Acura RL 1996-2004 Brakes Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the 1996-2004 Acura RL brakes system, including brake pads, rotors, calipers, hydraulic system, and ABS functionality. Essential for maintenance and repair.
Brake System Specifications Overview Specifications
This document provides a detailed overview of the brake system specifications for the 1996-2004 Acura RL. It includes technical details, maintenance recommendations, and key performance metrics. Use this guide to understand the components, operation, and service requirements of the braking system. Navigate through the sections to find specific information or use the quick reference section for key specifications.
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To find specific information, use the search functionality by pressing Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac) and type your search term. This will help you quickly locate relevant sections or technical points.
Navigate through the sections by scrolling or using the table of contents. Each major section is divided into subsections with detailed technical points. Use the quick reference section for at-a-glance key specifications.
Key Specifications
Front Rotor Diameter
11.8 in (300 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
11.1 in (282 mm)
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 3
Minimum Pad Thickness
0.04 in (1 mm)
ABS Wheel Speed Monitoring
100 times/sec
Available Specifications
Brake System Overview
The 1996-2004 Acura RL features a power-assisted dual-diagonal braking system with anti-lock brakes (ABS). The system is designed for reliable stopping performance under various driving conditions. This section provides an overview of the brake system architecture and key components.
Brake System Overview
The 1996-2004 Acura RL features a power-assisted dual-diagonal braking system with anti-lock brakes (ABS). The system is designed for reliable stopping performance under various driving conditions. This section provides an overview of the brake system architecture and key components.
Brake System Architecture
- Dual-diagonal master cylinder for even brake pressure distribution
- Power-assisted brake booster for reduced pedal effort
- ABS system with electronic control unit (ECU)
- Front-rear brake pressure proportioning valve
- Stainless steel brake lines for durability
Front Brake Components
The front brake system consists of disc brakes with ventilated rotors and sliding calipers. This section details the specifications and features of the front brake components.
Front Brake Components
The front brake system consists of disc brakes with ventilated rotors and sliding calipers. This section details the specifications and features of the front brake components.
Front Brake Rotor
- Rotor diameter: 11.8 inches (300 mm)
- Rotor thickness: 1.1 inches (28 mm)
- Ventilated design for heat dissipation
- Made of cast iron for durability
- Minimum allowable rotor thickness: 1.0 inches (25.4 mm)
Front Brake Caliper
- Single-piston sliding caliper design
- Aluminum caliper body for weight reduction
- Piston diameter: 2.36 inches (60 mm)
- Integrated bleeder valve for easy bleeding
- Lubricated slides for smooth operation
Front Brake Pads
- Organic brake pads for quiet operation
- Pad thickness: 0.43 inches (11 mm)
- Minimum allowable pad thickness: 0.04 inches (1 mm)
- Pad wear sensor integrated into the pad
- Recommended replacement interval: 30,000 miles
Rear Brake Components
The rear brake system features disc brakes with solid rotors and sliding calipers. This section provides detailed specifications for the rear brake components.
Rear Brake Components
The rear brake system features disc brakes with solid rotors and sliding calipers. This section provides detailed specifications for the rear brake components.
Rear Brake Rotor
- Rotor diameter: 11.1 inches (282 mm)
- Rotor thickness: 0.8 inches (20 mm)
- Solid rotor design for consistent performance
- Made of cast iron for durability
- Minimum allowable rotor thickness: 0.6 inches (15.2 mm)
Rear Brake Caliper
- Single-piston sliding caliper design
- Aluminum caliper body for weight reduction
- Piston diameter: 2.0 inches (50.8 mm)
- Integrated bleeder valve for easy bleeding
- Lubricated slides for smooth operation
Rear Brake Pads
- Organic brake pads for quiet operation
- Pad thickness: 0.35 inches (8.9 mm)
- Minimum allowable pad thickness: 0.04 inches (1 mm)
- Pad wear sensor integrated into the pad
- Recommended replacement interval: 30,000 miles
Brake Fluid and Hydraulic System
The hydraulic braking system relies on brake fluid to transfer pressure through the master cylinder to the calipers. This section details the specifications and maintenance requirements for the hydraulic system.
Brake Fluid and Hydraulic System
The hydraulic braking system relies on brake fluid to transfer pressure through the master cylinder to the calipers. This section details the specifications and maintenance requirements for the hydraulic system.
Brake Fluid Specifications
- Recommended brake fluid: DOT 3
- Brake fluid reservoir capacity: 1.1 liters
- Fluid change interval: Every 30,000 miles
- Maximum allowable moisture content: 2%
- Brake fluid boiling point: 230°C (446°F)
Hydraulic System Maintenance
- Inspect brake lines for damage or corrosion every 15,000 miles
- Bleed brakes every 30,000 miles or when air is present in the system
- Replace master cylinder reservoir every 60,000 miles
- Check brake fluid level monthly
- Use a brake fluid test strip to check fluid condition
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The ABS system enhances braking performance by preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking. This section provides details on the ABS components and operation.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
The ABS system enhances braking performance by preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking. This section provides details on the ABS components and operation.
ABS Components
- Electronic control unit (ECU) with self-diagnostic capability
- Wheel speed sensors for front and rear wheels
- Hydraulic control unit (HCU) with solenoid valves
- ABS warning light for system malfunctions
- Backup power source for continued operation during electrical failure
ABS Operation
- Monitors wheel speed 100 times per second
- Adjusts brake pressure up to 15 times per second
- Prevents wheel lock-up by modulating brake pressure
- Works in conjunction with traction control system
- Self-test sequence runs at ignition startup
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Brakes Specifications
Overview
- Type
- Disc brakes, front and rear
- Configuration
- Dual-piston front calipers, single-piston rear calipers
- Platform
- SHV01 (Acura RL)
- Material
- Cast iron rotors, aluminum calipers
- Location
- Front and rear axles
Dimensions
- Front Rotor Diameter
- 12.2 inches (310 mm)
- Rear Rotor Diameter
- 11.1 inches (282 mm)
- Front Caliper Piston Diameter
- 2.36 inches (60 mm)
- Rear Caliper Piston Diameter
- 1.85 inches (47 mm)
- Brake Pad Thickness
- 0.47 inches (12 mm)
- Rear Drums Diameter
- N/A (disc brakes only)
- Brake Fluid Reservoir Capacity
- 1.1 liters (0.29 gallons)
Materials
- Rotors
- Cast iron with electrostatic paint coating
- Brake Pads
- Semi-metallic with ceramic friction material
- Calipers
- Aluminum alloy with hard anodizing
- Master Cylinder
- Aluminum alloy
- Brake Lines
- Steel with corrosion-resistant coating
Features
- Brake System
-
- Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes
- Dual-diagonal braking system
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake Assist
- Cooling Features
-
- Front rotor air cooling ducts
- Rear rotor ventilation system
- Caliper cooling channels
- Brake Assist
-
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
- Panic brake assist
- Hydraulic brake boost
- Pedal Features
-
- Adjustable brake pedal
- Brake pedal feedback system
- Pedal ratio optimized for driver feel
- Wear indicators
-
- Audible brake wear indicators
- Visual wear inspection holes
- Electronic wear monitoring (later models)
Safety Features
- ABS
-
- Four-channel ABS
- Electronic traction control integration
- Wheel speed sensors (4)
- EBD
-
- Electronic brakeforce distribution
- Load-sensing proportioning valve
- Automatic brake proportioning
- Braking Assistance
-
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Panic Brake Assist
- Hydraulic brake boost
- Stability Control
-
- Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Integrated braking with stability control
Comfort Features
- Noise Reduction
-
- Rotors with noise damping coatings
- Brake pads with anti-squeal shims
- Caliper piston silent bushings
- Pedal Feel
-
- Tunable brake pedal ratio
- Progressive pedal effort
- Low-pedal effort with power assist
- Anti Vibration
-
- Floating rotor design
- Vibration-dampening brake pads
- Isolated brake components
- Convenience
-
- Adjustable brake pedal
- Brake hold function (later models)
- Electronic parking brake (later models)
Accessories
- Brake Fluid
-
- Honda DOT 3 brake fluid
- High-temperature brake fluid
- Low-moisture brake fluid
- Brake Pads
-
- OEM semi-metallic pads
- Performance ceramic pads
- High-friction racing pads
- Rotors
-
- OEM replacement rotors
- Cross-drilled rotors
- Slotted rotors
- Wear Sensors
-
- Brake pad wear sensors
- Rotor wear indicators
- Electronic wear monitoring systems
Maintenance
- Service interval
-
- Inspect brake pads every 15,000 miles
- Inspect brake rotors every 30,000 miles
- Replace brake fluid every 60,000 miles
- Inspect brake lines every 60,000 miles
- Inspect calipers and hardware every 30,000 miles
- Maintenance Notes
-
- Always use Honda-approved brake parts
- Bleed brakes after fluid replacement
- Clean rotor surfaces before installing new pads
- Torque wheels to specifications after brake service
- Service History
- Recommended to follow Honda maintenance schedule for optimal brake performance
Warranty
- Basic
- Miles: 36,000 milesYears: 3 yearsCoverage: Brake system components (excluding wear items)
- Powertrain
- Miles: 70,000 milesYears: 5 yearsCoverage: Brake system components related to powertrain
- Corrosion
- Miles: 60,000 milesYears: 5 yearsCoverage: Brake rotors and drums against perforation
- Roadside Assistance
- Miles: Unlimited milesYears: 3 yearsCoverage: Emergency brake service and towing
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Name: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Plant: Saitama Factory, JapanSupplier: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
- Manufacturing Process
-
- High-precision machining of rotors
- Aluminum alloy casting for calipers
- Ceramic coating of brake pads
- Electrostatic painting of components
- Final assembly and testing
- Quality Control
- inspection: Dimensional checks of rotors, Brake pad material testing, Leak testing of brake lines, Performance testing of calipersCertifications: ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, Honda Quality Standard
- Sustainability Practices
-
- Recycling of brake materials
- Low-VOC painting process
- Energy-efficient manufacturing
- Use of recyclable packaging
- Production Metrics
- Annual Production: Over 50,000 units per yearFailure Rate: Less than 1% defect rateWarranty Claims: Lowest in class for brake system claims
Service Information for brakes Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect brake pads
- Inspect brake rotors
- Check brake fluid level
- Inspect brake lines and hoses
- Test brake system for leaks
Visual inspection only, no replacement unless worn or damaged
- Replace brake fluid
- Clean and inspect brake calipers
- Inspect and clean brake pad abutments
- Check ABS sensors
- Test parking brake function
Use Honda-approved brake fluid only
- Replace brake pads (if worn below 1/8")
- Machining or replace rotors (if warped)
- Inspect and replace brake hardware
- Bleed brake system
- Check and top off brake fluid
If rotors are replaced, pads must be replaced as well
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 What is the recommended brake pad thickness for a 1996-2004 Acura RL?
What is the recommended brake pad thickness for a 1996-2004 Acura RL?
The recommended minimum brake pad thickness for the 1996-2004 Acura RL is 3mm. Pads thinner than this should be replaced immediately to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.
Q2 What type of brake fluid should be used in the 1996-2004 Acura RL?
What type of brake fluid should be used in the 1996-2004 Acura RL?
The 1996-2004 Acura RL requires DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Always use high-quality, non-silicone-based brake fluid to maintain proper brake system function and avoid corrosion.
Q3 How often should the brake rotors be inspected on a 1996-2004 Acura RL?
How often should the brake rotors be inspected on a 1996-2004 Acura RL?
Brake rotors should be inspected every 12,000 miles or during every brake pad replacement. Rotors should be replaced if they are worn below the minimum thickness of 22.0mm for front rotors and 10.0mm for rear rotors.
Q4 What is the torque specification for the brake caliper bolts on a 1996-2004 Acura RL?
What is the torque specification for the brake caliper bolts on a 1996-2004 Acura RL?
The brake caliper bolts on the 1996-2004 Acura RL should be torqued to 33 lb-ft (45 Nm) for the front calipers and 22 lb-ft (30 Nm) for the rear calipers. Always use a calibrated torque wrench for accuracy.
Q5 Can I use aftermarket brake components on my 1996-2004 Acura RL?
Can I use aftermarket brake components on my 1996-2004 Acura RL?
While aftermarket brake components can be used, it is highly recommended to use genuine Acura parts or OEM-equivalent components to ensure compatibility, performance, and warranty compliance. Non-genuine parts may affect braking efficiency and safety.
Factory Service Resources
Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.
Acura RL Brake System Service Manual
Coming SoonOfficial service manual for the 1996-2004 Acura RL brake system, including detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams.
Brake Pad Replacement Guide
Coming SoonStep-by-step guide for replacing brake pads on the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including tools required and safety precautions.
Brake Fluid Flush Procedure
Coming SoonDetailed instructions for performing a brake fluid flush on the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including fluid type and bleeding sequence.
Brake Rotor Inspection and Replacement
Coming SoonComprehensive guide to inspecting and replacing brake rotors on the 1996-2004 Acura RL, including torque specifications and safety tips.
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