FiftyFive

I have to replace my brake pads and rotors on all 4 sides in my 2004 Acura MDX. I was quoted by my local mechanic for $800.

Does this seems reasonable?

007Acura

seems like a good fair price, I would still call a few other places including Acura just to compare.

TL black

pads front and rear 85 bucks at pepboys, and I believe you can find rotors for under 50 a piece. I did the pads on my 06 my self and they are super easy. doing the rotors is not much more work. do one wheel at a time. your rotors are probably fine any way if your pads did not cut into them they should be fine.

Chr8808

iTrader: (1)

IMO, for $800, he's better be using OEM Acura parts. If he's using generic pads/rotors, thats too much.

my

As previous poster mentioned, pads are easy to change, and the rotors are even easier - that is, if youre interested in DIY.

FiftyFive

Debating on whether or not to do it myself. Anyone have a DIY? Not sure if I have all the tools, etc.

Chr8808

iTrader: (1)

Socket set - 8 and 12MM sockets i think,
C-clamp or a C-clamp plier (for pushing back piston)
impact driver (to remove disc)

I'll see if i can find a DIY but its very very easy

FiftyFive

^^ Thanks man! Let me know if you find anything else!

Anyone know of a reputable site to get pads/rotors?

I want to make sure the rotors are decent quality, don't want vibrations in ~10,000 miles lol

Chr8808

iTrader: (1)

You can follow this DIY: Its basically the same thing

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-116/diy-rotors-pads-%2A%2Ahow-w-pictures%2A%2A-620983/

I used stock acura pads (got them at A&H motors in PA-they mail order acura & honda parts).

FiftyFive

Thanks man, you may have just saved me a lot of money. I will probably do it myself.

OutkastSL

its easy to do, if you got the right tools. I'm in a wheelchair and still change my own brake pads and rotors.

FiftyFive

That's awesome! So there is 3 bolts total on the caliper that have to be removed?

OutkastSL

from what I remember, two bolts per caliper and one set screw for the disk. It took me 15 minutes per side with air tools and my brother in law doing the heavy lifting for the wheels.

vas25tl

I ordered front and rear pads for $110 from a guy at a Honda dealer in California.

You can find good prices on OEM parts online.

FiftyFive

I'm actually a little wary about buying Acura OEM rotors, they're not the greatest.

FiftyFive

Gonna be taking care of the brakes in a few, any last tips/tricks? lol

Does anyone know the proper bolt torque specs for the caliper, etc?

FiftyFive

Ran into a little hickup, the new brake pads I got don't have the little hole for the wishbone shaped spring to go in to? What should I do? Not use the spring? Drill the hole for it?

vybzkartel

The springs are called 'pad spreaders'.

When I changed my brakes in October, the new pads I got didn't have the holes for them, but I knew that before I bought them(they're cheaper). I figured as long as I use the 'disc brake quiet' paste, I didn't need them.

This is the 1st vehicle I've owned with them. Also the 1st one with twin piston calipers. Don't know what their purpose is....maybe to help keep the pads away from the disc, or even the resistance because of the 2 pistons?

I don't notice any difference with or without them.

FiftyFive

Yea, i just went along without them. The whole process took about 6.5 hours. I had a hard time getting the back rotors off.

Other than that everything went kinda smoothly. I hear a little noise now but I think that is supposed to go away after the break-in. Hopefully it does!

OutkastSL

sorry i didn't get your pm until today. like vybzkartel said they are brake spreaders and it's purpose is to reduce brake noise.

FiftyFive

So everything seems to be ok as far as braking, i do hear a clunk when going forward after a moderate brake. What could this be?

FiftyFive

Looks like the fronts caliper bolts had to be tightened to 101lbs/ft, just tightened them up now.

Any idea what the rear caliper brackets are supposed to be torqued to? I can't find the info anywhere.

vybzkartel

My service manual shows 41 lb/ft, for the rear caliper bracket.

FiftyFive

Thanks!