RSX Brake Install

You're going downhill fast. The curve ahead is a difficult, sharp right hander. You've run through this mountain road a hundred times, and now, with your more powerful engine, you're making record time. You approach the turn, quicker than you ever have and see the tree that marks your braking point. You stand on the pedal...but there's nothing. The car continues forward, too fast, and that feeling in the pit of your stomach grows as you approach the retaining barrier. A loud "crack," a few thousand dollars worth of body work, and a renewed sense of one's mortality later, you decide it's time for new brakes.

Of course, if you're astute, you could learn about the importance of a high-performance brake system without the damage and fear. Adding power to a car is fun, of course. Who doesn't want to be pushed deep into the seat when the loud pedal is smashed to the floor? But those corners--or quick-changing stoplights--can appear without warning, and if you aren't prepared, you can find yourself in trouble fast.

Luckily, there are plenty of braking solutions, even for cars as new as the Acura RSX Type-S. Though it's been on sale for barely a month, aftermarket companies of all varieties are already lining up with enhancements to the sport coupe. Among them is Wilwood Engineering, a company that started designing brakes in 1977. Wilwood's brake designs were initially targeted at stock car racing. By the early '80s, the brakes had become well known in all racing communities. As the company's reputation grew, it became an obvious choice for enthusiasts looking for enhanced braking performance.

Already offering kits for the Civic and Integra, the RSX was a natural next step for the company. The RSX Type-S already comes with a good-sized brake package, 11.9-inch vented rotors. However, a single-piston floating caliper--not the best solution for high-performance braking--clamps the rotors. Testing has shown the RSX to be good in stops; however, if you plan on hitting the track, you'll want more on your side.

The Wilwood upgrade consists of 12.19-inch rotors, lightweight four-piston calipers, steel-braided lines and Wilwood's own PolyMatrix brake pads. The rotors are a two-piece assembly. This allows the hat and rotor to expand at different rates as they heat up, reducing the likelihood of the rotor warping. In addition, the caliper is a non-floating design, which means it's solidly mounted to the spindle. The four pistons (two on each side) press equally hard on the rotor for maximum efficiency.

Installation of the brake kit is relatively straightforward. As always, it's important to have a good working knowledge of brake systems before you start; if you're uncomfortable doing it yourself, take it to a qualified mechanic. The Wilwood kit comes with everything needed for installation, including all mounting hardware and complete instructions.

The stock RSX Type-S front...        read full caption The stock RSX Type-S front brake is good sized for this type of car. The vented rotor is thick, and there's good surface area. Note the five-bolt hub; no transferring of old Integra wheels to the RSX.	Compromises made in almost...        read full caption Compromises made in almost every stock brake system are evident here. Note the floating caliper. With just one piston, the caliper itself slides on two bearings, allowing even pressure to be distributed on the rotor. The disc itself is a one-piece unit, with the hat cast with the rotor. This can cause warping if the brakes get too hot.	The installation begins by...        read full caption The installation begins by removing the stock brake components. After removing the two bolts that hold the caliper to the spindle, it's lifted from the rotor.
Next, the stock rotor itself...        read full caption Next, the stock rotor itself is removed. The small retaining screws are easily loosened, and the disc comes off easily.	Note the stock caliper hanging...        read full caption Note the stock caliper hanging by the brake line. Normally this is a big no-no, since it can damage the line. However, the Wilwood kit replaces these rubber hoses with steel-braided Teflon lines, so it's of no consequence.	The Wilwood kit utilizes a...        read full caption The Wilwood kit utilizes a billet aluminum bracket that's mounted to the stock spindle, shown here.
This sleeve is used on the...        read full caption This sleeve is used on the spindle to convert the metric Acura to the standard hardware used in the Wilwood kit.	With the sleeves installed,...        read full caption With the sleeves installed, the mounting bracket bolts to the stock spindle.	With the sleeves installed,...        read full caption With the sleeves installed, the mounting bracket bolts to the stock spindle.
It is important the bolts...        read full caption It is important the bolts holding the bracket to the spindle are tightened to the proper torque specification. A loose fastener could spell disaster down the road.	Fitting the caliper is next....        read full caption Fitting the caliper is next. Remember: Brand name goes out. It's not just advertising, it also ensures the caliper is mounted on the correct side of the car.	With the caliper mounted,...        read full caption With the caliper mounted, the operation is nearly complete. Note the two pistons visible without the pad in place. There are two on each side of the caliper, for maximum braking efficiency.
Fitting the pads is simple....        read full caption Fitting the pads is simple. The fixed caliper design means the caliper itself can stay in place. The pads simply slide into the back of the caliper.	A cotter pin keeps the pads...        read full caption A cotter pin keeps the pads from sliding out of position once installed. That, and the pressure of the brake system itself, of course. The pads themselves are Wilwood's PolyMatrix "D" compound, which is intended for all-around performance driving. Other compounds more suitable for race or street applications are available.	To keep hydraulic pressure...        read full caption To keep hydraulic pressure on the pads where it belongs, the stock rubber hoses were replaced with steel-braided lines. These fit into the stock locations.
In addition to promoting better...        read full caption In addition to promoting better braking, the steel-braided lines look pretty cool.	The completed installation....        read full caption The completed installation. Well, not quite. After both sides are installed and all the hardware is secure, it's time to bleed the brakes properly to remove any air that might remain in the system. Overlooking this critical step could render the entire braking system useless.	The completed kit looks beefy,...        read full caption The completed kit looks beefy, and it's upgraded hardware is ready to tackle track or mountain roads.
With any brake upgrade, be...        read full caption With any brake upgrade, be careful the wheel you've chosen properly clears the system. Additionally, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendation for properly breaking in-or bedding-the pads and rotors. Being too aggressive too early will glaze the pads and rotor, which lengthens stopping distances.