DIY Caliper Replacement (Civic)

Earlier this week I got out of the car after a short drive and I could smell my ceramic pads, which I haven’t smelled since break in. So under further investigation, my driver wheel was very very hot to the touch and the pass. wheel wasn’t nearly as hot, I concluded I had a sticking brake caliper. Bought the caliper and began the install…

Tools Needed:
-Sockets, 17mm, 14mm, 12mm, 10mm.
-Vise Grips
-Hammer
-Hose (for bleeding brakes)
-Brake fluid

Begin by removing the 2 10mm bolts holding the brake line, pictured here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/ieatpaint315/HondaMeet096-1.jpg

Next use the vise grips to pinch the brake line to stop the fluid from pouring out. Once blocked off you can remove the bolt that holds the line to the back of the caliper.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/ieatpaint315/HondaMeet098.jpg

With the brake line removed you can now remove the 2 17mm bolts holding the caliper and bracket on. Top is pictured 1st, bottom is pictured 2nd.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/ieatpaint315/HondaMeet093.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/ieatpaint315/HondaMeet094.jpg

Now you can swap the stock bracket to your new caliper if your caliper doesn’t include one. Also swap your pads, or install your new pads if you’ve bought new ones.

Assembly is the reverse of the disassemble, make sure everything is tightened to spec and begin bleeding your brakes.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/ieatpaint315/HondaMeet099.jpg

There are many arguments for/against bleeding all 4 corners after changing one caliper. Do you really want to find out that you should have bled all 4 when your air bag is slamming you in the face? I bled all 4.

-Ryan

good job, but the vice grips arent such a good idea…

a lot of the newer cars have inner lineings on the brake lines, vice grips crush them thus causing an internal leak and a softer pedal…

i hang all of mine with tape, it works fine…

show us the pimp… one man bleeding tool…

nice work ry guy

You’re going to have to rebleed anyway, who cares if some brake fluid drips out, vice grips are a BAD idea on brake lines.

Also, if you prop the brake pedal with a block of wood against the seat and then remove the banjo bolt, only a little fluid comes out (whatever’s in the caliper already) and it doesn’t drip.

You of course still have to bleed, but this prevents it from being too messy and prevents you from damaging the brake hose.