ReplayMan

iTrader: (5)

Hey guys, anybody have experience with remanufactured brembo calipers for their '07-'08 Acura TL Type S? I'm very skeptical of them over OEM. I am always a fan of using OEM stuff for it's proven reliability and effectiveness. A lot of after market stuff just doesn't last. Any input is appreciated.

My car was due for a brake job and both calipers had the clear coat peeling and they looked terrible. This was a good time to also replace or repair them. My mechanic talked me into getting remanufactured calipers that cost $175 each...plus core exchange.
New calipers cost $400 each, and to have the original calipers powder-coated would cost $125 each plus labor cost to dis-assemble & re-assemble. The issue of my car being disabled for a few days while they're being painted also was an issue.

Anyway I wound up getting the remanufactured calipers. They look great, they don't say "Acura", but I don't mind. I'm just worried that they suck or don't last.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

There's not much to a remanufactured caliper, so you'll be fine. In fact, to rebuild the 4 piston caliper is pretty easy, but takes time, and only runs $6 to $18 per side depending on the manufacturer, and the complete remanufactured caliper can be had for @ $65 each.

Just an FYI-Although the caliper configuration is different, the rebuild kit for the Brembo is the same for the following:
ACURA TL (2004 - 2008)
AUDI R8 (2008 - 2012)
DODGE VIPER (1992 - 2010)
NISSAN SENTRA (2004 - 2006)
SRT VIPER (2013 - 2014)
VOLVO S60 (2004 - 2007)
VOLVO V70 (2004 - 2007)

Vlad_Type_S

iTrader: (3)

Glad I found this before starting another thread.

I read though the conventional brake section in the service manual and am confused about something. It says you can't rebuild the front 4-piston calipers, yet then gives notes you should follow when rebuilding them.

I've rebuilt many a caliper on motorcycles. The rear single-piston caliper on the TL seems no different. Is there anything special I need to be aware of on these 4-piston Brembos? Or is it the usual removal, dis-assembly, cleaning, lubing and reassembling with new seals?

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

All can be rebuilt, but the 4 piston caliper shouldn't be split. Use air to push out the pistons but use a piece of wood, or rag between the pistons as protection.

rossv1

Not sure if this is related to the OP but is probably more so related to Vlad's post.

Are ya'll aware of a DIY guide on here for switching out the seals (rebuilding?) for the Brembos? I've read through a few on some Evo forums but I don't know if ours are any different or not.

Vlad_Type_S

iTrader: (3)

Thanks! I didn't even know that it was made of two pieces. There's a rebuild kit (01463-SEP-A51). Do I need just one or two of these?

Not aware, but I can take some pictures when I do mine in a few months when it's warmer.

rossv1

Pictures (and DIY if at all possible) would be incredibly helpful.

I get a weird grinding noise from my right caliper, so I'm planning on cleaning the insides out really well when I go to repaint them in the next few weeks. If that doesn't help I guess I'll have to replace the seals and all that so following a guide would be helpful. haha

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

01463-SEP-A51 I would assume that is for one caliper.
Try Rock Auto, they have a Carlson kit $5.32 p/wheel.
After you pop the pistons out, you can use crocus cloth to clean up the cylinders and pistons, but use a lot of brake clean to make certain the calipers are clean and free of any shavings.

rossv1

How do you pop out the pistons? I saw where people were using compressed air to pop them out, but I'm not going to go buy an air tank just to swap out the caliper seals.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

I've always used an air compressor, so never tried, but can't see why the brake hydraulic system couldn't be utilized, but you'd need to do one at a time and that would be a real pain. You'd need to do the complete unit, install back on the car, then do the other as there would be no hydraulic pressure when one caliper is removed. Some might say to clamp off the brake hose to have pressure to the other side, but although they make a tool for this, I feel that the internal structure of the hose to be compromised when using a clamp. Just like the air compressor, use the brake system to supply force to the unmounted caliper to push out the pistons. Looks like it might be a 2 man operation as the 4 pistons can be a struggle to push out using either method. If one piston is stuck, the others will come out easier, and if one comes out entirely there will be no pressure supplied to the remaining piston. I use wood to keep all equal.

Although it may be an inexpensive way to rebuild the caliper, it may not be the best, or most convenient for some.

Vlad_Type_S

iTrader: (3)

^I've used this method on motorcycles because it's so easy to simultaneously press the brake lever and hold the caliper in such a way that will result in minimal leakage. I wouldn't recommend this on these because a bunch of fluid would probably leak onto the paint, and if one piston pops out before the other, you're pretty much out of luck.

Hop on your bicycle and ride to the nearest auto shop and ask them to pop out the pistons for you for like 5 bucks, will take them seconds.