brake fluid ACURA RL KA9 1996 Service Repair Manual

Lubrication Points

For the details of lubrication points and types of lubricants to be applied, refer to the Illustrated Index and various work

procedures (such as Assembly/Reassembly, Replacement, Overhaul, Installation, etc.) contained in each section.

No.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22
LUBRICATION POINTS

Engine

Transmission

Brake line (Includes ABS line)

Power steering gearbox

Steering boots

Throttle cable end

Steering ball joints

Shift lever (Automatic transmission)

Pedal linkage

Intermediate shaft

Brake master cylinder pushrod

Fuel
fill
lid

Battery terminals

Trunk hinges and latch

Door hinges upper and lower

Door opening detents

Hood hinges and hood latch

Brake line joints (Front and rear wheelhouse)

Caliper Piston boot, caliper

Pins and boots

Power steering system

Differential

A/C compressor

API SERVICE LABEL API CERTIFICATION SEAL
LUBRICANT

API Service Grade: Use SJ "Energy Conserving" grade oil.

The oil container may also display the API Certification

seal shown below. Make sure it says "For Gasoline

Engines."

SAE Viscosity: See chart below.

Honda ATF-Z1 (ATF)*1

Genuine Honda DOT3 brake fluid*2

Steering grease P/N 08733 - B070E

Multi-purpose grease

Honda White Lithium Grease

Rust preventive

Silicone grease

Genuine Honda power steering fluid*3

Hypoid gear Oil API GL4 or GL5

Viscosity:

at above -18°C (0°F): SAE 90

at less than -18°C (0°F): SAE 80W-90

Compressor oil:

DENSO: ND-OIL8 (P/N) 38897 - PR7 - A01 AH or 38899 -

PR7-A01)

(For Refrigerant: HFC-134a (R-134a))

Recommended engine oil

viscosity for ambient

temperature ranges

*1: Always use Honda ATF-Z1 (ATF). Using a non-Honda ATF can affect shift quality.

*2: Always use Genuine Honda DOT3 Brake Fluid. Using a non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the

life of the system.

*3: Always use Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid. Using any other type of power steering fluid or automatic transmis-

sion fluid can cause increased wear and poor steering in cold weather.ProCarManuals.com

Inspection

'96-99 models:

Brake Hoses

Visually check for damage or signs

of fluid leakage. Replace the brake

hose with a new one if it is damaged

or leaking.
Caliper Piston Seal and Piston Boots

Check brake operation by applying the brake.

Visually check for damage or signs of fluid

leakage. If the pedal does not operate properly,

the brakes drag, or there is damage or signs of

fluid leakage, disassemble and inspect the

brake caliper. Replace the boots and seals with

new ones whenever the brake caliper is disassembled.

Master Cylinder Cup and Dust Seal

Check brake operation by applying the brakes.

Visually check for damage or signs of fluid

leakage. Replace the master cylinder as an

assembly if the pedal does not work properly

or if there is damage or signs of fluid leakage.

Check for a difference in brake pedal stroke

between quick and slow brake applications.

Replace the master cylinder if there is a

difference in pedal stroke.
Brake Booster

Check brake operation by applying the brakes.

If the brakes do not work properly, check the

brake booster. Replace the brake booster as an

assembly if it does not work properly or if there

are signs of leakage.
Brake System Rubber Parts and Brake Booster

'00 - 01 models (USA):ProCarManuals.com

Inspection and Adjustment

Bleeding

CAUTION:

• Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluid. Using

a non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and

decrease the life of the system.

• Make sure no dirt or other foreign matter is allowed

to contaminate the brake fluid.

• Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle, it may damage

the paint; if brake fluid does contact the paint, wash

it off immediately with water.

NOTE: The reservoir on the master cylinder must be at

the MAX (upper) level mark at the start of the bleeding

procedure and checked after bleeding each brake

caliper. Add fluid as required.

1. Make sure the brake fluid level in the reservoir is at

the MAX (upper) level line.

'96 - 97 models: '98 - 01 models:

MAX (UPPER) LEVEL

LINE

MASTER CYLINDER

2. Have someone slowly pump the brake pedal several

times, then apply steady pressure.

3. Loosen the brake bleed screw to allow air to escape

from the system. Then tighten the bleed screw

securely.

4. Repeat the procedure for each wheel in the sequence

shown below until air bubbles no longer appear in

the fluid.

5. Refill the reservoir on the master cylinder to the

MAX (upper) level line.

BLEEDING SEQUENCE:

NOTE: Bleed the front calipers first.
FRONT:

BLEED SCREW

9 N-m (0.9 kgf-m, 6.5 Ibf-ft)

REAR:

BLEED SCREW

9 N-m (0.9 kgf-m, 6.5 Ibf-ft)

Front Right

Rear Right

Rear Left

Front LeftProCarManuals.com

Front Brake Caliper

Disassembly/Reassembly

Never use an air hose or dry brush to clean brake assemblies.

Use an OSHA-approved vacuum cleaner to avoid breathing brake dust.

Contaminated brake discs or pads reduce stopping ability.

When reusing the pads, always reinstall the brake pads in their original positions to prevent loss of braking efficiency.

CAUTION:

Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if brake fluid does contact the paint, wash it off imme-

diately with water.

To prevent spills, cover the hose joints with rags or shop towels.

Clean all parts in brake fluid and air dry; blow out all passages with compressed air.

Before reassembling, check that all parts are free of dust and other foreign particles.

Replace parts with new ones whenever specified to do so.

Make sure no dirt or other foreign matter is allowed to contaminate the brake fluid.

Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluid. Using a non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the

life of the system.

INNER PAD SHIM A

INNER PAD SHIM B

(STAINLESS)
'96, '97, '99,
'00 and

01 models:

INNER PAD

WEAR INDICATOR

Install inner pad with its

wear indicator downward.
PISTON SEAL

Replace.

OUTER PAD

PIN BOOTS

Replace.

'98 model only

CALIPER PIN A

CALIPER PIN B

CALIPER BRACKET

CALIPER PIN

PIN BOOT

Replace.
PISTON BOOT

Replace.

PAD RETAINERS
OUTER PAD SHIM

CALIPER BRACKET

Check for cracks.

CALIPER BRACKET MOUNTING BOLT

108 N-m (11 kgf-m, 80 Ibf-ft)
Brake cylinder grease

or equivalent rubber grease.

Silicone grease (Use

recommended grease in the caliper set).
NOTE:

Coat the piston, piston seal, and caliper bore with clean brake fluid.

Replace all rubber parts with new ones whenever disassembled.

After installing the front brake caliper:

— Check for leaks at hose and line joints and connections, and retighten if necessary.

— Check the brake hoses for interference and twisting.

BANJO BOLT

34 N-m (3.5 kgf-m,

25 Ibf-ft)

CALIPER BOLT

49 N-m (5.0 kgf-m,

36 Ibf-ft)
SEALING WASHERS

Replace.

BLEED SCREW

9 N-m (0.9 kgf-m,

6.5 Ibf-ft)

CALIPER BODY

Check for scoring on

cylinder wall.

PAD SPRINGProCarManuals.com

Master Cylinder Inspection

CAUTION:

• Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle; it may damage

the paint; if brake fluid does contact the paint, wash

it off immediately with water.

• Before reassembling, check that all parts are free of

dust and other foreign particles.

• Do not try to disassemble the master cylinder assem-

bly. Replace the master cylinder assembly with a

new one if necessary.

• Make sure no dirt or other foreign matter is allowed

to contaminate the brake fluid.

NOTE: '96 - 97 models shown.

RESERVOIR SEAL

Check for damage and

deterioration.
RESERVOIR CAP

Check for blockage

and vent holes.

STRAINER

Remove accumulated

sediment.

ROD SEAL

Check for damage

and deterioration.

MASTER CYLINDER

Check for leaks, rust, and damage.

SILICONE GREASEProCarManuals.com

Rear Brake Caliper

Disassembly/Reassembly

Never use an air hose or dry brush to clean brake assemblies.

Use an OSHA-approved vacuum cleaner to avoid breathing brake dust.

Contaminated brake discs or pads reduce stopping ability.

When reusing the pads, always reinstall the brake pads in their original positions to prevent loss of braking efficiency.

CAUTION:

Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if brake fluid does contact the paint, wash it off imme-

diately with water.

To prevent spills, cover the hose joints with rags or shop towels.

Clean all parts in brake fluid and air dry; blow out all passages with compressed air.

Before reassembling, check that all parts are free of dust and other foreign particles.

Replace parts with new ones whenever specified to do so.

Make sure no dirt or other foreign matter is allowed to contaminate the brake fluid.

Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluid. Using a non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the

life of the system.

NOTE:

Coat the piston, piston seal, and caliper bore with clean brake fluid.

Replace all rubber parts with new ones whenever disassembled.

After installing the rear brake caliper:

— Check for leaks at hose and line joints and connections, and retighten if necessary.

— Check the brake hoses for interference and twisting.ProCarManuals.com

Modulator Uni t
High-Pressur e Brak e Flui d Replacement/Bleedin g
Replacement
1. Reliev e syste m pressur e (se e pag e 19-97 ). Leav e th e
tub e an d wrenc h o n th e maintenanc e bleeder , an d
leav e th e tub e in th e container .
2 . Star t th e engin e t o operat e th e pum p motor .
NOTE:
If th e pum p moto r operate s fo r 4 0 second s o r
more , th e AB S indicato r ligh t come s on , an d th e
pum p moto r stops . Sto p an d restar t th e engin e t o
operat e th e pum p moto r again .
I f th e AB S indicator light come s on , remov e th e
AB S B 2 (1 5 A ) fus e fo r 3 second s o r mor e t o
eras e th e DT C afte r servicing .
3 . Repea t step s 1 an d 2 to drai n th e res t o f th e brak e
fluid fro m th e modulato r unit .
NOTE : Th e modulato r ha s a capacit y o f approxi -
mately 15 0 (5. 0 fl-oz , 5. 3 Imp-oz) . Approximatel y
35 - 4 5 (1. 2 - 1. 5 fl-oz , 1. 2 - 1. 6 Imp-oz ) o f th e flui d
i s draine d eac h tim e yo u reliev e syste m pressure .
4 . Remov e th e cap , an d refil l th e reservoi r t o th e MA X
(upper ) leve l wit h fres h brak e fluid .
NOTE : Pou r th e brak e flui d slowl y s o tha t i t doe s
not foam , an d wai t fo r a fe w minutes .
5. Repea t step s 1 an d 2 twice , an d refil l th e reservoi r
t o th e MA X (upper ) leve l wit h fres h brak e fluid .
6 . Tighte n th e maintenanc e bleede r t o th e specifie d
torque .
7 . Star t th e engine , an d mak e sur e tha t th e AB S indica -
tor ligh t goe s off .
Bleedin g
Whe n th e brak e flui d i s completel y draine d fro m th e
reservoi r (ai r enter s th e modulato r unit) , blee d th e ai r
from th e modulato r a s follows :
1 . Fil l th e reservoi r t o th e MA X (upper ) leve l wit h fres h
brake fluid .
2. Connec t a tub e t o th e maintenanc e bleede r o n th e
modulato r unit , an d se t th e othe r en d o f th e tub e in a
suitabl e containe r (se e pag e 19-97 ).
3 . Loose n th e bleeder , an d star t th e engin e t o operat e
th e pum p motor .
4 . Tighte n th e bleede r whe n th e flui d start s t o flo w ou t
o f th e bleeder .
NOTE : Tak e car e no t t o spil l th e brak e flui d fro m
th e container .
5 . Sto p th e engin e afte r th e pum p moto r stops .
NOTE : I f th e AB S indicato r ligh t come s o n an d th e
pum p moto r stops , restar t th e engin e an d repea t step s
3 throug h 5 above .
19-98ProCarManuals.com

Troubleshooting Precautions

Kickback

1. The motor operates when the ABS is functioning, and the fluid in the reservoir is forced out to the master cylinder,

causing kickback at the brake pedal.

Pump Motor

1. The pump motor operates when the ABS is functioning.

2. The ABS control unit checks the pump motor operation during initial diagnosis when the vehicle is started. You may

hear the motor operate at this time, but it is normal.

Brake Fluid Replacement/Air Bleeding

1. Brake fluid replacement and air bleeding procedures are the same as vehicles without ABS. To ease bleeding, start

with the front wheels.

Troubleshooting

1. The troubleshooting flowcharts procedures assume that the cause of the problem is still present and the ABS indicator

is still on. Following the flowchart when the ABS indicator does not come on can result in incorrect diagnosis.

2. Question the customer about the conditions when the problem occurred, and try to reproduce the same conditions

for troubleshooting.

Find out when the ABS indicator came on, such as during initial diagnosis, during ABS control, after ABS control,

when vehicle speed was at a certain speed, etc.

3. When the ABS indicator does not come on during the test-drive, but troubleshooting is performed based on the DTC,

check for loose connectors, poor contact at the terminals, etc. before you start troubleshooting.

4. After troubleshooting, erase the DTC and test-drive the vehicle. Be sure the ABS indicator does not come on.

5. The connector illustrations show the female terminals with a single outline and the male terminals with a double outline.ProCarManuals.com

Modulator Unit

Removal/Installation

NOTE:

Do not spill brake fluid on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if brake fluid does not contact the paint, wash it off

immediately with water.

Take care not to damage or deform the brake lines during removal and installation.

To prevent the brake fluid from flowing, plug and cover the hose ends and joints with a shop towel or equivalent mate-

rial.

Removal

1. Disconnect the modulator unit and pump motor connectors.

2. Disconnect the brake lines, then remove the proportioning control valve.

3. Remove the modulator unit.

Installation

1. Install the modulator unit.

2. Install the proportioning control valve, then connect the brake lines. Tighten the flare nuts to 15 N-m (1.5 kgf-m, 11 Ibf-ft).

3. Connect the modulator unit and pump motor connectors.

4. Bleed the brake system, starting with the front wheels.

5. Start the engine, and check that the ABS indicator goes off.

6. Test-drive the vehicle, and check that the ABS indicator does not come on.

From

From left-front

right-front
MODULATOR UNIT

RUBBER MOUNT

MODULATOR UNIT

CONNECTOR

8 mm BOLT

22 N-m (2.2 kgf-m, 16 Ibf-ft)

BRACKET
PROPORTIONING

CONTROL VALVE

6 mm BOLT

9.8 N-m (1.0 kgf-m, 7.2 Ibf-ft)

PUMP MOTOR CONNECTOR

6 mm NUT

9.8 N-m (1.0 kgf-m, 7.2 Ibf-ft)ProCarManuals.com

Troubleshooting

Brake System Indicator Does Not Go Off

Check the ABS:

1. Turn the ignition switch.

2. Check the ABS indicator.

Does the ABS indicator stay on?
Perform the troubleshooting for

the
DTC.

Release the parking brake.

Does the brake system indica-

tor go off?
The system is OK at this time.

Check the brake fluid level.

Is the level OK?
Refill the brake fluid, then confirm

that the brake system indicator

goes off.

Check the VSA control unit:

1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.

2. Disconnect the VSA control

unit 42P connector.

3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

Does the brake system indica-

tor go off?
Replace the VSA modulator-

control unit.

Repair short to body ground in

the wire between the brake

system indicator and the VSA

control unit.

The parking brake switch stuck

ON.

The brake fluid level switch

stuck ON.ProCarManuals.com