This 2009 Acura TSX came to our shop for a brake inspection because of brake noise. Our Acura technician did a brake inspection on four wheels and confirmed the front and rear brakes needed replacement due to rusting of the brake rotors and brake calipers.
Diagnosis
A test drive showed the brakes functioned without serious issues but had a minor pull to one side and made a rough, scraping noise when applied firmly.
Next, our Acura auto repair service technician performed a visual brake inspection and found a large amount of rust and corrosion on both the front and rear brake rotors and calipers. The front brake pads had 5 MM of brake pad lining remaining, and the rear brake pads had 5 MM of brake pad lining remaining.
Although the brake pads had approximately 50% of their friction material remaining both the rotors and brake pads need to be replaced as a matched pair at the same time. Brake pads and rotors need to have a true, flat surface when replaced so that they contact evenly to provide 100% braking power, and wear evenly through their life.
Repair
Front Brake Service
Replaced the front brake pads and brake rotors, and cleaned and lubricated brake caliper mounting hardware and caliper slide mechanisms.
Rear Brake Service
Replaced the rear brake pads and brake rotors. Cleaned and lubricated the brake caliper mounting hardware and caliper slide mechanisms. Checked the parking brake operation.
Checked and filled brake fluid. Road-tested vehicle to ensure correct brake operation.
Notes
Brake Rotor Resurfacing
Manufacturers recommend brake rotor resurfacing or replacing brake rotors when brake pads are replaced. For correct brake function and maximum brake pad life brake rotor surface needs to be flat and a uniform surface. In many cases, the cost of a new rotor disc may be lower than the cost of labor to resurface the old disc. A new brake rotor also provides maximum life before the rotor reaches the minimum thickness and must be discarded.
Brake Rotor Rust
Brake rotor discs are commonly made from cast iron and minor surface rust is normal. The brake pad contact area on the brake rotor is kept clean by regular vehicle use.
Rotor rust can become a problem on vehicles that are stored for an extended period of time. If the rust on the contact area becomes thick it may reduce braking power. The rust layer may wear off with use, but the rust may become hardened and significantly affect brake function.
Brake rotor rust can also cause disc warping due to differential heating between the rusted and unrusted areas.
Rotors with significant rust will need to be replaced since they usually reach the minimum thickness specification before the rust can be removed by machining.
Brake Noise
Brake rotor rust can cause brake noise or a high-pitched squeal when the brakes are applied. A thick rust buildup, rust patches, or rust ridges will cause brake noise. Minor uniform brake rotor surface rust is normal and rarely causes brake noise.
Tips
Vehicles that don't get driven much and are used on roads where ice-melting chemicals are used suffer from brake rust problems and often require premature brake replacement. The only way to lessen this problem is to wash the underside of the vehicle, and especially the brake assemblies, every spring and get frequent brake inspections and caliper lubrication maintenance.
Better quality rotors are not as prone to rusting and can extend the life of brakes in rust-prone areas. Premium quality brake rotors will provide better value since the rotor will not rust as badly, last as long as the brake pads, and provide safe braking throughout the whole life of the brake pads.
Cost
GetJerry.com lists the average brake pad replacement cost as $150 to $300 per axle, including $35 to $150 for parts and $80 to $120 for labor. Brake rotor disc replacement is listed at an average cost of $500 to $800, comprising of about $200 to $400 for parts and $300 to $400 for labor. Brake service costs can vary greatly depending on your vehicle’s year and model, condition, vehicle options, and parts required for a safe brake repair service.
This 2009 Acura TSX brake repair cost $850 with 45% being parts and 55% labor. There was a higher labor cost for the brake caliper rust cleanup and lubrication.
Photos
Note the difference in the amount of rust on the brake rotors in the photos of each brake assembly. This rust on the surface of the brake rotor causes an uneven braking effect for each wheel. The rust creates hard spots on the rotor which greatly decreases overall braking power and causes dangerous pulling and lack of control on wet and snow-covered roads or during emergency stopping. The ridges of rust can also overheat the brake pads due to the driver having to push harder on the brakes in an effort to get the vehicle to stop.
Recommended Acura Repair Service Shop in Ann Arbor, MI
Contact Hoover Street Auto Repair for all your Acura service in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our Acura technicians have the skill and experience to diagnose and repair your Acura TSX problems correctly. We are Acura service specialists.
You can trust your Acura service to Hoover Street Auto Repair. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Hoover Street Auto Repair also serves the surrounding areas, including Pittsfield, MI; Ypsilanti, MI; Saline, MI; Dexter, MI.