90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
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H-T White Ops
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From: USA
90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
REFERENCE PHOTOS ADDED! SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOS!
I have been curious about this for awhile since I work in a parts store. Even before I purchased my Accord, I had a lot of customers who I would have to send home with instructions to remove one of their front wheels to find out if they had the Nissin (stamped with "Nissin") or Akebono (stamped with three triangles) calipers just so they could purchase their brake pads.
Knowing I need to do this myself soon, plus having yet another customer come in yesterday for pads for his '90 Accord, I decided to check part numbers and such in the Honda parts catalog. This is what I learned from that research.
I tried to keep this as short and easy to read as possible. Hope it helps.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's see if this is true or not!
**Regarding sedans only!:
First digit is 1, means the car was built in the USA (Akebono).
First digit is J, means the car was built in Japan (Nissin).
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1990
All coupes use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010)
All automatic sedans use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All manual sedans with California (KL) emissions use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
Manual sedans with 49-state emissions (KA) use either Nissin (Japan) or Akebono (USA).(NISSIN: R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010) (AKEBONO: R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
1991
All coupes use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010)
All automatic sedans use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
Manual sedans use either Nissin (Japan) or Akebono (USA).(NISSIN: R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010) (AKEBONO: R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All wagons use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM5-A01 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM5-A01 / Pads: 45022-SM5-525)
1992
All coupes use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010)
All automatic sedans use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
Manual sedans use either Nissin (Japan) or Akebono (USA).(NISSIN: R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010) (AKEBONO: R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All wagons use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM5-A01 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM5-A01 / Pads: 45022-SM5-525)
1993
All coupes use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All automatic sedans use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
Manual sedans use either Nissin (Japan) or Akebono (USA). (NISSIN: R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010) (AKEBONO: R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All wagons use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM5-A01 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM5-A01 / Pads: 45022-SM5-525)
EDIT: Is my car 49-state emission or California emissions?
Most Honda ECUs seem to have a code enabling you to tell if your car is 49-state (KA) or California (KL) emissions. For KA cars the last group of digits would be something like A00 and for KL the last group of digits would be something like L00.
I believe this is correct for this generation of Accords too. From looking at some ECU part numbers, this appears to be true.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just found this great post by aero on CB7Tuner.com.
I rehosted the images just so it's backed up elsewhere. I'll save these too just in case mine and his disappear and he's not able to be reached but I still am.
More Info
I am not sure on the information below, but they're points I've found scattered about online. Let me know if anyone confirms or denies any of the information below so I can correct it.
Akebono uses a 17mm slide pin. Caliper is threaded.
Nissin uses 14mm caliper bolts (sometimes 12mm) that threads into the slide pin, which is located in the caliper bracket.
Accords with rear disk uses Nissin and Accords with rear drum use Akebono. - Incorrect
All rear calipers were produced by Nissin.
I have been curious about this for awhile since I work in a parts store. Even before I purchased my Accord, I had a lot of customers who I would have to send home with instructions to remove one of their front wheels to find out if they had the Nissin (stamped with "Nissin") or Akebono (stamped with three triangles) calipers just so they could purchase their brake pads.
Knowing I need to do this myself soon, plus having yet another customer come in yesterday for pads for his '90 Accord, I decided to check part numbers and such in the Honda parts catalog. This is what I learned from that research.
I tried to keep this as short and easy to read as possible. Hope it helps.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's see if this is true or not!
**Regarding sedans only!:
Originally Posted by slomofo
Akebono calipers are on 90-93 Accords made in America.
Nissin calipers are on 90-93 Accords made in Japan.
First character of VIN number will lead you in the right direction, very simple.
Nissin calipers are on 90-93 Accords made in Japan.
First character of VIN number will lead you in the right direction, very simple.
First digit is J, means the car was built in Japan (Nissin).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1990
All coupes use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010)
All automatic sedans use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All manual sedans with California (KL) emissions use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
Manual sedans with 49-state emissions (KA) use either Nissin (Japan) or Akebono (USA).(NISSIN: R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010) (AKEBONO: R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
1991
All coupes use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010)
All automatic sedans use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
Manual sedans use either Nissin (Japan) or Akebono (USA).(NISSIN: R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010) (AKEBONO: R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All wagons use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM5-A01 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM5-A01 / Pads: 45022-SM5-525)
1992
All coupes use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010)
All automatic sedans use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
Manual sedans use either Nissin (Japan) or Akebono (USA).(NISSIN: R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010) (AKEBONO: R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All wagons use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM5-A01 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM5-A01 / Pads: 45022-SM5-525)
1993
All coupes use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All automatic sedans use Akebono (USA). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
Manual sedans use either Nissin (Japan) or Akebono (USA). (NISSIN: R. Caliper: 45210-SM2-023 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM2-023 / Pads: 45022-SM2-010) (AKEBONO: R. Caliper: 45210-SM4-A02 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM4-A02 / Pads: 45022-SM4-507)
All wagons use Nissin (Japan). (R. Caliper: 45210-SM5-A01 / L. Caliper: 45230-SM5-A01 / Pads: 45022-SM5-525)
EDIT: Is my car 49-state emission or California emissions?
Most Honda ECUs seem to have a code enabling you to tell if your car is 49-state (KA) or California (KL) emissions. For KA cars the last group of digits would be something like A00 and for KL the last group of digits would be something like L00.
I believe this is correct for this generation of Accords too. From looking at some ECU part numbers, this appears to be true.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I just found this great post by aero on CB7Tuner.com.
I rehosted the images just so it's backed up elsewhere. I'll save these too just in case mine and his disappear and he's not able to be reached but I still am.
Akebono Calipers VS Nissin Calipers
Nissin - "Nissin"
Akebono - "triangle shapes"
What are the differences? Is one better than the other?
(excuse the fact that these are dirty as can be, got inspired for this thread last minute, and these were just sitting in the garage.)
Akebono Caliper
Nissin Caliper
Caliper Comparison
*Most obvious difference is that spring on the Nissin. In my opinion, more unneeded parts are more parts that can break.
*Akebono also seems thicker (has good and bad, more heat to dissipate, but stronger if they are same metals)
Akebono Bracket
Nissin Bracket
Bracket Comparison
*Different on how "floating calipers" attach to bracket
---Akebono Caliper to bracket bolt is longer, and whole thing "floats"
---Nissin bolt is smaller, and attaches to another "sleeve" which "floats" So again, nissin has 2 parts where 1 would work just fine, more to break.
*Nissin/Akebono MUST be used with their respective brackets for this reason.
Nissin Pad Wear Issue
Pad Wear Issue (Nissin)
*This pad was taken off my car after I swapped my Nissin calipers over to Akebono. Happened on both sides of car, and both pads w/in each caliper.
The right side of the picture is the actual Pad Material(what sits on rotor)
The left side is the backing plate
The red line is the outside edge of the pad(closest to outside of rotor)
Yellow area is the inside edge of the pad(closest to the axle nut)
Circled area is a LIP of extra brake pad.
It seems that the "extra" spring that was on the Nissin caliper(see pic above) has worn down over the years, letting the pad rub off the edge of the rotor. It may have been possible to just bend the spring out so it pushed down more on the pad, but I decided to go with akebono, only way you can mess that up is cross-threading the bolts.
*The circled part isnt the only part that was hanging over the edge, it was all the way around, but its too blury on the part nearest the camera.
Other Advantages:
Higher performance pads, ex. Hawk HPS pads only available for Akebono
Other Findings:
Akebonos were MOSTLY found on sedans
Nissins MOSTLY found on coupes.
*As you can see, "mostly" is the word since there are the few random ones out there. This could be from factory or from aftermarket replacement, so dont assume, make sure you check.
The information in this post is believed to be true, but is only backed up by my opinion. Attempt any How-to's, DIY's or advice at your own risk, stay safe, and remember to use jack stands, not just a jack.
Whenever you go to the parts store or shop online for brake pads, brake lines or even new calipers, your final selection is "What brand of calipers?" So whats up with the two different calipers, what makes them different, and why should you care?
First, if you are simply wanting to know what to look for so you can get to the parts store to order the parts; but dont give a crap about why they are different, here are the comparisons of what to look for on the outside surface of the caliper.
First, if you are simply wanting to know what to look for so you can get to the parts store to order the parts; but dont give a crap about why they are different, here are the comparisons of what to look for on the outside surface of the caliper.
Akebono - "triangle shapes"
What are the differences? Is one better than the other?
(excuse the fact that these are dirty as can be, got inspired for this thread last minute, and these were just sitting in the garage.)
Akebono Caliper
Nissin Caliper
Caliper Comparison
*Most obvious difference is that spring on the Nissin. In my opinion, more unneeded parts are more parts that can break.
*Akebono also seems thicker (has good and bad, more heat to dissipate, but stronger if they are same metals)
Akebono Bracket
Nissin Bracket
Bracket Comparison
*Different on how "floating calipers" attach to bracket
---Akebono Caliper to bracket bolt is longer, and whole thing "floats"
---Nissin bolt is smaller, and attaches to another "sleeve" which "floats" So again, nissin has 2 parts where 1 would work just fine, more to break.
*Nissin/Akebono MUST be used with their respective brackets for this reason.
Nissin Pad Wear Issue
Pad Wear Issue (Nissin)
*This pad was taken off my car after I swapped my Nissin calipers over to Akebono. Happened on both sides of car, and both pads w/in each caliper.
The right side of the picture is the actual Pad Material(what sits on rotor)
The left side is the backing plate
The red line is the outside edge of the pad(closest to outside of rotor)
Yellow area is the inside edge of the pad(closest to the axle nut)
Circled area is a LIP of extra brake pad.
It seems that the "extra" spring that was on the Nissin caliper(see pic above) has worn down over the years, letting the pad rub off the edge of the rotor. It may have been possible to just bend the spring out so it pushed down more on the pad, but I decided to go with akebono, only way you can mess that up is cross-threading the bolts.
*The circled part isnt the only part that was hanging over the edge, it was all the way around, but its too blury on the part nearest the camera.
Other Advantages:
Higher performance pads, ex. Hawk HPS pads only available for Akebono
Other Findings:
Akebonos were MOSTLY found on sedans
Nissins MOSTLY found on coupes.
*As you can see, "mostly" is the word since there are the few random ones out there. This could be from factory or from aftermarket replacement, so dont assume, make sure you check.
The information in this post is believed to be true, but is only backed up by my opinion. Attempt any How-to's, DIY's or advice at your own risk, stay safe, and remember to use jack stands, not just a jack.
I am not sure on the information below, but they're points I've found scattered about online. Let me know if anyone confirms or denies any of the information below so I can correct it.
Akebono uses a 17mm slide pin. Caliper is threaded.
Nissin uses 14mm caliper bolts (sometimes 12mm) that threads into the slide pin, which is located in the caliper bracket.
Accords with rear disk uses Nissin and Accords with rear drum use Akebono. - Incorrect
All rear calipers were produced by Nissin.
Last edited by NOFX; Jan 22, 2010 at 11:46 PM. Reason: Adding more information from "aero". Adding more info from "slomofo".
Thread Starter
H-T White Ops
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,603
Likes: 21
From: USA
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
Thanks.
By the way... in my searches to see if this had been covered yet, I noticed stuff about 5th gen Accords coming up too... Did the 5th gens have different brake setups too? If so, I'd be more than happy to make a thread for them too. Just let me see if there's anything that could match the brakes to the cars.
By the way... in my searches to see if this had been covered yet, I noticed stuff about 5th gen Accords coming up too... Did the 5th gens have different brake setups too? If so, I'd be more than happy to make a thread for them too. Just let me see if there's anything that could match the brakes to the cars.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
I can't remember if they used different calipers like previous gens did... It's been almost 8 years since I've done a brake job on a 5th gen Accord.
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Thread Starter
H-T White Ops
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,603
Likes: 21
From: USA
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
Okay, I figure to try to see if slomofo is right:
**Regarding sedans only!:
... lets post as many real life examples as we can.
So anyone who reads this, please post what you have. Thanks.
**Regarding sedans only!:
Originally Posted by slomofo
Akebono calipers are on 90-93 Accords made in America.
Nissin calipers are on 90-93 Accords made in Japan.
First character of VIN number will lead you in the right direction, very simple.
Nissin calipers are on 90-93 Accords made in Japan.
First character of VIN number will lead you in the right direction, very simple.
So anyone who reads this, please post what you have. Thanks.
Last edited by NOFX; Jan 21, 2010 at 12:17 PM.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 152
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From: Norman, OK
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
huh... were 94-97 accords' rear calipers built only by Nissin also? I've seen kits made for 90-97 accords but it was never mentioned whether it was in style of Nissin or Akebono.
Thread Starter
H-T White Ops
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,603
Likes: 21
From: USA
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
Got these cars in today:
1992 SEDAN: 1HGCE767XNA193751 - AKEBONO CALIPERS
1990 SEDAN: JHMCB7664LC128724 - NISSIN CALIPERS.
1992 SEDAN: 1HGCE767XNA193751 - AKEBONO CALIPERS
1990 SEDAN: JHMCB7664LC128724 - NISSIN CALIPERS.
Honda-Tech Member
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From: City of the KingS
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
I knew it, i thought about the 'J' & '1' part on the VIN, just havnt came to mind since i'm only seeing the VIN in 'Pick-N-Pull'. LoL
Trial User
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Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
cheers
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Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
I hate to say that but still purchased the wrong brake pads recently after studying NOFX's first post. The disassembled pads were different from the one I bought.
My accord is 93 EX sedan with "J" as the first VIN number. (Japan built therefore.) Now I know they are Akebono calipers at the front.
Here I also attach the photo of these two pad types. Also I took a picture of the caliper. The triangle symbol is not the same as NOFX showed.
(just feel free to use these photos.)
My accord is 93 EX sedan with "J" as the first VIN number. (Japan built therefore.) Now I know they are Akebono calipers at the front.
Here I also attach the photo of these two pad types. Also I took a picture of the caliper. The triangle symbol is not the same as NOFX showed.
(just feel free to use these photos.)
Last edited by pigtail; Jan 19, 2014 at 03:21 PM. Reason: try to know why embed images no show
B*a*n*n*e*d
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 12,028
Likes: 5
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
All you gotta do is look at your caliper. You can do this simply by turning the wheels and looking at either caliper. If it's Nissin, there will be a big "Nissin" on the caliper. If not, then it should be Akebono. Just go by that and you can't go wrong.
B*a*n*n*e*d
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 12,028
Likes: 5
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
All you do is turn the wheels all the way to one side and look at the caliper as I said.
It's not hard to do. It really isn't even with a customer looking at you.
It's not hard to do. It really isn't even with a customer looking at you.
Thread Starter
H-T White Ops
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,603
Likes: 21
From: USA
Re: 90-93 Calipers and Pads - Akebono versus Nissin
I work in parts. I can't just go work on their car like that. I can't sit in the driver seat unless it's for a code scan or a dome light or such even.
I don't like turning my own wheels while stopped and customers tend to get upset easily so I don't plan to go do it to their cars.
I don't like turning my own wheels while stopped and customers tend to get upset easily so I don't plan to go do it to their cars.