Brake Caliper - Rear

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear brake caliper on a 2016-2021 Honda Civic with 1.5L turbo engine, including brake fluid system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake caliper × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Brake line copper washers (banjo bolt) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Caliper slide pin bolts (if worn) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points and secure with jack stands
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Locate brake fluid reservoir under hood and check fluid level - do not overfill during this procedure
6. Place drain pan under work area to catch brake fluid

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake line from caliper
   Using a flare nut wrench, loosen the brake line banjo bolt on the rear caliper. Be prepared for brake fluid to drip. Once loose, remove the bolt completely and immediately plug the brake line opening with a rubber cap or clean rag to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Note the position of the two copper crush washers (one on each side of the brake line fitting) - these MUST be replaced with new washers.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly. These are 14mm bolts that allow the caliper to slide. Using a 14mm wrench or socket, remove both caliper mounting bolts completely. Keep these bolts unless they show wear or damage.
3. 3

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Lift the caliper assembly away from the brake rotor and bracket. The caliper will still have brake pads attached. Carefully remove the caliper and set aside on a clean surface. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake line if still attached.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket (if replacing)
   If the caliper bracket also needs replacement or removal, use a 17mm socket to remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the knuckle. These bolts are torqued to a high value and may require significant force to loosen. Note the use of threadlocker on these bolts.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Prepare new caliper
   Unbox the new rear caliper. Verify it matches the old caliper design and mounting points. If the caliper piston is not fully retracted, use a brake piston tool to carefully compress it fully inward (rear calipers may require rotation - check if piston has notches). Ensure bleeder screw moves freely but do not remove it yet.
6. 6

   Install caliper bracket (if removed)
   Position the caliper bracket onto the rear knuckle, aligning bolt holes. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bracket bolt threads. Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern. Ensure bracket is secure and does not move.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install brake pads into bracket
   Install inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket if they were removed. Ensure pad wear indicators are positioned correctly per Honda specifications (indicator typically on inner pad, facing upward). Pads should slide freely in bracket channels but not rattle excessively.
8. 8

   Install new caliper onto bracket
   Position the new caliper over the brake pads and rotor, aligning the slide pin bolt holes with the bracket. Insert both caliper mounting bolts and hand-thread them. Once both are started, torque both bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify caliper moves smoothly on slide pins.
9. 9

   Connect brake line to new caliper
   Install NEW copper crush washers on both sides of the brake line banjo fitting (one washer against the caliper, one washer against the banjo bolt head). Position the brake line onto the caliper inlet port, ensuring proper alignment. Install the banjo bolt and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench, tighten to the specified torque value. Do not overtighten as this can crack the caliper body.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Bleed rear caliper
    Attach clear tubing to the caliper bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container with clean DOT 3 brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 turn using a 10mm wrench while pressure is applied - fluid and air will exit. Close bleeder before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in tubing. Top off brake fluid reservoir as needed during bleeding. Final tighten bleeder screw to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Check for leaks and verify operation
    With the bleeder closed and brake line connected, inspect all connections for brake fluid leaks. Wipe connections dry and press brake pedal firmly several times - check again for any seepage. Brake pedal should feel firm. If pedal is soft or spongy, repeat bleeding procedure. Verify caliper piston does not leak fluid around dust boot.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the rear wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly. Install all lug nuts hand-tight in a star pattern. Lower vehicle until wheel contacts ground but vehicle weight is not fully on tire. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final torque check on lug nuts.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all brake line connections are tight and free of leaks
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid
3. Ensure bleeder screw is fully tightened and capped if equipped
4. Confirm wheel lug nuts are torqued properly

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times - pedal should be firm and not sink to floor
• Check brake warning light on dash does not illuminate
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area - vehicle should stop smoothly without pulling to one side
• Inspect under vehicle for any brake fluid drips or leaks around caliper and brake line connections
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive - top off if needed
• Perform several hard stops from 30-40 mph in a safe area to bed in new caliper and verify proper operation
• If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks, DO NOT DRIVE - repeat bleeding procedure or seek professional service immediately

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle