How difficult is it to replace front brakes on 2004 TL with an automatic? Are there any special tools needed? I remember replacing front brakes on a Ford Taurus years ago and it was a real pain to do. I think I had difficulties with the calipers. I just watched a how-to video on replacing brakes and it seems straight forward. Is there anything special that needs to be done to get the calipers to reset to original position? Any recommendations on manufacturers for brake pads? My original pads only lasted maybe 35,000. The replacements have lasted about 60,000. My driving habits didn't change. Thanks.

 

Pads or Pad and rotors?

If pads, it's easier. You don't have to remove the caliper, just the lower bolt(s), so it swings up.

If rotors also, you'll have to remove the caliper, but the way it bolts on there's pretty much no chance of doing it wrong.

The hard part will be the retaining screws which often get stuck and have to be drilled out. Best chance to avoid that is an impact driver, but if you can't get 'em, no choice but to drill them.

Look at these for DIY and Service Manual Scans:


D-041: Brakes-front/rear caliper overhaul, front/rear pad replacement, brake bleeding, brake disc specifications, parking brake adjustment

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/brakes-caliper-o-h-pad-repl-hoses-bleed-disc-specs-park-brake-adj-3g-garage-d-041-a-578017/
DIY: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/replacing-brakes-pictures-3g-garage-d-041-a-770166/


D-085: Front and rear Brake disc (rotor), knuckle, hub, and front wheel bearing replacement

https://acurazine.com/forums/religion-politics-18/world-opinion-132940/



D-094: DIY:Brembo Brake Pad Replacement + Rear Brake Pad Replacement

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/d-094-diy-complete-brake-job-pics-624404/ - Rear Pads as well



All from the 3G Garage here: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/3g-tl-garage-faq-3g-tl-newbies-553554/

 

Thanks

 

If it makes you feel any better, I found the DIYs that were just posted and I was able to do these without a hitch. I went to AutoZone and I rented their caliper reset tool (you pay $50, get it back when you return it to them) and that was that.

I'm incredibly nervous of doing things wrong on the car, but the DIYs in the garage here on the forum are quite simple, most have pictures, and not to mention you're working on a Honda. These cars are easy to work on, and the fact that my TL hasn't exploded after all the DIYs I've used from the forum are a testament to that.

Good luck!

 

Took me all of 30 minutes to do a complete set front and back. Not hard at all.

 

thanks

 

STEP ONE: Comfort first. Park the car in a cool, shady spot.
STEP TWO: Now safety. Block the rear wheels so the car won't roll once you jack it up. Put the car in park and set the parking brake firmly.
STEP THREE: Lay out your tools. Grab a tire iron and go to the front wheels. The tire iron is that long metal rod with a socket on the end of it that usually comes with the vehicle. You can also buy a really cool one (called a spinner) that looks like a metal cross -- in fact, it is a metal cross -- with different-sized sockets on each end.

Next step it's to have a look at video . And Btw don't me forget I replace my wagner brakes with this video guide provided on link, the thing is every brake pads are different so be careful and think with your head every step of the way.

http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Rep...rakes-60035609

 

The video makes me feel motivated and like a professional mechanic. Anyone have a jack that i can borrow?

 

Good video.

I personally think that if I would've watched this before doing mine a few months ago (and purchased a FRESCA), I would've taken less time to replace my brakes.

Dang it.

 

damn that is insanely easy. waking up very early tomorrow and doing this

 

i have the brembo brakes on my 04 tl 6 speed manual. i have the a spec package and im not sure if the brakes are different but what are the best replacement pads available for my car

 

^you can go with oem brembo pads.

or you can do a ceramic pad
or you can do racing pads.....

it all depends on your needs and of course bank account.
go to www.heeltoeauto.com and www.store.excelerateperformance.com/
and check out some of the pads available.

 

Consensus in terms of best brakes:

1) OEM Brembo pads
2) Hawk HPS or Ceramic
3) Stoptech Street Performance
4) Duralast Cmax Gold

 

^^^^ number 3 on your list would be perfect choice.

 

For great street performance that will take a lot of heat and not dust too bad, I would choose Stoptech.

Most Hawk pads just aren't that great. They're kind of like Optima batteries, their reputation is much better than their product. Maybe they were great at one time, they're not bad, and they have a couple of decent pads but there would be quite a few ahead of them on my list.