Questions for anyone that upgraded base brakes to Akebonos
 

Hi all. Looking at upgrading my base to Akebonos (Z1 package or comparable)

I was curious if anyone who has done this could offer some advice.

1. I will be getting new Z1 SS lines, and Sport dust shields, are there any other random pieces I will still need not included in the kit?

2. I need to confirm whether the stock base caliper brackets will accommodate the larger Akebono caliper or if I need to order new ones.

3. Has anyone had to run spacers as a result of upgrading the brakes?

(I ended up getting S-Tune Nismo wheels that I planned to use as my track set. These should be friendly enough for the Akebono's but I was a little concerned with clearance up front.)

Thanks in advance for your input!

1. You need new banjo bolts I think (z1 sells them).

2. They should bolt on.

3. Depends on the offsets. Sport wheels and Nismo.wheels shouldn't have any clearance issues since they're meant to fit with the akebono gear.

Much appreciated HapaZ.

Just wanted to make sure that I had all my bases covered before going to install and then finding out that I was missing parts or need new wheels.

I read on another thread in here that there is a difference in what is needed for new brake lines.
If you get the non-premium ss lines it's easier and doesn't require banjo?
If you get premium ss lines it doesn't require additional parts because it comes with them but harder to install?

Which is the better way to go when upgrading from base?

Also regarding the sport rotor shields, how difficult are these to install? Does it require removing additional parts besides brakes and rotors?

Would you recommend the slotted/cross drilled rotors from Z1 or another brand than the machined factory blanks?

Not sure exactly what is needed but this is a pic of what comes with the Z1 kit which should give you a good idea. Banjo bolts and SS lines, dust shields are an option.

https://www.z1motorsports.com/images...tFULL-5166.JPG

How about break booster issues? No need to upgrade brake booster to accommodate the amount of braking force applied?

According to the service manual the brake boosters are the same on both sport and base models.

primary diaphragm diameter are both 9.06"
secondary diaphragm diameter are both 8.07"

its on page BR-64
Factory Service Manuals - NICO Club

So on the Z1 page it lists if you have a base to buy the non-premium SS lines when converting to sport calipers.

How difficult is it to cut the rotor shields on the car? Is rather not remove them if it requires messing with the hub/bearing.

Also as OP listed is all you need just the SS lines, Rotors, Calipers, Pads, and Brake Fluid?

Good thread, brakes are my next upgrade. The Z1 one package seems legit for the price, do sport dust shields make a difference?

I upgraded mine from the base brakes, it wasn't hard. I did buy the sport brake dust shields and once I saw what I needed to do to install them, I cut the base ones lol. I just snipped the part that is folded over and folded them straight, so now the stock dust shield is just a flat piece, which you don't notice really since they are about the same diameter as the sport rotors, but you can see them if you are really looking up close. And you will need to trim the shields a little to fit the sport calipers, but thats pretty easy with shears and pliers. I bought mine through Concept Z Performance, I wanted the DBA rotors which I really like. One thing that might be good is use locktite on the bolts that hold the calipers in, Im pretty sure it were used from the factory. I didn't with mine, every time i get under my car I recheck those bolts, locktite would be good for piece of mind.

I just installed the Z1 Akebono kit a couple of weeks ago. Call Z1 and talk to Robert and he will set you up with everything you need.

I would not get the sport shields, they are a royal PITA to install. You have to remove the hub and bearing block which I did and totally regret it. I now have pretty black shields that no one will ever see. Do like Ryguy did and cut the base shields with some tin snips and do some bending with pliers. If you do decide on installing the sport shields, plan on adding about three hours to the job. Getting to the bearing block bolts inside of the hub was, lets say, VERY DIFFICULT. My hand cramped several times during that ordeal.

The good news is that the brakes are soooo worth it. Wow, great linear feel and fantastic stopping power.

Don't bother with the premium SS lines either. The banjo bolts are a pain and just another potential leak point. I have stock sport brakes and dumped the banjo bolts when I installed the Z1 non-premium SS brake lines. It is a better configuration and makes the install much easier :twocents:

Awesome, thanks guys! The questions I had have been answered.

Do not use threadlock on the caliper mounting bolts. They never had it originally, so don't add it.

The Akebono's have the mounting bracket designed into the caliper, as they are fixed and not sliding like the base brakes.

What pads are you going with? I will recommend looking at the Endless MX-72's for a daily driver pad that also sees some spirited driving or the occasional track day.

Any stock wheel that came on the 370Z will fit the Akebono's. Even the base 18's.

Every other question or thing you need to worry about has been covered above.

Also upgrading to Akebonos. Are the caliper mounting bolts the same size for both kits? As in do I reuse the bolts from the base brakes for the sports brakes?

Yeah it uses the same bolt


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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.

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...

Questions for anyone that upgraded base brakes to Akebonos
 

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.


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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.

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.

http://www.the370z.com/members/zeroz...ure95513-a.jpg

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

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.

Thanks for your Good Research :tiphat:

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


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Yes base wheels will clear the Akebono calipers.

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

http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...ake-setup.html