This procedure covers removal and replacement of the rear brake caliper on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with 3.6L V6 engine, including brake fluid bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake caliper × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper brake hose washers × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake pads (if needed) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
3. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove rear wheel completely
5. Inspect brake system for additional wear or damage that may need attention
6. Remove approximately half the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir using a turkey baster or suction tool to prevent overflow when compressing new caliper piston

Procedure

1. 1

   Position brake fluid catch pan
   Place a brake fluid catch pan beneath the rear caliper area. Have clean shop towels ready to catch any brake fluid that drips during banjo bolt removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake hose from caliper
   Using a line wrench, loosen and remove the brake hose banjo bolt from the rear of the caliper. Note the position of the two copper washers (one on each side of the banjo fitting). Remove and discard both copper washers - these must be replaced with new ones. Immediately plug the brake hose opening with a clean rubber cap or plug to minimize fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠Brake fluid will drain from the hose and caliper. Keep catch pan positioned to collect fluid.
3. 3

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Locate the two caliper bolts that secure the caliper to the adapter bracket. These are typically accessed from the rear of the caliper. Use the appropriate socket to remove both caliper bolts completely. On this model, these bolts require thread locker upon installation.
   ℹ️Keep track of bolt orientation and any shims or hardware for proper reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove old caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper off the brake rotor and adapter bracket. If brake pads are attached to the caliper, remove them now. Inspect the pads for wear and replace if necessary. Set the old caliper aside in the catch pan to drain remaining fluid.
5. 5

   Inspect caliper bracket and hardware
   Examine the caliper adapter bracket for damage, excessive rust, or wear. Check that the brake pad slide points are clean and free of corrosion. Clean the bracket mounting surface on the rotor adapter if necessary. Verify brake rotor condition and thickness while caliper is removed.
6. 6

   Prepare new caliper for installation
   Remove the new caliper from packaging. Verify the piston is fully retracted - if not, carefully compress it using a C-clamp or brake piston tool. Ensure the bleeder screw moves freely and is not cross-threaded. Remove any shipping plugs or protective caps from the brake hose port.
7. 7

   Install new caliper onto bracket
   Position new brake pads in the caliper bracket if not already installed. Carefully position the new caliper over the rotor and align the caliper bolt holes with the adapter bracket. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bolt threads as specified. Install both caliper bolts and hand-tighten initially.
   ⚠Ensure brake pads are properly seated in the bracket and that the caliper slides freely over the rotor before tightening bolts.
8. 8

   Torque caliper bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the caliper bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Verify the caliper is properly seated and aligned on the bracket after torquing.
9. 9

   Connect brake hose to new caliper
   Remove the plug from the brake hose. Install one NEW copper washer onto the banjo bolt, slide the banjo bolt through the brake hose fitting, install the second NEW copper washer, then thread the banjo bolt into the caliper port. Hand-tighten first to ensure proper alignment and thread engagement.
10. 10

    Torque brake hose banjo bolt
    Using a line wrench and torque wrench, tighten the banjo bolt to specification. Do not overtighten as this can strip the caliper port threads or damage the washers.
    ⚠Verify the brake hose is not twisted or kinked after tightening. The hose should route naturally without tension.
11. 11

    Bleed rear brake caliper
    Attach clear tubing to the bleeder screw and route into a clean container. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn, allow fluid and air to escape until flow stops, then close the bleeder screw before the assistant releases the pedal. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the fluid. Check master cylinder fluid level frequently and refill as needed to prevent running dry.
    ⚠️Never allow the brake pedal to be released while the bleeder screw is open, as this can draw air into the system.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel onto the hub, threading lug nuts by hand first. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. This prevents the wheel from spinning during final torque.
13. 13

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. After initial torque, verify torque on each lug nut in sequence a second time.
14. 14

    Final brake system check
    Completely lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid. Pump the brake pedal multiple times until it feels firm and returns to normal height. Check all connections for leaks, particularly the banjo bolt fitting.

Reassembly

1. Verify brake pedal feels firm and travels to normal height before test driving
2. Inspect the banjo bolt connection and bleeder screw for any signs of brake fluid leakage
3. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line if needed after bleeding
4. If replacing only one rear caliper, verify even braking performance - uneven calipers may cause pull to one side

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times - pedal should feel firm and consistent with minimal travel
• With engine running, apply firm brake pressure and verify pedal does not slowly sink to the floor
• Visually inspect the brake hose banjo bolt connection for any fluid seepage or drips
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area - brakes should engage smoothly without pulling to either side
• Perform several moderate brake applications from 25-30 mph to verify proper brake function and seat the pads
• Re-check brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and inspect caliper connections again for any leaks

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