Quick answer: Front and Rear Brake Replacement on a 2015–2020 Acura TLX is rated Advanced and takes about 2-3 hours. You'll need 7 tools for this job, and parts cost about $498. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Front Brake Pads |
UD1102 |
$54.95 |
|
| Front Brake Rotors |
RK7676 |
$193.99 |
|
| Rear Brake Pads |
UD1698 |
$54.95 |
|
| Rear Brake Rotors |
RK7775 |
$193.99 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Raise and support the vehicle
The 2015–2020 TLX has an electronic parking brake with the actuator motor mounted directly on the rear caliper. You MUST put the system in brake pad maintenance mode before servicing — skipping this 'can damage the parking brake actuator and trigger various warning codes on the dashboard' (including code 83-14 for electronic brake malfunction). Use a Honda/Acura HDS scanner or equivalent to activate maintenance mode. Manual workaround without a scanner: disconnect the battery, unplug the actuator, manually retract the actuator screw, then the piston can be pushed with a C-clamp. Note: this guide covers FRONT AND REAR brakes. The TLX is known for premature rear rotor warping — inspect rotors carefully. Jack from designated points, support with stands.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I raise the TLX and disconnect the negative first — on last after the brake job. The ABS module hates voltage spikes, and I have seen a slipped wrench pop fuses that took an hour to trace. Order matters.
2
Remove the wheel and caliper
Remove the wheels (front and rear, as this covers both axles). For the REAR: with the EPB in maintenance mode, remove the caliper bolts and slide the caliper off. The electric actuator motor is secured to the caliper with an Allen-head bolt — you don't need to remove the motor itself, just ensure it's in maintenance mode. For the FRONT: standard floating caliper, remove the two caliper bolts and slide off. Support calipers with wire — don't hang by hoses. Remove rotor set screws if equipped.
3
Remove pads and inspect
Remove pads from all four corners. Rear pad FMSI is D1698 (116.6 x 48.3 x 15.5mm) — verify your replacements match. Inspect for the TLX's known issue: uneven rear pad wear and warped rotors. Measure rotor thickness and runout; the TLX's rear rotors are prone to warping, so don't reuse a rotor with visible hot spots or pedal pulsation. Clean all bracket abutment surfaces with a wire brush. Check caliper slide pins for free movement — seized pins cause the uneven wear this car is known for.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I soak the TLX caliper bolts with penetrating oil before I remove the pads — I have snapped a caliper bolt and turned a brake job into a machining job. The night-before soak is my standard practice now.
4
Retract the piston correctly
Do NOT force the rear piston if it won't budge — that means the actuator isn't fully retracted and you'll damage the internal gears. The piston should move smoothly; resistance means stop and recheck the maintenance mode status.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado
I retract the TLX caliper piston — and if it will not move with reasonable force, I stop and check the procedure. I have seen a caliper destroyed by forcing the piston the wrong way, and the expensive caliper loses to the cheap mistake.
5
Install new pads
Install new pads at all four corners, ensuring they slide freely in the cleaned brackets. Install new rotors where needed (highly recommended for the rear given the warping issue). Slide calipers back over the pads and reinstall bolts to proper torque (consult Acura service info — do not guess on caliper bracket bolts). For the rear, ensure the EPB actuator is still in maintenance mode during reassembly. Pump the brake pedal several times to seat all pads before driving.
6
Reassemble and verify parking brake
Reinstall all wheels, torque lug nuts to spec in star pattern. Lower the vehicle. Exit brake pad maintenance mode via the scanner (or reverse the manual procedure). Test the electronic parking brake: engage and release via the console switch — it should operate smoothly with no warning lights or code 83-14. If the EPB light stays on, the actuator needs recalibration. Bed the new pads with 5–6 moderate stops from 40 mph with cool-down between each. Verify no pulsation (which would indicate the rear rotor warping issue persists).
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Not properly securing the vehicle with jack stands before starting the repair
- • Failing to compress the brake caliper piston correctly, leading to difficulty installing new pads
- • Over-tightening caliper bolts, which can damage components
