Buy Acura CL Disc Brake Pad Sets

The disc brake pad set on an Acura CL is a pair of flat friction blocks that squeeze the metal rotor to slow the car. They fit all CL coupes built for model years 1997-1999 and 2001-2003, which came from the factory with four-wheel disc brakes and ABS. Keeping the pads in good shape protects the rotors, shortens stopping distance, and keeps you safe on the road.

• First-generation CL (1997-1999) and second-generation CL (2001-2003) both use disc pads on every wheel. (Acuranews, Honda News)
• Front rotors are 11.8 in (300 mm) in diameter; the matching pad set must cover that swept area. (Acuranews)

Pad Size & Service Limit

• Brand-new stopping pads measure about 11 mm of wearable lining. (Mdxers)
• Acura's service limit is 1.6 mm; replace when the lining is that thin or before. (Acurazine)

Ceramic pads are made of dense clay and small copper fibers. They run quiet, create the least dust, and last a long time. (Bridgestone Tires)

Semi-Metallic

Semi-metallic pads use steel and iron particles. They grab hard and handle heat well but can be noisier and wear rotors faster. (Acurazine)

Low-Copper & Copper-Free

A U.S. law phases copper down to under 0.5 % by 2025 to protect streams and wildlife, so most modern linings are already low-copper. (Department of Toxic Substances Control, US EPA)

• Many CL owners see 30,000-70,000 miles on a set, but actual life depends on driving style and pad type.
• Always measure thickness; swap pads once they near 2 mm even if mileage is low. (Acurazine)

Warning Signs

• Tiny squealers scrape the rotor and chirp when the lining is thin. (Chapel Hill Tire)
• A steady squeak, grinding, or the brake warning light are clear "change-me" signals. (NuBrakes)

• Squeal or chirp under light pedal pressure.
• Vibration in the steering wheel can signal uneven pad deposits.
• Longer stopping distances may point to brake fade, a temporary loss of friction caused by heat. (Tires Plus, Delphiautoparts)

A jack, jack stands, lug wrench, C-clamp or piston tool, 14 mm/17 mm socket, and torque wrench cover most jobs. (sangsinusa.com, YouTube)

Torque Specs

Front caliper-bracket bolts tighten to about 80 lb-ft (108 N·m); always check your service manual. (Acurazine)

Bedding-In

After install, make 5-6 moderate (40 ? 10 mph) stops followed by cool-down periods to lay an even transfer layer. (PowerStop Brakes)

• U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 135 sets minimum stopping-distance and fade requirements for light cars like the CL. (eCFR)
• Never mix old and new pads on the same axle; uneven friction can pull the car.
• Pump the pedal before driving to seat the pads against the rotor.

• Old pads can be recycled; studies show recycled linings cut energy use and CO? footprint over a full life-cycle. (Nature)
• Used copper and metal dust wash into waterways; choosing low-copper or ceramic linings helps meet clean-water goals. (Department of Toxic Substances Control, Gexhaust)
• Lighter composite rotors and pads lower vehicle weight and cut fuel use. (matfoundrygroup.com)

• Modern pad/rotor combos that are correctly bedded can cut stopping distance by up to 15 % versus worn parts, especially on slick roads. (WIRED)
• Ceramic linings shed less dust, keeping alloy wheels cleaner. (Bridgestone Tires)
• Semi-metallic sets stay effective at higher temperatures, making them popular for spirited driving. (Acurazine)

Q: What is a disc brake pad set?
A: It's two brake linings (one for each side of the rotor) plus the shims and clips that hold them in place.

Q: Are pads the same as shoes?
A: No. Pads press on rotors in disc brakes; shoes push outward inside a drum, but people sometimes use the word "shoes" as a casual synonym.

Q: How do I know my Acura CL pads fit?
A: Match the model year (1997-1999 or 2001-2003) and note whether you need front or rear.

Q: What thickness means "replace now"?
A: Any pad measuring 1.6 mm or less should be changed right away. (Acurazine)

Q: Can I switch from semi-metallic to ceramic?
A: Yes, as long as the shape matches; ceramic runs cleaner and quieter, but it costs more. (Bridgestone Tires)

Q: Why do new pads squeak?
A: They may need a bedding cycle or a smear of high-temp grease on the backing plate to stop vibration. (PowerStop Brakes)

Q: What is brake fade?
A: It's a momentary loss of brake power when parts overheat, often after repeated hard stops on hills. (Delphiautoparts)

Q: Are copper-free pads safe?
A: Yes. They meet strict friction-performance rules while keeping waterways cleaner. (US EPA)

Q: Do I have to machine the rotors?
A: If they are smooth and within thickness spec you can reuse them; rough or thin rotors should be resurfaced or replaced.

Q: What tools strip the lug nuts?
A: A properly-sized socket and a torque wrench prevent over tightening and stripped studs. (sangsinusa.com)

Q: Can I drive with the brake-pad light on?
A: It's safer to replace the pads soon-waiting risks rotor damage and longer stops.

Q: How long does an install take?
A: An experienced DIYer can swap pads on one axle in about one hour.

Q: Will new pads improve fuel economy?
A: Not directly, but eliminating drag from stuck calipers can save a little gas.

Q: Where can I learn more about safe braking?
A: Check the U.S. Department of Transportation's brake safety resources and Acura's own owner's manual for your specific year. (eCFR, Honda News)

By following these guidelines you can pick the right brake linings for your Acura CL, keep them working their best, and help the planet at the same time.