A Guide to Replacing Front and Rear Brake Calipers on the 2023-2025 Acura Integra
Understand the signs of a failing brake caliper and how to choose the right new aftermarket replacement for your Integra.
- This guide is for the 2023-2025 Acura Integra (Base/A-Spec), not the Type S.
- Rear caliper replacement requires a special scan tool to service the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB).
- A low-speed grinding noise is a common complaint and not always a sign of caliper failure.
- Premium new aftermarket calipers from brands like Raybestos or Dynamic Friction offer the best value for daily driving.
A Note on Vehicle Years and Trims
This article specifically covers the fifth-generation 2023-2025 Acura Integra, including Base and A-Spec models. It does NOT apply to the high-performance Type S model, which uses different Brembo brake components. The user-specified year range of 2018-2022 corresponds to the Acura ILX, which is a different model.
Is My Caliper Failing? Common Symptoms
A brake caliper's job is tough, and over time, seals can fail, pistons can seize, and slide pins can get stuck. Here’s what to look for:
- Car Pulling to One Side: When you brake, a sticking caliper can cause the car to pull towards the side of the faulty part. If it pulls while driving, the caliper might be constantly seized.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: This is a classic sign. If a caliper's slide pins are frozen or the piston is stuck, the inner and outer brake pads will wear at very different rates. You might find one pad worn to the metal while the other is barely used.
- Visible Fluid Leaks: Oily, yellowish fluid around your wheel or on the inside of your tire points to a leaking caliper seal or bleeder screw. This is a serious safety issue that can lead to a soft pedal and brake failure.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If air gets into the brake lines, often through a bad seal in a caliper, the brake pedal will feel spongy and lose its firmness. This indicates a serious loss of braking performance.
- Burning Smell or Smoke: A caliper that is stuck in the applied position will cause constant friction, generating extreme heat. This can create a strong burning smell and, in severe cases, smoke from the wheel well.
Is It a Bad Caliper or Something Else? The Common Integra Brake Grind
Many 2023+ Integra owners report a grinding or scraping noise from the brakes at low speeds, especially in wet weather or after a car wash. This is often just the brake pads clearing a thin layer of surface rust off the rotors and typically goes away after a few stops. It is not usually a sign of a failing caliper. However, persistent, loud grinding indicates your brake pads are completely worn down, which requires immediate service.
🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide for changing front pads and rotors.Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
As of early 2026, there are no specific recalls for the disc brake calipers themselves on the 2023-2025 Integra. However, there is a related and important recall:
- NHTSA Recall 23V430000: Some 2023 Integra models are affected by a recall for the Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) modulator. A ball valve inside the modulator could leak brake fluid, leading to an unexpected increase in brake pedal travel. While not a caliper failure, it is a critical brake system issue that a dealer must fix.
There are no official Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for caliper-related problems, but forum discussions show some owners have experienced issues with sticking rear calipers leading to premature pad wear.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
When replacing a caliper, you don't have to go to the dealer. New aftermarket parts offer a great balance of quality and value. The brands available fall into different tiers.
| Brand Tier | Brands | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Aftermarket (New) | Raybestos, Dynamic Friction | These brands offer 100% new calipers, not remanufactured. They often feature corrosion-resistant coatings (like Raybestos Element3) and are built to meet or exceed OEM specifications. They are an excellent choice for daily drivers, providing long life and reliability without the high cost of OEM parts. User reviews are generally positive. |
| Standard Aftermarket (Remanufactured) | Cardone, BBB Industries | These are original equipment calipers that have been rebuilt. They are a budget-friendly option but quality can be inconsistent. Reviews sometimes mention issues like poorly machined parts or cosmetic blemishes. While they meet performance standards, a new caliper from a premium aftermarket brand is often a more reliable long-term choice for a small additional cost. |
A Critical Warning for DIY Replacement: The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
The rear brake calipers on the 2023-2025 Integra are equipped with an Electronic Parking Brake. You CANNOT simply press the piston back in as you would on a traditional caliper. You must use a compatible diagnostic scan tool to put the rear calipers into "Service Mode" first. 🎬 Watch: How to put your Honda/Acura EPB into maintenance mode. Attempting to force the piston back manually will destroy the internal electric motor, ruining the caliper. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing calipers with electronic parking motors. This makes rear caliper replacement a more advanced job than the front. If you don't have the tool, this job is best left to a professional mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace calipers in pairs?
While it is not strictly required, it is highly recommended. If one caliper has failed due to age or mileage, the one on the other side is likely not far behind. Replacing them in pairs ensures even braking performance and prevents you from having to do the same job twice in the near future.
What is a "loaded" vs. "semi-loaded" caliper?
A "loaded" caliper comes complete with new brake pads and all necessary hardware, like clips and pins. A "semi-loaded" or "friction-ready" caliper includes the mounting bracket and hardware but does not include brake pads, allowing you to choose your preferred pad brand. The calipers for this vehicle are typically sold semi-loaded.
What is the difference between a new and a remanufactured caliper?
A new caliper is manufactured from all-new materials. A remanufactured caliper is an original OEM part that has been taken apart, cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt with new seals, boots, and other wear components. While remanufactured parts are more budget-friendly, new parts from brands like Raybestos or Dynamic Friction often have better corrosion protection and more consistent quality.
Why are my new Integra's brakes so noisy?
Many owners report a grinding sound at low speeds. This is very common and is usually caused by the brake pads wiping a thin layer of rust off the rotors after sitting in the rain. If the noise is persistent, loud, and happens in all conditions, you should have your brakes inspected for worn pads or a sticking caliper.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
The key specification for this vehicle is the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) motor integrated into the rear calipers. This requires a diagnostic scan tool for retraction during service. The front calipers are a standard single-piston floating design. Calipers for the Base and A-Spec models are not compatible with the Type S model.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Acura Integra:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- A Note on Vehicle Years and Trims
- Is My Caliper Failing? Common Symptoms
- Is It a Bad Caliper or Something Else? The Common Integra Brake Grind
- Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
- Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
- A Critical Warning for DIY Replacement: The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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