Well I figure that my brakes aren't gonna last that long, seeing how Acura denies the fact that it's the pads that are warping the rotors. In any event, I've had the front rotors replaced, and was wondering if replacing all 4 pads with aftermarket ones would improve my overall braking?

Also would this prevent future warping from occurring?

What pads do you guys suggest I throw on the car? Do I need to replace my stock rotors to do this?

thanks guys.

 

I wouldn’t put aftermarket pads on until the dealership stops giving you free rotors. Don’t give them an excuse to deny warranty coverage when the rotor thing is such a touchy issue w/dealers. Also, I don’t think the pads are causing the rotors to warp. Rather, the thin, crappy rotors are probably the problem. When your stock rotors go again, and if they won’t be replaced by the dealer, get a decent set of cross drilled rotors and high end brake pads all around. I think the good pads are made of carbon fiber. Then get a torque wrench and after the new braking gear is installed, go around each wheel and torque them all down at about 90 to 100 lbs. of pressure. You start by torquing them down half way all the way around and then come back and tighten them down to the 90/100 lb. amount. Most shops just use an airgun and every lug nut is at a different pressure. This creates uneven pressure on the rotor, and when it heats up, the heat distribution is not even and you start getting warping. Cross drilled rotors matched up w/high end pads will make the OEM stuff feel like Fred Flinstone style brakes.

 

If you have aftermarket rotors, then get aftermarket pads, like Axis Metal or Ceramic pads.

 

what about if I were to leave on all the stock stuff, including the rotors, and just put aftermarket pads...would this improve my braking performance?

also would this void my warranty?

 

I have metal master pads on my brakes and I feel the stopping power has been improved. But if I were you I'll keep the stock pads until Acura stop giving you free rotors. My warrenty is long gone so it doesn't matter to me. Cross-drill rotors allow the rotor to cool better thus prevent warping. But one thing to keep in mind is that some shops don't turn drilled rotors.

 

Yes, I've run into shops that won't cut cross drilled rotors. Maybe they are harder to do? In any event, if you watch the torque on your wheels, warping doesn't become such a problem anymore. I put cross drilled rotors on everything. My wife's honda civic had them and it made a world of difference in braking, plus they lasted twice as long as the OEM's.

 

Part of the TSB on the rotors is that Acura is replacing the stock pads with different ones. I just dropped mine off an hour ago to have this done...

 

I just got the front rotors resurfaced and installed with new pads a few weeks ago. I probably won't see any issue again for another 10k miles. However, in case the rotors wrap again, I am just going to install after market rotors and pads.

Cheers !!!

 

Does anyone know which warranty the warped rotors fall under?
I'm at 100k KM, so the 3 year warranty is long gone for me, but my dealership seems to have indicated that if I bring my car in and the rotors are arped due to a manufacturer's defect, they will do something. Are they just going to grab the $45 from me to say "Yes, your rotors are warped, now this is how much it will cost for new ones..."

Rob.

 

robl,

They might do a "goodwill" repair free of charge, but check with the service guy if there are any hidden costs. Usually Acura is pretty good at these to keep customers happy.


Vicman

________________

03 TL Type-S SSM
K&N

 

Thanks vicman,

I just got off of the phone with Markham Acura (beauty dealership BTW), and the service guy says that with the milage that I have, this would not be a warranty issue. I just ordered a pair of Brembo blanks from the US.

BTW: Anyone have any idea why Brembo blanks are so hard to find??? Brembo even doesn't list them for the TL, yet I ordered them from Tirerack.

Rob.

 

I was wondering exactly the same, anyone?

Hey Rob, do you still have the Brembo part numbers from your order?
Were you able to buy front and rear sets?
Would you mind telling me how much you've paid?

Thanks,

Pierre

 

Hi Pierre,

I didn't get a part number on my online reciept, but I can give you the number once I get the rotors. My in-laws will be bringing the rotors back with them next week.

Tire Rack sells them for $50USD each.

Tire Rack only list a front set, so it looks as if this is all that they carry.

You could always get the rears from iRotors, as they sound pretty good. I think that they run about $130/pair (USD)

Rob.

 

Blanks could be hard to find because of teh high demand for cross-drilled and/or slotted ones. So the stock usually dries up to make those with.