Acura TL 1996-1998 Brakes Specifications
Acura TL 1996-1998

Acura TL 1996-1998 Brakes Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and maintenance guidelines for the 1996-1998 Acura TL brakes system, including brake pads, rotors, calipers, ABS, and more. Essential for technicians and enthusiasts.

Updated

Brake Specifications Overview Specifications

This document provides a detailed overview of the brake specifications for the 1996-1998 Acura TL. It includes technical details, components, and maintenance guidelines to help users understand and service the braking system effectively. Use this guide to identify key components, understand their functions, and perform routine maintenance or repairs.

How to Use

To find specific information, use the search functionality by typing keywords such as 'rotor size,' 'brake fluid,' or 'pad thickness.' This will help you quickly locate relevant sections and details.

Navigate through the document by exploring the major sections listed in the table of contents. Each section is divided into subsections that provide detailed information on specific components or maintenance procedures.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

280 mm

Rear Rotor Diameter

260 mm

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 3

Front Pad Thickness (New)

10 mm

Rear Shoe Thickness (New)

6 mm

Available Specifications

Brake System Overview

This section provides a general overview of the braking system in the 1996-1998 Acura TL, including key components and their functions. It serves as a foundation for understanding the more detailed specifications provided in subsequent sections.

Key Components
  • Front and rear disc brakes with ventilated rotors
  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard
  • Dual-diaphragm vacuum booster
  • Master cylinder with reservoir
  • Brake pads and shoes
  • Brake fluid (DOT 3)

Front Brake Components

This section details the specifications and features of the front brake components, including rotors, calipers, and pads. It provides technical measurements and material details.

Front Brake Rotors
  • Rotor diameter: 280 mm
  • Rotor thickness: 28 mm
  • Ventilated design for improved heat dissipation
  • Made from high-carbon cast iron
  • Minimum thickness specification: 26 mm
  • Maximum runout tolerance: 0.05 mm
Front Brake Calipers
  • Single-piston sliding calipers
  • Aluminum construction for reduced weight
  • Equipped with dust boots for protection
  • Includes bleeder valves for brake fluid servicing
  • Caliper bolt torque specification: 40 Nm
Front Brake Pads
  • Organic brake pad material
  • Pad thickness: 10 mm
  • Minimum wear thickness: 1.5 mm
  • Includes wear sensors for low-pad warning
  • Pad replacement torque specification: 10 Nm

Rear Brake Components

This section provides detailed specifications for the rear brake components, including rotors, calipers, and shoes. It also covers technical measurements and maintenance considerations.

Rear Brake Rotors
  • Rotor diameter: 260 mm
  • Rotor thickness: 9 mm
  • Solid design for durability
  • Made from high-carbon cast iron
  • Minimum thickness specification: 8 mm
  • Maximum runout tolerance: 0.05 mm
Rear Brake Shoes
  • Leading-trailing shoe design
  • Asbestos-free friction material
  • Shoe thickness: 6 mm
  • Minimum wear thickness: 1.5 mm
  • Includes automatic adjusters
  • Lubrication required for pivot points

Brake System Maintenance & Service

This section outlines the recommended maintenance and service procedures for the brake system, including fluid replacement, pad replacement, and rotor inspection. It also provides torque specifications and other technical details.

Brake Fluid
  • Recommended fluid type: DOT 3
  • Fluid capacity: 0.5 liters
  • Change interval: Every 30,000 miles or 3 years
  • Bleeding procedure required after fluid change
  • Fluid reservoir cap torque: 10 Nm
Brake Pad Replacement
  • Pad replacement interval: Every 30,000 to 50,000 miles
  • Inspect pads every 15,000 miles
  • Lubricate caliper slides during replacement
  • Tighten caliper bolts to 40 Nm
  • Test brakes after replacement

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
disc brakes front and rear
Configuration
dual-diagonal brake system
Platform
Vigor/TL chassis
Material
cast iron rotors
Location
front and rear axles

Dimensions

Front Rotor Diameter
10.8 in (275 mm)
Front Rotor Thickness
1.1 in (28 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
9.2 in (234 mm)
Rear Rotor Thickness
0.8 in (20 mm)
Brake Pad Thickness
0.4 in (10 mm)
Master Cylinder Bore
0.75 in (19 mm)
Wheel Cylinder Diameter
0.5 in (13 mm)

Materials

Rotors
cast iron
Brake Pads
semi-metallic composite
Calipers
aluminum alloy
Brake Lines
steel

Features

Brake System Features
  • anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • dual master cylinder
  • power assist
  • front/rear proportioning valve
  • emergency brake system
Pad Features
  • low dust formulation
  • high friction coefficient
  • noise reduction shims
  • wear sensor equipped
  • chamferred edges
Rotor Features
  • ventilated design
  • cross-drilled
  • machined finish
  • rust-resistant coating
  • balanced construction
Fluid Features
  • DOT 3 specification
  • high boiling point
  • corrosion resistant additives
  • low viscosity for cold climates
Pedal Features
  • adjustable pedal height
  • pedal effort sensor
  • soft stop technology
  • pedal pad with non-slip surface

Safety Features

ABS
  • electronic control unit
  • speed sensors on all wheels
  • hydraulic control unit
  • fail-safe mode
Brake Assist
  • power boost in emergencies
  • electronic brake force distribution
  • automatic brake hold
  • brake override system
Monitoring Systems
  • brake fluid level sensor
  • pad wear indicator
  • ABS malfunction indicator
  • parking brake warning

Comfort Features

Pedal Effort
light to moderate effort for ease of use
Noise Reduction
  • insulated brake pads
  • sound-dampening shims
  • resonance-reducing rotor coating
Heat Management
  • ventilated rotors
  • heat shields
  • aerodynamic cooling ducts
Convenience
  • adjustable brake pedal
  • automatic brake hold
  • hill start assist

Accessories

Wear Sensors
  • front and rear pad wear sensors
  • dashboard warning light
  • audible alert system
Fluid Reservoir
  • clear reservoir for easy inspection
  • dust-proof cap
  • level indicator
Tools
  • bleeding kit
  • brake cleaner spray
  • caliper piston compressor

Maintenance

Service interval
every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Items
  • inspect brake pads and rotors
  • check brake fluid level and condition
  • test ABS system functionality
  • inspect brake lines and hoses
  • clean and lubricate brake components
  • replace brake fluid if necessary
Notes
  • use only DOT 3 brake fluid
  • lubricate caliper slides with silicone grease
  • clean rotors with non-chlorinated brake cleaner
  • replace pads if worn below 1/8 inch

Warranty

Basic
Miles: 36000
Years: 3
Coverage: parts and labor
Powertrain
Miles: 70000
Years: 5
Coverage: parts and labor
Corrosion
Miles: 50000
Years: 5
Coverage: repair or replacement
Roadside Assistance
Miles: unlimited
Years: 3
Coverage: emergency services

Production Details

Manufacturer
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Manufacturing Process
  • CNC machining of rotors
  • aluminum casting for calipers
  • high-temperature heat treatment
  • electrostatic painting
  • final assembly and testing
Quality Control
inspection: dimensional checks, surface finish analysis, leak testing, functional testing
Certifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949, EEE standards
Sustainability
  • recyclable materials used
  • low-VOC paints
  • energy-efficient manufacturing
  • waste reduction programs
Production Metrics
Annual Output: 100,000 units
Cycle Time: 45 minutes per unit
Defect Rate: <1%
Warranty Claims: low

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

15,000
12
  • inspect brake pads and rotors
  • check brake fluid level and condition
  • test ABS system functionality
  • inspect brake lines and hoses
  • clean and lubricate brake components

Use only DOT 3 brake fluid

30,000
24
  • replace brake fluid
  • inspect and clean brake pads
  • check caliper operation
  • test parking brake function
  • inspect rotor condition

Lubricate caliper slides with silicone grease

60,000
48
  • replace brake pads
  • resurface or replace rotors
  • inspect and replace brake lines if necessary
  • bleed brake system
  • perform comprehensive brake test

Use OEM or equivalent parts only

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What is the recommended brake pad thickness for a 1996-1998 Acura TL?

The recommended brake pad thickness for the 1996-1998 Acura TL is 10mm when new. Pads should be replaced when they wear down to 3mm or less to ensure optimal braking performance and safety.

Q2

What type of brake fluid is recommended for the 1996-1998 Acura TL?

The 1996-1998 Acura TL 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 1996-1998 Acura TL?

Brake rotors should be inspected every 12,000 miles or during routine brake service. Rotors should be replaced if they are worn below the minimum thickness of 20.4mm for front rotors and 9.0mm for rear rotors, or if they exhibit severe scoring, warping, or cracking.

Q4

What is the proper torque specification for the brake caliper bolts on a 1996-1998 Acura TL?

The brake caliper bolts on the 1996-1998 Acura TL should be torqued to 28-34 lb-ft (38-46 Nm) for the front calipers and 22-28 lb-ft (29-38 Nm) for the rear calipers. Always use a calibrated torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.

Q5

Can I use aftermarket brake pads on my 1996-1998 Acura TL?

While aftermarket brake pads can be used, it is recommended to use genuine Acura brake pads or high-quality OEM-equivalent pads to ensure compatibility, performance, and longevity. Using substandard pads may result in reduced braking efficiency and increased wear on other components.

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 TL Brake System Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official service manual for the 1996-1998 Acura TL brake system, including detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams.

Brake Fluid Compatibility Guide

Coming Soon

A comprehensive guide to brake fluid types and compatibility for Acura vehicles, including the 1996-1998 TL.

Brake Pad Replacement Tutorial

Coming Soon

Step-by-step tutorial for replacing brake pads on a 1996-1998 Acura TL, including torque specifications and safety tips.

Brake Rotor Inspection and Replacement Guide

Coming Soon

Detailed guide on inspecting and replacing brake rotors for the 1996-1998 Acura TL, including minimum thickness specifications.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

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