[KANTSTANDLAM]

Hey everyone!

I'm new to the forum and I'm currently working on the BBK upgrade from the TL-S. I'm sure everyone, including myself, have done hours of research on how to make it work but I wanted to share my process and what I've done so far. So here we go!

I wanted to go with the TL-S calipers and use my tsx spindles but decided it wouldnt be a safe approach and to have the headache of using a rotor that just would be 100% perfect fit, I went ahead and bought the the following from a local:

-Acura TL-S Brembo Calipers
-Acura TL-S Spindles w/ sensors, cut brake lines, ball joints.
-Acura TL-S Rotors

Here is what they looked like then I got them:

I didn't like how the rotors looked so I thought I would resurface them to see how bad they were:

In the mean time I took apart the caliper hardware to see what else may need to be replaced/cleaned:

Then I proceeded to replace the bearings along with the lower ball joints since the TL-S are much bigger than the TSX ones:

Popped out the Hub and and the studs because I plan on installing extended studs in the future:

 

[KANTSTANDLAM]

Here's what the Brembos looked like. Just a little caked on brake dust:

Now time to start tearing it apart. I want to get them powder coated a different color. The black is just too boring:

I didn't want to rebuild them seeing as the seals are still good. Only thing you need to store away are these little O-rings:

Cleaned up all the little shims, bolts and what not:

Before and after(Top and Bottom):

UPDATE: 02/12/13

Cleaned up some of the corrosion on the spindle.

popped out the old hub bearing and will be pressing in a new one.

right now, i plan on rebuilding the calipers because powder coating them may cause damage to the seals. Also, ill be ordering new hub bearings for a TL-S, Tie rod ends for a TL-S, and lower balljoints for a TSX. After that, ill be posting up more pics on the assembly process.

 

[KANTSTANDLAM]

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[JHMCL9]

Subscribed! Definitely something I'd like to tackle/have some more input on, or I'll just end up buying a BBK. Looks good bud, keep us posted!

 

[nomaD]

Gl on project :tu2:

 

[theaznboywunder]

subscribed! great project and very meticulous work so far! +1 and good luck!

 

[BluLabelCL9]

subscribed! great project and very meticulous work so far! +1 and good luck!

:werd:

Can't wait to see it installed.

 

[whatsanacura]

Good luck with the project, cant wait for updates

 

[shady_cu2]

I am looking forward to see what happens opcorn:

 

[KANTSTANDLAM]

Thanks guys! Added a quick update up top on the second post.

 

[Zulu-]

I, along with many, many others, have had Brembo calipers powdercoated without issue. I have a great guy in CA if you need a coater.

 

[KANTSTANDLAM]

I, along with many, many others, have had Brembo calipers powdercoated without issue. I have a great guy in CA if you need a coater.

I was thinking the same thing but the powder coater insist that I tear it apart. So I did. I'll post pics up when I get a chance.

 

[asselin.jerome]

Nice thread, looks like everything will be covered!
J~

 

[KANTSTANDLAM]

HERE ARE SOME UPDATES!!!!!!

Finally took the whole caliper apart. took the seals(x2) out of each piston(x8). Went to acura to order new piston seals. They only had the one that covers the piston from brake dust. The other seal/o-ring had to be bought else where. Thats the one that seals the brake fluid from coming out of the pistons during pressure application.

Here is the diagram of the Brembos. The seals on the top left is what I bought from acura.

I also bought caliper bolts since my used set didnt come with them.

First I removed the brake dust seal over each piston. Used a small pic to pry them out. Each piston has this little hole/opening that you can use to pry them out.

Second, I used compressed air and shot it threw the hole.(Use a piece of wood and have it in the middle so the pistons dont hit each other and get damaged) It does make a loud ass noise.

Once the pistons are all out, you can use the skinny pic tool again and pry out the inner seat on the piston walls of the caliper. Mines was still good so I decided to reused them.

Cleaned out the calipers completely with brake cleaner. Then sent them to get powder coated.

 

[Greyout]

I'm always a fan of a job well done but don't understand why this is so appealing.

There are easier, cheaper, better ways to get 4-piston calipers on your car. Ways that don't screw up your camber too (yes, the TL-S spindles are different, and not in a good way)

However, well done on the work, and good writeup

 

[Yiro]

I'm always a fan of a job well done but don't understand why this is so appealing.

There are easier, cheaper, better ways to get 4-piston calipers on your car. Ways that don't screw up your camber too (yes, the TL-S spindles are different, and not in a good way)

However, well done on the work, and good writeup

I completely agree with this. I'm guessing that you're going to get the Skunk 2 upper control arms to aid the positive camber. I think I've seen on here someone that completed this mod and posted an alignment sheet with 1.2 positive degrees of camber.

 

[KANTSTANDLAM]

I completely agree with this. I'm guessing that you're going to get the Skunk 2 upper control arms to aid the positive camber. I think I've seen on here someone that completed this mod and posted an alignment sheet with 1.2 positive degrees of camber.

Im sure ill have to. But does that factor that I am lowered a bit so the natural camber would negate the fact that it would throw the camber out some? I dont know for sure but when it comes down to it, I may need to purchase a camber kit.

and I know there are other methods out there but I am already deep into the project so why back out now? I might have spent way over 1k and finish with 1.5k invested but I did learn alot from it.

 

[Yiro]

Im sure ill have to. But does that factor that I am lowered a bit so the natural camber would negate the fact that it would throw the camber out some? I dont know for sure but when it comes down to it, I may need to purchase a camber kit.

and I know there are other methods out there but I am already deep into the project so why back out now? I might have spent way over 1k and finish with 1.5k invested but I did learn alot from it.

I'm pretty sure the person with the full TL-S setup was lowered as well and ended up with positive camber. (If someone can verify this that'd be great) And the front suspension design doesn't gain a lot of camber when lowered so I'm thinking a front camber kit would be necessary.

Are you going to track your car to benefit from the bbk or is it just for looks?

 

[KANTSTANDLAM]

I'm pretty sure the person with the full TL-S setup was lowered as well and ended up with positive camber. (If someone can verify this that'd be great) And the front suspension design doesn't gain a lot of camber when lowered so I'm thinking a front camber kit would be necessary.

Are you going to track your car to benefit from the bbk or is it just for looks?

I hate the way my car feels. I could just upgrade the brake pads and rotors but why not just go with a bbk you know? I personally want it and although it looks good, its beneficial to any form of driving.

 

[Dannyv]

This is coming out great! keep it up.. btw you should PM AWOC (http://www.tsxclub.com/forums/members/awoc-7560.html) he completed this task and im sure has some knowledge hed be willing to share with you. Other BBK options are good but OEM has great quality as well and in the future might be less expensive Pay now save later type deal, i might be wrong but im pretty sure i read correctly