Questions for anyone that upgraded base brakes to Akebonos

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.