SM_Shadowman

Has anyone here used the Hawk Performance Ceramic Pads for the Sport Brakes? How do they compare to the Sport OEMs?

Also, I was curious as to what everyone knows about the OEM pads. Some searching tells me they are Akebono -- anybody know what material they are, and if they are the same (or almost the same) as any of the aftermarket Akebono pads available via retail?

I'm not really thinking about upgrading now or anything, just eventually I'll need to replace the pads and I'm wondering whether to stick with the OEM or to try something else. I don't need anything for tracking. So far, at least .


TIA

APRacing-ChrisB

You're correct -- the OE pads, like the calipers, are supplied by Akebono. It is a street compound, but I can't find detailed information on it. OE's don't usually release compound data. As per the norm, it will be made to satisfy the following 5 criteria:

1. Low cost
2. Good cold performance
3. Low cost
4. No noise whatsoever
5. Low cost

For anything else, you will need to look to the aftermarket.

Chris

GraphiteG37S

iTrader: (29)

I was thinking about switching to Hawk too. If anyone has personal input please let us know.

Buckeye G

iTrader: (4)

When I did my DIY for changing out the pads I upgraded to Hawk Ceramic pads. I was tired of cleaning my wheels all the time from the dust. The ceramic pads don't have hardly any dust and they stop just as well as the OEM pads. I still have the stock pads since they only have like 8 k on them and there wasn't anything wrong with them. Just make sure you bed them in properly. There are instructions on how to do it that come I believe on the box.

SM_Shadowman

Good to know. How's the wear on the Ceramics compared to the OEM?

tonke73

Stay away from the Hawk HPS pads. They have terrible initial bite and I had to double pump my brakes (Brembos) to get them to really bite down.

APRacing-ChrisB

We don't see a whole lot of difference. Better for the pad to wear more quickly than the rotor anyway.

Chris

APRacing-ChrisB

While the HPS compound does not have huge initial bite, they are not as bad as described. Did you use them on new rotors? If not, did the used rotors have the old transfer layer scrubbed off (or turned) and the HPS pad fully bedded onto them?

Gamedog

iTrader: (9)

I have Hawk Ceramics. Got them when I changed out my rotors.

Noticable increase in bite from OEM.

Goonz

iTrader: (9)

im running the hawk hp plus pads and boy do they bite! I looooove em'!

MDG37S

Did anyone with the Sport OEM brakes have the squealing front brake issue and then replace the pads with these? Did the noise go away? Thanks.

smalls'g37

mine squealed like crazy...but i sold the car without ever finding a rememdy. best of luck on that...it was really annoying

Goonz

iTrader: (9)

I have intense squeaking, but given the nature of the pads I have (HP Plus), it was anticipated, only in warm weather however, in the cold it doesnt squeak. It also depends on if you did the whole "bedding" procedure. Follow the link to a thread I started and read towards the bottom..https://www.myg37.com/forums/brakes-...ibrations.html

HamstersG

iTrader: (5)

I have them too. On StopTech drilled and slotted rotors. Much lower dusting. As good if not better on bite. Little more noise during breaking, but that is probably the drilled and slotted rotors. I have no squeal unless put away wet and then barely touch brake on slow reverse out of garage, but my OEM did that too. Overall, much better than OEM.