How to Change Acura TL Front Brake Pads

Changing the front brake pads on the Acura TL was a fairly standardized procedure until its later generations. In 2004, the TL began using different front brake pads between the automatic and manual transmissions models. This also employed a different procedure to replace the specific brake pads. The manual transmission models also required a specialized tool in order to spread the quad-piston calipers. Since the new brake pads are thicker than the old ones, the caliper pistons need to be compressed in order to make room for the new pads.

Instructions

Manual Transmission 2004 and Up

1

Apply the parking brake and loosen the lug nuts on both front tires by turning the nuts just a half-turn counterclockwise with the lug nut iron.

2

Hoist the front of the Acura TL with a jack, and support the car on the jack stands so the front axle is elevated. Remove the lug nuts and front wheels.

3

Use the 5/32-inch punch and hammer to knock the upper and lower brake pad pins out from the caliper from the inside of the caliper to the outside, and then remove the brake pad spring.

4

Remove the brake pads from the caliper window.

5

Mount the quad-piston caliper-piston spreader to the caliper and set the plates of the spreader against the pistons on either end of the caliper pistons. Tighten the spreader to compress the caliper pistons inward evenly and then remove the spreader once the caliper pistons are fully seated in the piston bores.

6

Apply a level, thin coating of high-temperature brake grease to the steel plates of the replacement pads. Install the new brake pads, making sure the wear indicator is on the bottom of the outboard brake pad.

7

Reinstall the pad spring and hold it in place, then align the pad pins--from the outside of the caliper housing to the inside--through the caliper and spring to lock it into place.

8

Reinstall the front wheels and lug nuts, then tighten the nuts snug to the wheel hub in a crisscross pattern. Lower the Acura TL to the ground, then re-tighten the lug nuts with the adjustable torque ratchet set at 80 foot-pounds and a socket, re-employing the crisscross pattern during final torquing.

9

Pump the brake pedal to reset the compressed caliper pistons and set the new brake pads to the brake rotors.

2003 and Previous Models and 2004 and up Automatic Transmissions

10

Perform Steps 1 and 2 as illustrated in Section 1 before removing the lower caliper mounting bolt with a ratchet and metric socket. Pivot the caliper up over the brake pads and caliper mount, then use a length of durable string to tie the caliper to the coil spring so you can remove the brake pads.

11

Remove the inboard and outboard brake pads from the caliper mount, then use the wire bristled brush to clean the mating surfaces of the caliper and the caliper mount. Apply a thin coat of high-temperature brake grease to the cleaned mating surfaces and the steel plates of the replacement pads.

12

Install the new pads into the caliper mount, making sure the wear indicator is located on the upper plate of the inboard pad.

13

Place the drain pan beneath the bleeder screw of the respective caliper, then loosen the bleeder screw on the caliper. Compress the piston of the caliper inward with the caliper piston reset clamp. Brake fluid will purge from the bleeder screw as the piston is compressed. Once there's enough room to fit the caliper back over the pads and caliper mount assembly, tighten the bleeder screw, and replace the caliper and lower caliper mounting bolt. Tighten the bolt.

14

Fill the master cylinder with brake fluid, replace the cap and then bleed the braking system when the front pads and calipers have been replaced on each side of the front axle. Have an assistant get into the driver's seat and pump the brake pedal four to five times and then hold the brake pedal down. Reopen the bleeder screw(s) on each individual caliper (respectively) until the bubbles and air purge from the hydraulic system. Repeat this step on each individual caliper until the fluid purges out in a clear stream and then tighten the bleeder screws. Check the master cylinder after four or five bleeding procedures per caliper and top off with fresh brake fluid as necessary. Replace the wheels and lug nuts and torque as illustrated in Step 8 of Section 1.