Display MoreThe following is a short explanation of how I installed Hawk HB275f.620 (Honda - Acura) front brake pads on my SL SlingShot. This installation covers Hawk pads only. If another brand is used additional modifications may be required.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The same pads can be used for the single rear caliper but installations requires a special tool to reset caliper piston. DO NOT compress rear brake piston with a c-clamp as explained in the following DIY. This can cause damage to caliper and brake system.
List of vehicles that these pads fit.
Hawk HB275F.620 Fits Applications (information taken from Jegs)
ACURA CL BASE 1997-1998
ACURA CL PREMIUM 1997-1999
HONDA ACCORD DX 1990-2002
HONDA ACCORD EX 1993-2002
HONDA ACCORD LX 1990-2002
HONDA ACCORD SE 1991
HONDA ACCORD SE 1993
HONDA ACCORD SE 1997
HONDA CIVIC DX 2001-2015
HONDA CIVIC DX-G 2008-2011
HONDA CIVIC EX 1996-2012
HONDA CIVIC EX 2014-2015
HONDA CIVIC EX SPECIAL EDITION 2005
HONDA CIVIC EX-L 2009-2012
HONDA CIVIC EX-L 2014
HONDA CIVIC GX 2001-2005
HONDA CIVIC HF 2014
HONDA CIVIC HX 2001-2005
HONDA CIVIC LX 1996
HONDA CIVIC LX 2001-2015
HONDA CIVIC LX SPECIAL EDITION 2005
HONDA CIVIC LX-S 2009-2011
HONDA CIVIC SE 2015
HONDA CIVIC SI 1999-2000
HONDA CIVIC SI 2002-2005
HONDA CIVIC SI 2014-2015
HONDA CIVIC TOURING 2014
HONDA INSIGHT BASE 2011-2014
HONDA INSIGHT EX 2010-2014
HONDA INSIGHT LX 2010-2014
Please know that this install is only for the front pads. There are more than one way to do this installation and if anyone would like to add comment or input please feel free to do so. I only ask that you use this information as a guide. I am not responsible for any problems, damage, issues or injuries that might befall you. Hate having to put that in there but i think we all know why.
Step1: Lifting the front - raise your vehicle using the correct points called out in the owners manual. You will need a floor jack, wheel chocks and a stand. You will only need to raise one front side of the vehicle at a time. If a full brake fluid bleed is to be performed (recommended if your already doing this) I suggest raising the Slingshot with all 3 tires off the ground. Make sure to use quality stands for your safety.
Step 2: Make sure your Slingshot is on level ground. Apply e-brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear tire and the corresponding front tire that is not being worked on. Loosen the lug nuts of the front wheel you wish to work on first. It does not matter what side you start with. Raise that side of the SlingShot as noted in step1.
Step 3: With wheel removed and set to the side locate the top caliper bolt and remove using a 9/16" and a small adjustable wrench ( you will only need to remove this top bolt). Any number of tools can be used to remove the bolt. This was what I had handy.
DO NOT damage your rubber boot.
NOTE: after bolt was loosened i had to use a small flat head screwdriver to pry the bolt out of the caliper.
Step 4: Disconnect the brake line from he lower control arm.
Step 5: Flip caliper down away from the rotor as shown.
Step 6: Remove pads. Make sure that all (4) retainer clips remain in the caliper mounting bracket. It is also recommended to wipe down the rotor with brake cleaner at this time.
Step 7: Place new pads on the ground. Slide new pads with brake wear indicator tabs off to the side. They will need to have the tabs removed before installation. The following images help to show the differences in the pads removed (Polaris OE pads) and the new Hawk pads.
Step 8: Place pads without tabs on the front side (towards rim) of the caliper bracket. Make sure the retainer clips are in place an have not fallen out. PLEASE NOTE: at this time you can add noise reduction (anti-sequel) to the back of the brake pad. I like to install and see if I have noise before adding anything. After installation, break in, and hard braking I can report that I have no noise.
Step 9: The wear tabs used by Honda will need to be removed. You can either drill off or grind down these tabs. Pads for both the left front and right front will need to have the tabs removed so go ahead and do both at this time. The following images explain what to do and why it is needed.
Are you still running these? Looking for an affordable upgrade.
