The Honda Acty may be compact, but when it comes to braking performance—stock just isn’t always enough. Whether you’re daily driving, carrying cargo, or going off-road, upgrading your Acty’s brakes gives you sharper stopping power, better pedal feel, and increased safety. In this guide, we break down exactly how to upgrade your Acty's brake system—from pads to calipers—and which parts deliver the best performance.
1. Know Your Factory Setup
Most Honda Actys (HH3/HH4 and HA3/HA4) came with:
Front: Disc brakes
Rear: Drum brakes
Master Cylinder: Single circuit, non-ABS
Brake Booster: Vacuum-assisted in later models
The system is simple, reliable, but not built for performance—especially if you’ve added bigger tires or extra weight.
2. Front Brake Upgrades: Pads, Rotors & Calipers
The front brakes do the majority of stopping, so this is your first focus area.
Upgrades to consider:
Performance brake pads (ceramic or semi-metallic):
Better bite and fade resistance
Brands: Project Mu, EBC, Akebono
Slotted or drilled rotors:
Improve cooling and reduce brake fade
OEM size rotors can be upgraded without custom mounts
Caliper rebuild or upgrade:
Rebuild old OEM calipers with fresh seals and pistons
Upgrade to larger twin-piston calipers (from other kei platforms) with proper bracket mods
Oiwa Tip: Always bleed brakes after installing new front components—air in the line kills performance.
3. Rear Drum Refresh or Conversion
Drums are often neglected, but a clean setup helps keep braking balanced.
For most users:
Replace shoes, wheel cylinders, and return springs
Clean and adjust the drum clearance manually
Use high-friction shoe linings for better rear bite
Drum-to-disc conversions are possible but require custom brackets, e-brake workarounds, and modified proportioning valves—only recommended for full builds.
4. Brake Lines & Hoses: Firmer Pedal, Less Fade
Old rubber lines expand under pressure, giving your pedal a soft, vague feel.
Upgrade to:
Braided stainless steel brake lines (custom or universal kei truck fit)
Better pedal response, especially under hard braking
Reduced risk of leaks or cracks with age
5. Master Cylinder & Booster Upgrades
If you’re upgrading multiple components—or running larger tires—you’ll want more consistent hydraulic pressure.
Options:
Upgrade to a larger bore master cylinder (e.g., Civic or Integra units with modded brackets)
Check brake booster vacuum line for leaks or clogs
Consider adjustable proportioning valves if doing front/rear upgrades
6. Fluids & Maintenance
Fresh brake fluid makes a huge difference—especially on older Actys.
Use DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid (check compatibility)
Flush every 2 years, or sooner for off-road builds
Consider high-temp performance fluid if you drive aggressively
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your Honda Acty’s brakes is one of the best things you can do for safety and confidence behind the wheel. Whether it’s sharper stopping in traffic or reliable performance on trails, better brakes mean better control.
At Oiwa Garage, we carry brake pads, rotors, lines, and upgrade kits specifically matched to your Acty’s model and chassis code. Not sure what fits? Send us your VIN—we’ll help you stop strong and safe.