You know...what does Acura use to make their front rotors...Reynolds Aluminum Foil? My 98 Integra GSR had the same damn problem. When I brake at +60mph, the rotors thump and the steering wheel shakes like a '76 Pinto at top speed. I know all of this will be covered, but what a pain in the ass. You would think that brakes are a rudimentary component of any car...why can't they get it right.

Of course...trannies are rudimentary too!! I'm starting to miss my first car...that good old CANADIAN built '78 Chrysler Cordoba with the 360 4 barrel...now THAT was a sport coupe!!!

By the way..my CLS only has 8900 miles on it. I am starting to get a hankerin' for Bavarian Motor Works, guys....if they can make them stop BURNING UP.

"Thousands of people die from Spontaneous Combustion every year....it just goes unreported"--David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap

 

just wondering, did u break in ur brakes after u bought the car?

 

I sure did...on my 98 too. I drive them like an old lady when they're new and wait 3K miles before driving them as they should be driven...it just doesn't seem to matter!

 

Get new rotors / updated front pads from the dealer. Take this post with you. It works!!

 

Hey Mackdaddy....how are the '02 pads working out? I know the dealer will take care of this...I have a great dealer. It's just the principal. To have this happen to just one of my cars is OK, but for 2...that's unacceptable. I just don't see why it's so hard to make a rotor that doesn't warp. I'm not a crazy driver and my CLS is bone stock...it's the pain in the ass factor that is bothering me.

 

Tmk70 -

One phrase states it all, OH YEAH BABY!

The combo I'm using seems like it's going to be real nice. I've only got 200 miles on the fronts, and 25 on the rears (just did those last night.) Last night's test drive in the twisties was to say the least, sweet. Given a bit more bedding time, these are going to be a fantastic low cost upgrade. I've got about $110.00 invested in this project.

My dealer swapped all 4 of my rotors when the car had less than 50 miles on the car! Day of delivery, I had to schedule a warranty appt.

Take my word, the pedal pressure is much more solid, and responsive. I'd do this again in a heartbeat.... you should too.

Jim

PS - Front pads from the dealer $53.00 rears $62.00 (from a local tuning shop.) Installation, free, by me!

 

Good news, Mackdaddy!!! I've bought 4 Acuras from my dealer, so when I take it in for the next oil change, I'll be sure to just ask for new rotors with the '02 pads...I'm sure they'll do it. Thanks for the info!!

 

No los prablamos, compadre! Glad to be of sevice.

 

Love Spinal Tap. How about " You know where you stand in a hell hole " or Big bottoms, big bottoms, talk about mudflaps my girls got em " !!! Oh no, don't get me started !!!

 

Updated pads? What? Is there a service advisory for this or something?

 

Hey I have been having the same problem with my brakes/rotors. Started happening with 5k and now it is really bad at 6500 miles. I don't know why and I really don't feel like dopping whatever it costs to buy replacement for something that should last a lot longer than this. How did you go about this with Acura, are you getting them replaced free? under warranty? Let me know what to do and what to tell them, i'm going for my 7500 soon and I have a few things to talk about with them. Thanks, Anthony.

 

Scorpius - yes, the 02 TL front brake pads are a redesign. Acura is playing chicken-shit about the CL (won't admit the same problem exists on CL as with the TL.) But the pads eliminate the rotor warping issue. Plus the friction material is much better.

PGA - They should give you rotors for free (or at least turn them.) The pads are another story. Hell they're only $50.00 list price. No real expenditure.

Jim

 

What do I have to say to them, just it should be placed under warranty or should I go in with a specific Acura number for reference. Yeah the brake pads are cheap but I was just hoping I didn't have to pay for rotors those can run some money. Thanks

 

What problems would I notice? I don't feel anything unusual when I hit the brakes. I only felt the ABS engage (that pulsing feel) but that was on new snow heading downhill.
Would spraying water on the wheels right after I parked and seeing a bit of steam come off warp the rotors? What are the dangers of having mild to severly warped rotors?

 

PGA - Tell them to kiss your ass (joke!) Really, just give them the ol' pulsating brakes at speed. That should take care of free rotors. The part number of the new pads is 45022-S0K-A11. Have them throw on a set. You'll thank me later...

Scorpius - The problem with the 01 design (TL/CL) is the pad has too much metalic content for the rotors. Eventually, they will warp. Replacing your existing pads now will save you the hassle of rotor replacement / turning down the road.

I had the 01 pads on my new rotors for 4000 miles, and they still felt fine. I just did this as a preventative measure. Like I said earlier as well, the friction compound in the new pads is far superior to the old. Go test drive an 02 TL, and tell me you can't feel a difference!

Jim

 

Hey Scorpius:

You will notice a shudder in your steering wheel when braking above 60 mph. Take your hands off the wheel when you try braking at this speed on the highway....if it doesn't shimmy, you're probably OK. If your rotors warp, you risk wearing your pads much more quickly, as well as affecting the effectiveness of your ABS. Like I said, my 98 GSR did this too, and my dealer covered everything...never had any more problems with that one.

 

"This piece is called Lick my Love Pump"--Nigel Tufnel

 

I am kinda lost here. There's a problem with the brakes?? I just picked up my 2002 CL 3 days ago..... So are you guys saying the 2002 TL's brake pads are better, should i go to the dealer and get them??

 

Just go easy on your brakes for the first 3000 miles. If you start noticing a shuddering when braking above 60mph, you've got rotor warping. It's all covered under warranty. I doubt you could do anything about it until it starts happening to you (which is not guaranteed). This is a pretty common problem with Honda/Acura cars.