FYI - Akebono Sport Brakes Upgrade Tip

1325 · 01-23-2015, 01:04 PM

If anyone has plans to upgrade from base to the Akebono sport brake system, save yourself time and headache by opting for the short banjo bolts because the ones for the base model will not work. I had to find out the hard way because I had to order them from Z1 Motorsports and I also stripped the threading of a front caliper as result of using the longer base bolt.

I just re-ordered that caliper because I want to complete the project right without a repair and don't want to compromise the seal in any way. With the caliper being aluminum and fairly soft especially threading a bolt into it you don't want to cut corners. Spending $16.00 on these bolts may save you the additional $250.00 I had to fork over for one caliper.

Just needed to vent and help out to those who are pondering such upgrade. Otherwise everything else bolted on smoothly without issue. Shout out to Z1 Motorsports though for being top-notch in service for my multiple needs throughout the week!

Tadpole · 01-23-2015, 01:58 PM

Any issues with the dust covers?

Ni55anPat · 01-23-2015, 02:46 PM

^yiukk have to cut them.

1325 · 01-23-2015, 02:51 PM

The only thing you need to do with the fronts is snip off a small portion where the Akebono caliper would protrude into the mounting bracket. You'll see what part of the shield to trim when you have rotor off. As for the rear, it's more of a pain because the entire shield needs to be flattened out and the portion where the caliper sits will needs to be trimmed off. Snip every 2"-3" and flatten the shield to flare them outward to rid the overhang lip to make room for the new rotor.

Kabestro · 02-07-2015, 05:28 PM

Don't they sell the shields from the sport model? Or you still have to trim those?

1325 · 02-08-2015, 09:16 PM

Yeah. And no they don't need to be trimmed if you're mounting sport brake-specific shields.

01-23-2015, 01:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
1325 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 287 Drives: 10 370Z BLK 6M Rep Power: 14	FYI - Akebono Sport Brakes Upgrade Tip If anyone has plans to upgrade from base to the Akebono sport brake system, save yourself time and headache by opting for the short banjo bolts because the ones for the base model will not work. I had to find out the hard way because I had to order them from Z1 Motorsports and I also stripped the threading of a front caliper as result of using the longer base bolt. I just re-ordered that caliper because I want to complete the project right without a repair and don't want to compromise the seal in any way. With the caliper being aluminum and fairly soft especially threading a bolt into it you don't want to cut corners. Spending $16.00 on these bolts may save you the additional $250.00 I had to fork over for one caliper. Just needed to vent and help out to those who are pondering such upgrade. Otherwise everything else bolted on smoothly without issue. Shout out to Z1 Motorsports though for being top-notch in service for my multiple needs throughout the week! Zbrah and Tadpole like this.

01-23-2015, 01:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tadpole A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Lockhart, TX Posts: 1,082 Drives: 13 Nissan 370Z A7 Rep Power: 17	Any issues with the dust covers? __________________ Takeda TR3009P Short Ram Intakes, Custom Dual Exhaust, X-Piped with 18" Resonators & TopSpeed Axle Backs. EVO-R Led Third Foglight,

02-07-2015, 05:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Kabestro Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 331 Drives: 13 Nissan 370Z MR M6 Rep Power: 39	Don't they sell the shields from the sport model? Or you still have to trim those? __________________ Stillen Gen 3 CAI / Fast Intentions HFC and CBE 12" Res. (#730) / Swift Springs / 20mm H&R Spacers / Clutch Helper Spring / UpRev Tune 322whp.

02-08-2015, 09:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
1325 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 287 Drives: 10 370Z BLK 6M Rep Power: 14	Yeah. And no they don't need to be trimmed if you're mounting sport brake-specific shields. Kabestro likes this.

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01-23-2015, 02:46 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ni55anPat A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,833 Drives: Zed Rep Power: 18	^yiukk have to cut them.

01-23-2015, 02:51 PM	#4 (permalink)
1325 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Florida Posts: 287 Drives: 10 370Z BLK 6M Rep Power: 14	The only thing you need to do with the fronts is snip off a small portion where the Akebono caliper would protrude into the mounting bracket. You'll see what part of the shield to trim when you have rotor off. As for the rear, it's more of a pain because the entire shield needs to be flattened out and the portion where the caliper sits will needs to be trimmed off. Snip every 2"-3" and flatten the shield to flare them outward to rid the overhang lip to make room for the new rotor.