bracket retention. Under-torquing can cause bracket failure and complete brake loss.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall brake rotor
    Clean the rotor friction surfaces with brake cleaner and a lint-free cloth to remove any protective coating or oil. Slide the rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully against the hub face. If installing a new rotor, ensure any shipping oil is completely removed.
11. 11

    Install brake pads and hardware
    Install any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad retaining hardware onto the caliper bracket in their original positions. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the pad backing plates where they contact the bracket and clips (not on friction surfaces). Install the brake pads into the bracket.
12. 12

    Prepare caliper slide pins
    Clean the caliper slide pin bolts and inspect the rubber boots on the caliper for tears or damage. Apply a generous coating of silicone brake grease to the smooth portion of each slide pin bolt (not the threads).
13. 13

    Reinstall caliper
    If the caliper piston is extended, use a C-clamp or caliper piston tool to compress it fully into the caliper bore. Position the caliper over the brake pads and bracket, ensuring it seats properly. Thread both slide pin bolts by hand to ensure proper alignment.
14. 14

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten both caliper slide pin bolts to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). Ensure both bolts are properly torqued and the caliper moves freely on the slide pins.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel, hand-threading all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground (still supported by jack). Torque the lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it becomes firm. The pedal should not sink to the floor.
2. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and top off with DOT 3 brake fluid if necessary. Do not overfill.
3. If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy after pumping, the system may need bleeding. This typically is not required if the brake hose was not disconnected.

Verification

• With the engine off, pump the brake pedal 5-10 times. The pedal should become firm and maintain pressure without sinking.
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around the caliper, bracket, and brake hose connections.
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area (parking lot). Test brakes at 5-10 mph to verify proper operation and even braking before returning to normal driving.
• After the first 50 miles, re-torque the wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) to ensure they remain properly secured.
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing, or rattling) during braking. Any abnormal sounds require immediate inspection.

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