Hello Acura faithful!

Replacing the brake pads on an Acura is one of the most rudimentary maintenance jobs that you can perform, and yet it is one of the most integral to the safe operation of your car. With that said, here is the procedure for replacing the front brake pads on a '99 RL. It may also apply to other model years in the first generation (1996-2004):

**Helpful diagrams**
RL Front Brake diagram

1. Use a siphon or clean turkey baster to remove about half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder.

2. Raise and safely support the vehicle with jackstands.

3. Remove the front wheel and tire assemblies.

4. If necessary, remove the brake hose mounting bolts from the steering knuckle.

Regardless of their wear pattern, when brake pads are replaced on one side of the vehicle, they must also be replaced on the other side. It is advisable, however, complete one side before beginning the other.

5. Remove the caliper bolt and pivot it up and out of the way.

6. Remove the pads and shims.

7. If the pad thickness is less than the service requirement, replace them.

8. Clean and check the brake rotor for cracks.

9. Using an old pad as a cushion, push the piston into the caliper to allow enough space for the new pads. Or, you can use a large C-clamp, or other suitable tool, to completely retract the piston into the caliper.

10. Install the pad shims and the pads.

11. Apply molykote M77 or equivalent grease to both sides of the shims and the back of the pads. Do not put any on the friction material.
The pad wear indicator goes on the inside.

12. Pivot the caliper back over the pads. Be careful not to crush the boot when pivoting the down.

13. Lubricate the caliper mounting bolts.

14. Install all the mounting bolts.

15. Depress and hold the break several times to ensure they work.

16. Carefully road test the vehicle.