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Acura RL. Manual - part 375

Fig. 18: Identifying Brake Fluid Level MAX Mark (A)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

FRONT BRAKE PAD INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT

Special Tools Required

Brake caliper piston compressor 07AAE-SEPA101

INSPECTION

1. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see LIFT

AND SUPPORT POINTS ).

2. Remove the front wheels.

3. Check the thickness of the inner brake pad (A) and outer pad (B). Do not include the thickness of the

brake pad backing plate.

Brake pad thickness:

Standard: 10.5-11.5 mm (0.4-0.45 in.)

Service limit: 1.6 mm (0.06 in.)

CAUTION: Frequent inhalation of brake pad dust, regardless of material

composition, could be hazardous to your health.



Avoid breathing dust particles.



Never use an air hose or brush to clean brake assemblies. Use an
OSHA-approved vacuum cleaner.

NOTE:

Due to the high performance nature of the brake system, the rotors and pads
may wear faster. Be sure to inspect the front rotor thickness anytime the
front pads are replaced.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 BRAKES Conventional Brake Components - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:00:06 PM

Page 13

Fig. 19: Checking Thickness Of Brake Pads
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

4. If the brake pad thickness is less than the service limit, replace all the front brake pads as a set.

5. Clean the mating surface of the brake disc and the inside of the wheel, then install the front wheels.

REPLACEMENT

1. Remove some brake fluid from the master cylinder.

2. Raise the front of the vehicle, and support it with safety stands in the proper locations (see LIFT

AND SUPPORT POINTS ).

3. Remove the front wheels.

4. Turn and twist out the clip (A) from the caliper hole (B), and pull the clip out from the pad pins (C).

Fig. 20: Identifying Calliper Hole And Clip
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

5. Remove the pad pins (A) and the pad spring (B).

NOTE:

Due to the high performance nature of the brake system, the rotors and pads
may wear faster. Be sure to inspect the front rotor thickness anytime the
front pads are replaced.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 BRAKES Conventional Brake Components - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:00:06 PM

Page 14

Fig. 21: Identifying Pad Pins And Pad Spring
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

6. Remove the pads.

Fig. 22: Identifying Brake Pads
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

7. Clean the caliper thoroughly; remove any rust, and check for grooves and cracks.

8. Check the brake disc for damage and cracks.

9. Mount the brake caliper piston compressor on the caliper.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 BRAKES Conventional Brake Components - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:00:06 PM

Page 15

Fig. 23: Mounting Brake Caliper Piston Compressor On Caliper
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

10. Press in the piston with the brake caliper piston compressor so that the caliper will fit over the pads.

Make sure the piston boot is in position to prevent damaging it.

11. Remove the brake caliper piston compressor.

12. Apply M-77 assembly paste (P/N 08798-9010) to both sides of the pad shim (A), the back of the

brake pads (B), and the other areas indicated by the arrows. Wipe excess assembly paste off the pads.
Contaminated brake discs or pads reduce stopping ability. Keep paste off the brake discs and pads.

Fig. 24: Identifying Pad Shim And Brake Pads
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

13. Install the brake pads correctly. Install the brake pad with the wear indicator (C) on the inside. If you

are reusing the brake pads, always reinstall the brake pads in their original positions to prevent a
momentary loss of braking efficiency.

14. Install the pad spring (A). Hold the pad spring and install the pad pins (B) into the caliper from the

outside to the inside of vehicle.

NOTE:

Be careful when pressing in the pistons because brake fluid might
overflow from the master cylinder's reservoir.

2007 Acura RL

2005-08 BRAKES Conventional Brake Components - RL

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:00:06 PM

Page 16

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