2000-2009 Honda S2000 Front Brakes: Pulsation, Sticking Calipers, and Recall Info

Symptoms of Failing Front Brakes

Identifying brake problems early is crucial for safety. Watch for these common symptoms on your S2000.

Brake Pedal Pulsation or Steering Wheel Vibration

This is the most frequently reported brake issue by S2000 owners. When you apply the brakes, you may feel a rhythmic pulsing in the brake pedal or a side-to-side shaking in the steering wheel. This is almost always caused by uneven thickness on the brake rotor surface. While commonly called "warped rotors," it's typically due to an uneven transfer of brake pad material onto the rotor face, creating high spots. This can happen after aggressive braking followed by holding the brake pedal down at a stop, which "bakes" a layer of pad material onto the hot rotor.

Grinding or Squealing Noises

A high-pitched squeal is often the first sign that your brake pads are worn out. This sound comes from a small metal wear indicator tab contacting the rotor. If ignored, this will turn into a loud, harsh grinding noise. Grinding means the brake pad's friction material is completely gone, and the metal backing plate is now grinding against the rotor, causing severe damage and significantly reducing stopping power.

Vehicle Pulling to One Side

If your S2000 pulls to the left or right when you apply the brakes, it's a sign of an imbalance in the braking system. This is often caused by a sticking brake caliper on one side. The caliper may not be applying or releasing pressure correctly, causing one brake to work harder than the other. This can be due to a seized caliper piston or, more commonly, sticking caliper slide pins.

Brakes Dragging

You might feel like the car is sluggish or not coasting freely, and you may notice excessive heat or a burning smell from one of the front wheels after a drive. This is a classic symptom of a seized or sticking caliper that isn't fully releasing the brake pad from the rotor. This constant friction generates a huge amount of heat, which can quickly destroy pads and rotors and even boil the brake fluid.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

Safety Recall: 2006-2007 Brake Booster Failure

Common Issue: Sticking Caliper Slide Pins

A very common maintenance issue on the S2000 is sticking caliper slide pins. These pins allow the caliper to float, or self-center, over the rotor. Over time, the grease on these pins dries out or gets contaminated, causing them to bind. This leads to uneven brake pad wear (often the inner pad wears much faster than the outer pad), brake drag, and pulling. Regularly cleaning and re-lubricating these pins with high-temperature silicone brake grease is key to proper brake function. The top and bottom slide pins are different, so it is important not to mix them up during service.

AP1 vs. AP2 Brakes: What's the Difference?

There is no physical difference in the front brake calipers or rotors between AP1 (2000-2003) and AP2 (2004-2009) models; the parts are fully interchangeable. The only factory difference was the brake pad compound. AP1 models came with ceramic-based pads that produced less dust, while AP2 models used a semi-metallic compound for slightly better initial bite at the cost of more dust. Honda has since discontinued the original AP1 pads and now specifies the AP2 pad compound for all model years.

Buyer's Guide: Inspecting Used S2000 Front Brakes

Given the extremely high cost of new OEM calipers, buying quality used OEM parts is a smart financial decision. Here’s what to look for.

Inspecting Used Brake Rotors (Part # 45251-S2A-000)

• Check Surface Condition: Look for deep grooves, scoring, or major rust pitting on the rotor face. A smooth, even surface is ideal.
• Look for Heat Damage: Dark blue or purple spots indicate the rotor has been severely overheated, which can alter the metal's structure and lead to cracking.
• Inspect for Cracks: Check carefully for any hairline cracks, especially on aftermarket cross-drilled rotors, which are prone to cracking around the holes.
• Measure Thickness: Use a micrometer to measure the rotor's thickness. The minimum service limit for the S2000 front rotor is 23mm. Any rotor at or below this thickness is unsafe and must be discarded.

Inspecting Used Brake Calipers

• Examine the Dust Boot: The rubber boot around the caliper piston is critical. Inspect it carefully for any rips, tears, or deterioration. A torn boot allows moisture and dirt to enter, which will quickly seize the piston.
• Check for Leaks: Look for any signs of brake fluid leakage around the piston boot or the bleeder screw. Any leak means the caliper needs to be rebuilt or replaced.
• Test the Slide Pins: The caliper should slide freely on its mounting bracket. If it's stuck, the slide pins are seized and will need to be removed, cleaned, and re-lubricated. Check the rubber boots for the slide pins for tears as well.
• Inspect Threads: Check the threads for the banjo bolt (brake line) and the bleeder screw to ensure they are not stripped or cross-threaded.

Cost of Replacement: New vs. Used (Front Brakes)

Prices can vary by region and supplier, but this provides a general comparison.

Front Brake Replacement Overview

• Difficulty: 3/5 (Intermediate)
• Estimated Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
• DIY Feasible: Yes, for those with mechanical experience.

Replacing the front brakes is a manageable DIY job. The basic process involves jacking up the car, removing the wheel, unbolting the caliper and caliper bracket, removing the rotor, and then reassembling with the new parts. The most challenging part is often removing the rotor retaining screws. After replacement, the brake system must be bled to remove any air from the lines.

Key Torque Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)