Questions for anyone that upgraded base brakes to Akebonos

Ryguy

Yeah it uses the same bolt


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

__________________
11 PW base 370z w/ Z1 25 row oil cooler, K&N typhoon short ram intake, Megan racing drift spec catback, Z1 CSC Elimination kit, Work Emotion CR Ultimate, akebono sport calipers, DBA rotors

ZeroZeta

Just to update this post. I am still in the process of getting all the little parts but hope to have my install going in another few weeks.

I plan on documenting as much as possible with photos and part numbers used so that we have another reference source. Several of the posts I have seen on the subject contain valuable tidbits of info but it seems like there are always questions left unanswered.

Nithmo

If they weren't the same, I'm SURE they'd be included. Out of the whole kit, the bolts must be one of the cheapest parts...

Halfkiddio

Not having base brakes myself to know this for sure, you need to make sure the bolt is the correct length and with the washer the akebono's have. When I went from sliding calipers to a set of brembos on my old eclipse, I had to get the correct bolt and washer setup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ZeroZeta

After lots of research there are a few things I wanted to call out to anyone thinking of making the upgrade.

1. One thing that hasn't been clearly laid out is that there are two different upgrade paths you can take in regards to running new lines going from base to sport/Akebono.

The sport package uses hard lines to the calipers / soft lines to the rest of the system - When people talk about upgrading to SS lines they are mostly referencing packages that completely replace the hard and soft lines on the sport package - one long SS line per corner.

Most of the DIY / reviews I have read here have been positive, but there were others where people had challenges getting the lines routed so that they didn't rub etc (or not have to be installed with zip ties ha ha,) banjo bolt issues and what not

For my install - I decided to run OEM sport hard lines that will connect to short SS lines. (went with zspeed lines for 2012 +)

That will be a little more expensive as you need to buy the hard lines and brackets/bolts.

For my 2013 (and likely 2012 up)

Those part # are

Front Hardlines:
46245-JK64A (RH)
46246-JK64A (LH)

Rear Hardlines:
46315-JL00A (RH)
46316-JL00A (LH)

Rear brackets:

55286-1MA0A (RH)
55287-1MA0A (LH)

You will then need bolts for the rear brackets

For the front brackets to mount the hard line - there are different part numbers for base and sport. I ordered a set of sport ones just in case.

Sport brackets were
54314-JK64A
54315-JK64A

If all that doesn't go smoothly - I went ahead and ordered a full length set of SS lines and banjo bolts.

2. Also be sure you validate your wheels if you run aftermarket rims on your base - The Akebonos are bigger than base brakes and you need to have wheels that have the correct build/offset to accommodate the larger Akebono's. I planned ahead and bought wheels that should be fine with the Akebonos but front clearance might still be a little tight. Waiting to see once I start the install.

3. Don't forget to bleed both the inner and outer lines on each caliper

4. Also determine up front what you intend to do with the car so you can purchase the most appropriate set of pads and fluid.

5. If you are going to get used Akebonos check to make sure that you have all caliper hardware. The OEM prices for the hardware kit are likely more expensive than you thought.

ZeroZeta

Update: Finished my brake upgrade a few months ago.

I was running short on time and ended up having a local speed shop do it.

Short version:

It was a hell of a lot easier than I expected it to be and none of the OEM piping I was planning on using was necessary.
1.They installed rear dust shields, and Z1 SS lines (non-premium)
2. Calipers went on without a hassle. They did use new bolts on the front caliper mounts. Not sure if that was a 100% necessary.
3. No issues with any of the banjo bolts like I have heard so many stories about. Been under the car a few times since the install and nothing is leaking.
4. No issues with extra slack in the Z1 lines.



Took some other pics of the SS lines if anyone needs some visuals send me a PM

JTM88

Looks good. I upgraded my brakes about a month ago, it's definitely a lot easier to do than I thought it would be, it's very straight forward.

LennyK

Thanks for your Good Research

__________________

JiggajuiceZ34

Will the stock wheels on a 16’ base model clear the upgraded akebonos?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Raidernation

Yes base wheels will clear the Akebono calipers.

__________________
2016 7AT GM Base: Fast Intentions CBE 18" Res, Z1 Rear Diff Cover, Quaife LSD, Nismo S-Sport Suspension, Nismo Body Brace Kit, White Line Front Sway Bar, SPL Front End Links, Energy Rear Bushing, Z1 Post MAF Silicone Tubes w/ K&N Drop-in Filters

Wonka2581

If anyone on here is wanting an upgrade I have a set of Akebonos off my nismo for sale..

Akebono Sport brake setup

__________________
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat""Winston Churchill"