Car fans and DIY mechanics keep searching for 11.8897638 Inches because it is the perfect conversion of 302 mm – the front brake rotor diameter on many Acura MDX (2001-2006) and Honda CR-V (2002-2006) models. One tiny mistake in size can ruin braking power or make new rotors not fit at all. This number shows up when owners compare parts, order replacements, or swap upgrades. In 2025, with more people doing their own repairs to save money, knowing 11.8897638 inches helps you stay safe on the road. This guide explains where it comes from, which cars use it, and how to measure your own rotors the right way. You will finish reading ready to shop with confidence. For safe driving tips, see a motorist should know that he she is entering a work zone.
Where Does 11.8897638 Inches Come From?
The number 11.8897638 Inches is simply 302 millimeters turned into inches. One inch equals exactly 25.4 mm, so 302 ÷ 25.4 = 11.8897637795 inches (rounded to 11.8897638). Honda and Acura list brake rotors in millimeters because most factories use the metric system. American parts sites and forums show inches, so people convert the numbers. The long decimal proves someone used a calculator or online tool and copied the full result. This exact figure appears again and again when owners ask “Will MDX rotors fit my 2005 CR-V?” The answer is usually yes because both cars share the same 302 mm (11.8897638 inch) front rotor size1.
Cars That Use the 11.8897638 Inches (302 mm) Brake Rotor
Many popular Honda and Acura models from the early 2000s share the 11.8897638 Inches front rotor. The list includes first-generation Acura MDX (2001-2006), second-generation Honda CR-V (2002-2006), Honda Element (2003-2011), and some Acura RSX Type-S models. Rear rotors on these cars are smaller, usually 282 mm. Owners love this size because good-quality replacements cost under $80 each in 2025. The thick, vented design stops the car fast even when towing or driving downhill. Always double-check your year and trim – some special editions used bigger brakes.
How to Measure Your Rotor to Confirm 11.8897638 Inches
You can check your own rotor in five easy steps. Park on flat ground and chock the wheels. Remove the wheel (18 mm or 19 mm lug nuts on most models). Use a clean rag to wipe rust from the rotor edge. Place a ruler or tape measure across the widest part of the rotor face. Look for a number stamped on the edge that says “302” or “302 mm”. If you measure in inches and get very close to 11.8897638 Inches, you have the right size. Write down the thickness too – new rotors are about 28 mm thick.
Best Replacement Rotors for 11.8897638 Inches Size
Top brands that fit the 11.8897638 Inches rotor perfectly include Bosch QuietCast, Brembo, Centric Premium, and PowerStop Z23. Prices in 2025 run $55–$120 per rotor depending on drilled/slotted options. Drilled and slotted rotors cool faster and look sporty but cost more. Plain rotors work great for daily driving and cost less. Always buy in pairs (left and right) and replace pads at the same time. Many kits come with ceramic pads that make almost no dust.
Common Mistakes When Shopping for 11.8897638 Inches Rotors
New mechanics sometimes buy the wrong size because they round the number. They see 11.8897638 Inches and order 12-inch rotors – those are too big and will not fit. Others forget to check minimum thickness; worn rotors under 26 mm must be replaced even if they still measure close in diameter. Cheap no-name rotors warp fast in hot weather. Always choose rotors marked “302 mm” or 11.8897638 Inches exactly. Read buyer reviews from real MDX and CR-V owners.
Upgrading Beyond the Stock 11.8897638 Inches Rotor
Some owners want bigger brakes for better stopping power. Popular upgrades include 2007-2013 MDX rotors (325 mm) or TSX 320 mm kits with new caliper brackets. These kits cost $400–$800 but drop stopping distance by 10–15 feet from 60 mph. Make sure your wheels are at least 17 inches to clear the bigger calipers. Budget upgrade: just swap to high-quality pads and stainless steel lines with the stock 11.8897638 Inches rotors – many owners say this feels almost as good for half the price.
Tools You Need to Work with 11.8897638 Inches Rotors
Basic brake jobs on these cars need only a few tools. You want a 14 mm wrench for caliper bolts, a C-clamp or piston tool, jack and jack stands, torque wrench (80 ft-lb for lug nuts), and anti-seize compound. A wire brush cleans rust fast. Total tools cost under $100 if you shop smart. Watch free YouTube videos made for exactly these models – search “2005 CR-V brake job” or “1st gen MDX rotors”.
FAQs About 11.8897638 Inches
What is 11.8897638 Inches in simple terms?
11.8897638 inches is exactly 302 millimeters. It is the factory front brake rotor diameter for 2001-2006 Acura MDX and 2002-2006 Honda CR-V plus some other models. The long decimal comes from converting metric to inches with a calculator. People search this number when buying new rotors or checking if parts fit.
Will a 12-inch rotor fit if my car needs 11.8897638 Inches?
No – a true 12-inch (304.8 mm) rotor is too big and will rub the caliper or not line up with bolt holes. Always stay with parts listed as 302 mm or 11.8897638 Inches for perfect fit and safe braking. Many cheap sites list “12 inch” as a rounded number – read the fine print.
Is 11.8897638 Inches the same as 302 mm exactly?
Yes – 302 mm equals 11.889763779527559 inches. The shorter version 11.8897638 Inches is just rounded for easy typing. Both numbers describe the same rotor size used on millions of Honda and Acura cars.
How thick should a new 11.8897638 inch rotor be?
Brand-new rotors for this size measure 28 mm thick. Never install rotors thinner than 26 mm – that is the factory discard limit. Measure with a micrometer across several spots because rotors wear unevenly.
Can I put 11.8897638 inch rotors on the rear?
No – rear rotors on these cars are smaller (282 mm or about 11.1 inches). Using front rotors on the rear would not fit the caliper bracket and could cause brake failure.
Conclusion
11.8897638 inches is far more than a random number – it is the key measurement that keeps thousands of Acura MDX and Honda CR-V drivers safe every day. Knowing this size helps you buy the right parts, avoid expensive mistakes, and keep stopping power strong in 2025 and beyond. Measure once, order right2, and enjoy confident braking.Do you own a car with 302 mm rotors? Tell us your favorite brake upgrade below!
References
- 302 Millimeter to Inch Converter – Exact conversion source. ↩︎
- MDXers Forum – MDX vs 05 CR-V Brake Differences – Real owner discussion confirming shared 302 mm size. ↩︎
