Brakes any good??
09-15-2014, 03:19 PM
#1
Brakes any good??
Wondering from people who own a TLX how the brakes are? I've read one review saying they suck and another saying they are very strong and that they have new Bosch 6- piston modules or something. I'd love to see Acura do drilled rotors like Mercedes does and print Acura on the calipers like previous TLs had. Anyway I can always upgrade my rotors as I've done in my TSX but being as I do fast mountain driving I'd like to know if the TLX brakes are up for that. Thanks
09-15-2014, 06:40 PM
#4
2015 TLX SH-AWD Elite BWP
Looking to dimensions they are same in the front as the 4G (not sure how many pistons ? does anybody knows ?) , but on the back are smaller. I'm curious myself how they feel vs 4G. After I did the full brake job last year (new disks on the front and new pads everywhere) my TL felt much better even than when was new. Maybe Acura changed something on the materials vs 2009 when I go it.
I hope is the case with TLX also.
I hope is the case with TLX also.
09-15-2014, 08:09 PM
#5
I loved the Brembos that my 2007 Type S has, except when it comes time to replace the pads. I am hoping that the TLX brakes are almost as good, those Type S brakes saved me multiple times.
09-15-2014, 08:19 PM
#6
Advanced
A tech doc from Honda talks about how H/A, in yet another effort to increase fuel mileage, went to a system that generates less drag on the rotors when not in use.
For typical stop and go? They're fine.
Push the car a little and they don't inspire a ton of confidence. I'll likely be going to some better pads once I determine their size. On my '09 TSX I went w/ Akebono Performance pads (rather than one of the brands I might use on my race car), and immediately noticed a difference over the OEM pads (which are typically Akebono ProAct compound)--better pedal feel, shorter distances, and better resistance to fade after a few (relatively easy) laps on track.
The TLX is equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes with a 4-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS). The pedal feel is smooth and easy to modulate in light braking, and linear and pleasantly low-effort during medium and hard braking. The result is short, confident stops — with excellent pedal feel — under all conditions.
The front discs measure 12.6 inches in diameter, while the rear discs measure 12.2 inches in diameter. Weighing a total of 2.5 pounds less than the previous TL brakes, the lighter-weight TLX brakes help improve ride quality, handling capability and fuel efficiency. The brake pads are a high-friction type to optimize response and peak stopping performance even under strenuous conditions. The brake calipers are designed to reduce brake drag when not in use, reducing rolling resistance and improving fuel efficiency in the process.
The front brakes feature supplemental external vents that provide a second airflow path around the brake rotors, reducing thermal deformation by 51-percent. The byproduct of this better cooling is a 30 percent reduction in brake judder — felt by the driver as steering-wheel and brake-pedal vibration — during aggressive driving.
ABS independently modulates braking power at each wheel to help the driver retain steering control during heavy braking, while Brake Assist recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies full braking force when appropriate.
The front discs measure 12.6 inches in diameter, while the rear discs measure 12.2 inches in diameter. Weighing a total of 2.5 pounds less than the previous TL brakes, the lighter-weight TLX brakes help improve ride quality, handling capability and fuel efficiency. The brake pads are a high-friction type to optimize response and peak stopping performance even under strenuous conditions. The brake calipers are designed to reduce brake drag when not in use, reducing rolling resistance and improving fuel efficiency in the process.
The front brakes feature supplemental external vents that provide a second airflow path around the brake rotors, reducing thermal deformation by 51-percent. The byproduct of this better cooling is a 30 percent reduction in brake judder — felt by the driver as steering-wheel and brake-pedal vibration — during aggressive driving.
ABS independently modulates braking power at each wheel to help the driver retain steering control during heavy braking, while Brake Assist recognizes emergency braking situations and almost instantly applies full braking force when appropriate.
Push the car a little and they don't inspire a ton of confidence. I'll likely be going to some better pads once I determine their size. On my '09 TSX I went w/ Akebono Performance pads (rather than one of the brands I might use on my race car), and immediately noticed a difference over the OEM pads (which are typically Akebono ProAct compound)--better pedal feel, shorter distances, and better resistance to fade after a few (relatively easy) laps on track.
Last edited by Gregg; 09-15-2014 at 08:29 PM.
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4WDrift (09-18-2014)
09-15-2014, 08:30 PM
#7
I haven't noticed any issues with the brakes, but like Gregg was saying (or I assume he was saying), it seemed like I had to stomp a bit harder than expected from higher speeds to slow down. Nothing dangerous or anything, though. I'm coming from an ancient 3G, though, so I'm still getting used to the pedal feel of the accelerator and brakes on the new car.
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09-15-2014, 08:31 PM
#8
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09-15-2014, 09:41 PM
#9
09-15-2014, 10:00 PM
#10
For the 'one panic stop' I'm sure the brakes are fine. Afterall, if they are strong enough lock the tires and engage ABS, that's all the grip you have anyway. For light track use, they'll probably be ok, but you might boil the stock fluid and/or glaze the pads. For anything harder or with race rubber, you need more brake!
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BEAR-AvHistory (09-16-2014)
09-16-2014, 04:11 AM
#11
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IIRC this was an issue in some track testing. Brakes were very good for a few stops then went away.
09-16-2014, 07:32 AM
#12
I guess a better way of asking this is do they feel strong? Also wondering about the stopping distance although I'm sure I'll find that out as well as 0-60 and lateral G numbers once the car magazines test this car extensively.
Obviously the brakes will be good, I'm just hoping they will provide nice short stops. The rotor diameters are bigger than my TSX so I'm hopeful. Unfortunately after driving BMWs most brakes seem weak to me.
Obviously the brakes will be good, I'm just hoping they will provide nice short stops. The rotor diameters are bigger than my TSX so I'm hopeful. Unfortunately after driving BMWs most brakes seem weak to me.
09-16-2014, 07:37 AM
#13
the bigger the caliper the more heat it dissipates and wont likely to fade or boil the fluid during constant braking.
Slats, instead of asking a subjective question, why not go out there and test drive a TLX to see if the brakes are adequate for yourself.
I only say its subjective because by reading this thread, we have basic answers like "its good" which left you asking for more...
the only way to find out if you would like it is if you test drive the car.
so, go get your butt in a TLX and do some panic stops.
Last edited by justnspace; 09-16-2014 at 07:39 AM.
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09-16-2014, 07:54 AM
#14
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09-16-2014, 04:37 PM
#16
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^^^^^
Love this. Had a Porsche salesman tell me to push it a little harder in the turns.
Love this. Had a Porsche salesman tell me to push it a little harder in the turns.
09-16-2014, 10:03 PM
#17
Yea I can say that was the one thing I liked about the salesman that took me out to test drive the TLX. I told them what I was looking for in advance of the test drive. He took me out where there was lots of sharp turns, roundabouts, and curves. Basically told me to push it harder quite a few times. Although I'm a bit skiddish when it comes to really pushing a car that I don't have a real good feel for.
I'm sure a lot of salespeople feel the same way as your racing around turns and slamming on the brakes lol.
I'm sure a lot of salespeople feel the same way as your racing around turns and slamming on the brakes lol.
09-16-2014, 11:21 PM
#18
Instructor
My sales person at Acura told me to do the same during my TLX test drive. He said multiple times "ok now put it in sport+" and "push it through this turn" and "ok give it some gas!". But as far as the brakes, basically in feel they are much better than my previous TSX, but not as good as a BMW. They are very good, not quite track ready but they are good!
09-17-2014, 06:05 AM
#19
Suzuka Master
Anyone care to comment on brake dust? The gf's 11 TSX and 14 RDX dust like mad, my 09 AWD TL created very little if any dust. Of course my 08 Type-S there was dust 5 min after cleaning the wheels due to the Brembos.
09-17-2014, 07:33 AM
#20
Instructor
I haven't had an issue with dust yet, and Ive put just over 2,000 miles on my car. Not saying their isn't any dust at all, but so little you wouldn't really notice it. Nothing like some cars I've had anyway. I would say its a little bit less than my 2010 TSX was.
09-17-2014, 09:45 AM
#21
Thanks, this helps a lot. My 04 TSX had so so brakes until I upgraded to drilled and slotted rotors. BMWs have massive rotors but from looking at the specs I do see where Acura increased rotor size for the TLX. Don't wanna drop $3K on a Brembo kit but it's always an option I suppose.
09-17-2014, 10:00 AM
#23
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My sales person at Acura told me to do the same during my TLX test drive. He said multiple times "ok now put it in sport+" and "push it through this turn" and "ok give it some gas!". But as far as the brakes, basically in feel they are much better than my previous TSX, but not as good as a BMW. They are very good, not quite track ready but they are good!
street driving & I can't imagine anyone getting into trouble with them.IIRC the knock on them in the past came from letters to the editor or a sidebar comment comparing the Brembo 3G to the non-Brembo G4 in the multi car track test. They said the brakes were very good for general use but in the track test they had to stop every few laps to cool them off.
This was a low speed technical course they laid out to test the SHWAD against the other 3 4X4's. Lots of turns which mean lots of braking. By comparison the other 3 cars did the timed runs with no cool down periods.
Most likely had they done Lighting Laps with the car they would have had a bit better result because the 4.1 mile track with two long straights would have helped cool them down on the fly.
Interesting factoid but not really relevant on the street unless you are towing a heavy trailer in the mountains.
09-17-2014, 11:20 AM
#24
Instructor
Even a novice on the Nurburgring isn't generally going to exceed stock brakes unless way over the limit. It's not so much the hardware as the rotors are large enough, but the pads. You can't have one that will do both street and track well.
A street pad will toast on the track, and a track pad cold (pretty much all street driving) won't stop sooner (you really have to stand on it) and grind off the rotors as well as blacken the wheels. Like oil viscosity ranges for temps, you have to use the right pad formulation for the driving task.
A street pad will toast on the track, and a track pad cold (pretty much all street driving) won't stop sooner (you really have to stand on it) and grind off the rotors as well as blacken the wheels. Like oil viscosity ranges for temps, you have to use the right pad formulation for the driving task.
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09-18-2014, 07:39 AM
#25
I don't recall a single panic stop in 2 1/2 years with my TSX but I did have one when I borrowed a TLX overnight - pedal feel was excellent and they felt very powerful and assured. I was able steer away from the car in front too (a mad cyclist being the culprit), The pickup behind me I could hear/see had locked up his wheels to avoid rear ending me - scary for a moment. For normal road use they seem great and feel better than the TSX.
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