I've had my 2003 Accord V6 EX L for about 17 months now and have had only 2 significant problems (aside form the speeding tickets hehe). First off, I love this car, the ride is super, the power outstanding and the styling, yes I like very much. CONGRATS HONDA!!! I drove a 99 Civic Si for 4 years previous and loved it too. My parents have owned Hondas and so yes, I've spent some time riding around in them.

1. The back lighting in the climate control/audio syetm blew, so it was replaced. (it's replaced now, and I've read that onthers have had the same experience. My issues is really my second point...)

2. Both sets of brakes are running down - FAST.
30,000Km - Fromt brakes replaced and rotors machined at NO cost to me. (FREE)
50,000Km - Rear brake pads replaced and rotors machined at a cost to me. (CHARGED).

I've been told that with the new brakes in the new Accords, that Honda is going for a more "European" feel in braking and that I should expect the brakes to wear sooner - every 30,000 to 60,000 Km. Hello, this is a stock Honda. Not a BMW, MB or the like. This car has wide market appeal and one of the attractive things about the car is that you get a great vehicle at a reasonable price, which includes TCO. Yes I'm sure that opinions will vary the Accrods appeal etc, and I'm not sure what non "european" braking would feel like in comparison. But if I'm to stick with this response and/or setup, I'll be shelling out $262+tx (dealer charge) every 30,000 Km on front brakes alone, not to mention replacing the rotors periodically. In my mind a bit outrageous given that this is only an Accord and

Coming out a type 1 (LOF) last week, the dealer suggested that my front pads be replaced and rotors machined during my next service. Sure enough, this morning, I hear my brakes acting up. Definitely the fronts. Now what? I'm not big on modding my car, but agree, a car done up right looks amazing. The cost of this regular brake servicing it going to tear a hole in my wallet.

So being the newbie that I am, I'm hoping that some of you can offer some up some assistance in what to spec. I think I'm looking for rotors and pads, but maybe I need calipers too. I'm the type of guy who hops into his car, turns the key and needs his car to start. I'm not clueless, but I'm no grease monkey. So I'll get someone to install/service my brakes.

Also, anyone else having similar issues? Now that I have new front pads, and given the other posts I've read (https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=881107), it seems that there was an issue with the stock pads, but the new ones I have should perhaps not be failing so quickly. Maybe I'm missing something.

In my search to date, I've found that the Brembo cross drilled rotors are the way to go. (discussion welcome). I understand that this is stock on the Acura TL in '04 and maybe even in '03. What do I spec as pads, with a bit more life then 30,000Km? I'd prefer to get around 50 to 60K out of my pads, if possible.

Thanks for reading my ramblings and thanks in advance for your guidance.

BJBond


Modified by BJBond at 8:00 PM 6/23/2004

 

bump....

Please help

 

i cant even begin to read the novel you just posted.....

the new ones wear out faster, simple as that.....if u got a softer pad, it might help reduce wear, and you might even wanna think about rotor rotating....

id stay away from slotted, and cross drilleds really arent neccsary....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BJBond &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... I've been told that with the new brakes in the new Accords, that Honda is going for a more "European" feel in braking and that I should expect the brakes to wear sooner - every 30,000 to 60,000 Km. Hello, this is a stock Honda. Not a BMW, MB or the like...</TD></TR></TABLE>That's BS. I've driven enough European cars to know their brakes aren't grabby like our '03 Accord. It just feels like they're overboosted, & non-linear. Whoever told you that must have figured that you've never driven a real European car.

But don't go with drilled or slotted rotors. They'll just wear out the pads even quicker. If you don't race, their only advantage is looks.

 

Go Onto THIS SITE VTEC.NET/ and eighter do a search for your 2003 Accord brake problem their or POST your QUESTION their . You should get some good info.

 

learn to do your own brake job! Dealership always turn your rotor even if it is not bad. That is just a waste of money. Learn to change your pads and it should cost you around 60 bucks for the front.

 

mine were worn out after 19k miles.

 

I have had the same problems you have had with you Honda although I didn't let the dealer replace my rear breaks b\c I was able to get my boyfriend to do them for me and it was Alot cheaper. but my display unit also stopped lighting up and the breaks wore out within 22km my car is a 2003 coupe v6