Who has done the install themselves? how long did it take?

Did you remove(was this a pita?) and replace the dust shields? if you didnt have you noticed any issues?

What kind of lines did you use ss or stock?

I have a kit coming, in no hurry to install just trying to get everything in line so i can.

Thanks for help!!!

Arick

 

The problem is not installing it yourself, the problem is bleeding the brakes after. It's best if you take it to a local brake shop. They will install it with an hour or so. If they charge another above 300, its a rip off.

 

At the very least, get the SS lines. The difference in "feel" they'll offer is worth the small price.

 

But there is a bod thing about those, dirt and stuff gets in them after awhile and some how it affects the feel of the pedal. Thats something i've herd from a few people. They say get ones that are coated.
But thats if your going to track your car and stuff lol

 

I had Goodrich's on my old car and never had any problems with them. I'm not sure if they were coated, but there wasn't any difference in pedal feel over 20k miles.

 

Then maybe it was some BS lol
I dno, but dont the SS lines make the brake pedal stay high? I like it doesnt travel as far as usual.

 

Here's my $0.02 on your questions regarding the Akebono BBK's:

I did the install myself with the help of a buddy of mine. It took ~8hrs with the help of proper tools (including air tools). I believe there are local dealerships charging around $600 for just labor alone.

I only replaced the front brake dust shields. The rears are a PITA and would have consumed a lot more time to R/R. I decided to trim the existing rear brake dust shields by means of a Dremel.

I didn't notice much difference with the SS lines.

Overall satisfied with the kit but its more aesthetics then anything else. If I had deep pockets I would have invested in Brembos or StopTechs.

 

Do you have new wheels? I've never seen them behind stock wheels. Are you gonna toss your spare? Just a few things to keep in mind.

 

My BBK dreams are on hold once I realized I wouldn't be able to run my winter set up anymore... and I'm not ready to replace them yet either.

 

Cool I assume you had no clearance problems on face of the Volks. Pictures please!

 

bleeding brakes is easy if you're familiar w/the procedure. Sometimes time consuming. But if you're not comfortable w/it def take it somewhere.

 

Luckily everything worked out fine. Thanks Terry! No pictures yet b/c of weather and car @ performance shop working on new mod.

 

Yup, you need some help though. If I can knock it out with my wife in an hour, anyone can do it. My advice is, get all 4 wheels off, and follow the order the service manual states. I don't know about 07-09 models, by my 04 did not follow the standard order. I did this about 10 times on my Stoptech's, and other than the last time I did it, never had a problem. The last time I did it, I was doing it with the guy I sold my car to, and we got busy talking about the car, and we we bled the master cylinder dry. So, good advice... keep an eye on the master cylinder.

 

Maybe I'm crazy, but if I was doing the install in my garage, I'd take what I consider to be the easiest approach. I'd use a brake line clamp on the rubber section of line to avoid fluid from coming out or air from getting in and I'd replace the calipers one at time. Before moving on to the next corner, I'd bleed that one corner.
Work your way around, one caliper at a time. Using the clamp, there is hardly any fluid lost and bleeding takes only seconds, with the help of a friend on the brake pedal.

I did my Jeep Grand Cherokee using that method and it took just a few hours to replace the calipers and mount new pads and rotors.

Hose Pinch Tool

 

are the dust shields necessary for this setup?