Forums/Z31P/z31-performance-upgrade-forums suspension-chassis-and-brakes/Brake pad review: Z32 Hawk Ceramic
Imported from Z31Performance.com Forums{{#if:Gregmatic| — original post by Gregmatic}}{{#if:2009-11-07 15:35:25|, posted 2009-11-07 15:35:25}}{{#if:4| · 4 post{{#ifeq:4|1||s}}}}{{#if:/Z31performance_archive/forum/z31-performance-upgrade-forums/suspension-chassis-and-brakes/8834-brake-pad-review-z32-hawk-ceramic.html|
Local archive: view archived thread on dev.z31library.com}}
Gregmatic: (2009-11-07 15:35:25)
Just a quick review of these for those interested. I have always been a big believer in experimenting with different pad compounds and feeling a real difference. Recently I did a z32 26mm conversion and wanted a pad that was a good street performer yet gentle on the rotors (cross drilled, slotted cheapies which are prone to stress cracking) Car will never see the track so a super aggressive high temp pad was not on the menu. Having used Hawk HPS in the past on a few Subarus I was always pleased with them but stumbled across their ceramic line accidentally. Seemed to fit the bill so I gave them a shot.
Cold: good initial bite, no noises or squeaking
hot: much better bite, still noise or "grumbliness" which I associate with an aggressive pad
modulation: superb, although this may also be due to the Z32 calipers
dust: really none to speak of yet, only have a few hundred miles on them yet
Just under $100 shipped, good so far
Maybe we can make a pad review sticky and everybody post up their individual results with "x" brand?
vagabond: (2009-11-07 16:55:21)
Z32 26mm 4 Piston Calipers (Front)
- Design Rotor Technology slotted, drilled
- Hawk HPS Z32
-Speed Bleeders
-Magnum Stainless Steel Braided Lines
Z31 calipers (Rear)
- Design Rotor Technology slotted, drilled
- Hawk HPS Z32
-Speed Bleeders
-Magnum Stainless Steel Braided Line
-Z31 Master Cylinder
-Valvoline Synthetic 5.1 Brake Fluid
- Spirited Driving, no Auto X, No Track, less than 500 miles
After about a 100 mile bed in, I noticed much better initial bite, more consistent braking and slightly increased pedal feel. Pedal wasn't as stiff as I expected, but that may be due to the Z31 MC.
Cold braking was better than the stock replacement pad. Warm braking was superior to the stock replacement pads.
- Recently added Hawk HPS pads and EBC rotors to the Murano. Excellent braking characteristics compared to OEM.
SATAN: (2009-11-08 06:53:36)
I too have the Hawk Ceramics. I wasn't sure if I wanted them at first cause they are more performance oriented than street use, due to the better bite as temps rise. But after I got them on my car, I felt like they were a good street pad as well. They performed just fine in stop and go traffic. Although, I have yet to aggressively test them.
Careless: (2009-11-08 18:21:11)
So where does the HPS rate vs. the Ceramic?
What do you guys feel is a better street pad/weekend track pad lets say… 3 or 4 times a year? Or should I buy a set of spare pads and just switch them over the weekend before?
Are the Hawk HPS the same as the PBR Metal Axxis? I read they were from the same manufacturer.