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Pilot bigger brakes on the ridgeline?

17096 Views 42 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  Carsmak
I have done some reading about people putting the pilot bigger brakes on the ridgeline the problem I'm having is what years work? I have a 2008 so do I need 2008 pilot? Any difinitive answer would be great.
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Have you determined how to mount it. Will it use the same caliper bracket as in post #13 above?

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1637506&postcount=13

If I have time I may go buy a pilot caliper just for entertainment purposes this weekend
Have you determined how to mount it. Will it use the same caliper bracket as in post #13 above?

http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1637506&postcount=13

If I have time I may go buy a pilot caliper just for entertainment purposes this weekend
I've given Honda the benefit of the doubt and have opted to use the Oem rotors. I have made the assumption that I will need the Mdx brackets (they come with the calipe.. At least if you order from the dealer or online oem retailer.) I'll let you when I get around to the install.
I've given Honda the benefit of the doubt and have opted to use the Oem rotors. I have made the assumption that I will need the Mdx brackets (they come with the calipe.. At least if you order from the dealer or online oem retailer.) I'll let you when I get around to the install.
Would you mind taking a few pictures and posting them of what you purchased and have for your install when you get started.
Before:

After:


Ridgeline Front Brake Pistons Mic'd at about 40mm:

MDX Front Brake Pistons Mic'd at about 46mm:


MDX vs Ridgeline Brake Pad Height (they're the same):



Ridgeline Pad Length (139mm):


MDX Pad Length (153mm):


MDX Rotor Diameter about 13":


Ridgeline Rotor Diameter about 12-5/8":


Side by Side Comparison of Rotors:


New OEM MDX Rotors, Pads & Calipers Installed:
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12
Are both of those measured pads the same Mfg/model?
I'm just wondering if the difference in length profile is from the different car model, or if it might just be different mfg variation?
Are both of those measured pads the same Mfg/model?
I'm just wondering if the difference in length profile is from the different car model, or if it might just be different mfg variation?
I can only assume what was on the Ridgeline since those were installed before I purchased the truck, however the mdx one's are oem. Regardless, the pads are designed to match the contour of the calipers. It's possible that there may be a few millimeters in variance between mfg... But not a 14mm difference.
I can only assume what was on the Ridgeline since those were installed before I purchased the truck, however the mdx one's are oem. Regardless, the pads are designed to match the contour of the calipers. It's possible that there may be a few millimeters in variance between mfg... But not a 14mm difference.
You might be surprised.... if an aftermarket mfg knows they can make one common pad to satisfy multiple applications, they certainly would consider the economies of scale when defining their "replacement" version product.
You might be surprised.... if an aftermarket mfg knows they can make one common pad to satisfy multiple applications, they certainly would consider the economies of scale when defining their "replacement" version product.
While I don't doubt that, the mdx simply can't fit inside the Ridgeline caliper.
You might be surprised.... if an aftermarket mfg knows they can make one common pad to satisfy multiple applications, they certainly would consider the economies of scale when defining their "replacement" version product.
I would say that is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY that the observed size differences are related to different pad manufacturers. Bigger rotors with larger calipers and matching larger brake pads. End of story . . . .
Feelmuhpino,

Looks good and thanks for the pics and details. Did you replace the brake lines as well?
Feelmuhpino,

Looks good and thanks for the pics and details. Did you replace the brake lines as well?
Thanks! Too bad the new rotors lost their nice shine after the initial break in process. No, I didn't upgrade or swap brake lines. Just wanted to understand the gains from a simple direct bolt on "upgrade" using oem parts. Although I'm only about half way through the bed-in process I can tell that there is a huge improvementa in braking ability.

If I could do it again I would recommend purchasing the brake "splash guards" of the vehicle's rotors and calipers that you plan to swap. Not necessary, but I only have about 2-3mm of clearance between the guard and the rotor. I haven't run into any issues with it after about 100 miles of driving, so...not required, but for about $30 more it is recommended.
While I don't doubt that, the mdx simply can't fit inside the Ridgeline caliper.
Well that settles that! :)
Thanks! Too bad the new rotors lost their nice shine after the initial break in process. No, I didn't upgrade or swap brake lines. Just wanted to understand the gains from a simple direct bolt on "upgrade" using oem parts. Although I'm only about half way through the bed-in process I can tell that there is a huge improvementa in braking ability.

If I could do it again I would recommend purchasing the brake "splash guards" of the vehicle's rotors and calipers that you plan to swap. Not necessary, but I only have about 2-3mm of clearance between the guard and the rotor. I haven't run into any issues with it after about 100 miles of driving, so...not required, but for about $30 more it is recommended.
You might have listed it before, but can you say what the total cost is for all of the parts to do this swap? (rotors, pads, etc.) Sounds like it would be a worthwhile investment, especially if towing.
You might have listed it before, but can you say what the total cost is for all of the parts to do this swap? (rotors, pads, etc.) Sounds like it would be a worthwhile investment, especially if towing.
I went the purist route (all OEM BNIB parts) which set me back about $700 from a discounted online OEM Parts dealer and a free shipping promo code. It could be done for near half the price if you went with remanned or refurbed or aftermarket replacement parts.
hey feelmuhpino, 1st awesome read great post ! I have a 2006 and want to do the full MDX upgrade. so from all the info gathered I need to get 2008 MDX rotors / bracket / pads / backing plate to do this is that right ? will this also work for rears as well ? I want to do a complete job to hopefully improve braking . Thanks !
hey feelmuhpino, 1st awesome read great post ! I have a 2006 and want to do the full MDX upgrade. so from all the info gathered I need to get 2008 MDX rotors / bracket / pads / backing plate to do this is that right ? will this also work for rears as well ? I want to do a complete job to hopefully improve braking . Thanks !

Larry,

You will need rotors, calipers and pads. By 'backing plate' I'm assuming you mean the dust cover / splash guard. If so, I've found that it's not absolutely required, but if you can spare the change, go ahead and do it.

As for the rears, i can only assume that it will work as I have not yet done it myself. Definitely don't see why they wouldn't work though.

After spending some time driving a rental car I have noticed that the brakes do feel a little bit more "mushy". However , they still perform better than the factory ridgeline brakes. I've heard stainless braided lines would eliminate that mushy feeling if it's any consolation .
Larry,

You will need rotors, calipers and pads. By 'backing plate' I'm assuming you mean the dust cover / splash guard. If so, I've found that it's not absolutely required, but if you can spare the change, go ahead and do it.

As for the rears, i can only assume that it will work as I have not yet done it myself. Definitely don't see why they wouldn't work though.

After spending some time driving a rental car I have noticed that the brakes do feel a little bit more "mushy". However , they still perform better than the factory ridgeline brakes. I've heard stainless braided lines would eliminate that mushy feeling if it's any consolation .
ok cool I will look into it . but I am correct in saying that for my 2006 Ridge I will need to order 2008 MDX parts right ?
ok cool I will look into it . but I am correct in saying that for my 2006 Ridge I will need to order 2008 MDX parts right ?
Yes, 08-13 I believe is what you want. I have a 2011, and I looked specifically for a 2012.
Guys, my research says RL Rears are biggest Honda ever made.

Someone do some more research and confirm what EBC & PowerSlot have for sizes

Larger Front Rotors are on Honda Pilot 2009-14 possibly (15), Acura MDX 2007-13 & Acura ZDX 2010-13.

Since ZDX is on list I'm thinking Crosstour may also fit, I haven't researched this yet

PM me with an email address if you want my excel file, and some other files
Guys, my research says RL Rears are biggest Honda ever made.

Someone do some more research and confirm what EBC & PowerSlot have for sizes

I updated the post I made on page 1 based on my findings from Centric's info awhile back. And ridgeline is still the smallest. I already bought the mdx pads, just haven't gotten rotors and calipers..if some happens to have a set of ridgeline rear pads sitting around we can compare pad sizes.
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