How to Change Brake Rotors on an Acura TL

by Alibaster SmithUpdated November 07, 2017
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Items you will need

  • Tire wrench

  • Jack

  • 2 jack stands

  • Socket wrench

  • Socket set

  • Zip-ties

  • New brake rotors

  • Brake parts cleaner

  • Torque wrench

The brakes on your Acura TL are a caliper and rotor design. This design maximizes clamping force and helps to slow the vehicle down quickly. Over time, the rotor thickness will be compromised as the brake pad material is pressed against the rotor's surface. When the rotor becomes excessively scored (you will be able to feel the score marks on the rotor surface), you must change the rotor. You should also change the rotor on your TL if you feel any feedback in the steering wheel while braking, as this can indicate uneven contact with the brake pads.

Loosen the lug nuts on the TL's front wheels by turning them 30 to 45 degrees counterclockwise with a tire wrench.

Raise the TL onto jack stands. Lift up on the Acura TL's front cross member or jack point behind the radiator. Place jack stands under the front pinch welds under the driver's- and passenger-side doors, and lower the TL onto the stands.

Finish removing the wheel lug nuts, and pull the wheel off the wheel hub.

Remove the upper and lower caliper mounting bolts, and slide the caliper off the rotor. Then secure it to the coil springs above it with zip-ties.

Remove the two screws holding the rotor to the wheel hub, using a screwdriver.

Slide the rotor off the wheel hub, and slide the new rotor onto the hub and spray the brake assembly down with brake parts cleaner.

Reassemble the brakes. Assembly is the reverse of disassembly. Tighten the caliper mounting bolts to 53 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

Lower the Acura to the ground, and tighten the lug nuts to 80 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

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