Acura TSX / Honda Accord CL. Manual - part 256

2004 BRAKES

Disc - TSX 

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION 

The Acura TSX is equipped with front and rear disc brakes. See Fig. 1 . A cable operates parking brake at rear 
wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. All 4 brakes have audible brake wear 
indicators. When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when 
you apply the brakes. The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has 2 separate circuits. Each circuit works 
diagonally across the vehicle (the left-front brake is connected with the right-rear brake, etc.). If one circuit 
should develop a problem, you will still have braking at the opposite two wheels. 

Fig. 1: Locating Brake Components 

WARNING:

DO NOT use air pressure or a dry brush to clean brake assemblies. Avoid 
breathing brake dust. Use OSHA-approved vacuum cleaner for cleaning 
and collecting dust. Avoid contaminating brake pads and discs with brake 
fluid or grease.

CAUTION: Avoid spilling brake fluid on car, as it will damage paint. If brake fluid 

contacts paint, immediately flush with water.

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 BRAKES Disc - TSX

  

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 BRAKES Disc - TSX

  

 

 

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM 

1. Ensure the brake fluid level in the reservoir is at the MAX line "A". See Fig. 2 .  

2. Slide a piece of clear plastic hose over the first bleed screw, and submerge the other end in a container of 

new brake fluid. Have assistant slowly pump the brake pedal several times, then apply steady pressure.  

3. Loosen the left front brake bleed screw to allow air to escape from the system. Then tighten the bleed 

screw securely.  

4. Repeat the procedure for each wheel in following sequence until air bubbles no longer appear in the fluid. 

See Fig. 3 . See BRAKELINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE .  

5. Refill the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line. Road test vehicle and check brake performance. 

BRAKELINE BLEEDING SEQUENCE 

CAUTION: Avoid spilling brake fluid on car, as it will damage paint. If brake fluid 

contacts paint, immediately flush with water. The brake fluid in the 
reservoir on the master cylinder must be at the MAX line at the start of the 
bleeding procedure and checked after bleeding each brake caliper. Add 
fluid as required. Do not reuse the drained fluid. Always use Genuine 
Honda DOT 3 brake fluid. Non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and 
shorten the life of the system. Ensure no dirt or other foreign matter is 
allowed to contaminate the brake fluid.

CAUTION: DO NOT press brake pedal all the way to the floor. Press brake pedal half-

way to avoid damage to master cylinder piston seal. Damage to piston 
seal can cause internal and/or external leaks.

Application

Sequence

TSX

LF, RF, RR, LR

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 BRAKES Disc - TSX

  

 

Fig. 2: Identifying Reservoir MAX Line 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 BRAKES Disc - TSX

  

 

Fig. 3: Brake Bleeding Sequence 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

ADJUSTMENTS 

BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD CLEARANCE 

BRAKE PEDAL HEIGHT & FREE PLAY 

Pedal Height 

1. Turn the brake pedal position switch "A" counterclockwise, and pull it back until it is no longer touching 

the brake pedal. See Fig. 4 .  

2. Lift up the carpet. At the insulator cutout, measure the pedal height "B" from the middle of the left side of 

the pedal pad "C". Pedal height should be 5.8" (148 mm) on A/T models or 5.7" (144 mm) on M/T 
models.  

3. On all models, loosen the push rod lock nut "A", and screw the pushrod in or out with pliers until the 

standard pedal height from the floor is reached. See Fig. 5 . After adjustment, tighten lock nut to 
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Do not adjust the pedal height with the pushrod 
pressed.  

NOTE:

Brake booster pushrod clearance adjustment procedure is not available from 
manufacturer.

NOTE:

Brake pedal position switch may also be referred to as brakelight or stoplight 
switch.

 

2004 Acura TSX 

2004 BRAKES Disc - TSX