Hawk HPS Problems
I recently installed Hawk HPS pads on the front and rear of my STI. I heard they were a more aggressive pad and would improve breaking. I also have SS lines and good brake fluid.

I just got back from an event at Willow Springs (Big Track) and can’t say I am very impressed. I think the stock pads were better. I was getting some fade at the end of the straight, braking for turn one. (Not a good place to have fade) I can’t remember having fade with the stock pads. I am hitting 135 to 140 MPH when I have to get on the brakes.
They seemed to get a little better later in the day, but still not as good as the stock pads.
I was wondering if they take a while to get bedded in? (Did I screw up when I installed them?)
What has been your experience with these pads?
Thanks Steve

 

The HPS pad is just a high performance street pad. Here is what a website description: Hawk HPS high performance street pads have low dust, low noise, and low rotor wear. Slightly higher in friction level than Hawk Ceramic pads with a similar MOT of around 750°F. Not recommended for track use, as their friction level falls off rapidly when the MOT is exceeded.

The HPS is not as heat resistant as your original oem Brembo stock sti pads. You will need to move up to the Hawk HP+ pad or another pad that is rated for higher heat, as you are driving at some very high track speeds and easily reaching max operating temps. Hope this info helps!

 

^ What he said. HPS is not suitable for the track at all. For street tires, Pagid Yellows or maybe Hawk HT-10s will work nicely.


- andrew

 

Definitely move to Pagid or equivalent. I used the Hawk HP+ even having similar problems. To me the HPS is pointless as the HP+ can do all the same with a little better track performance. But they wear out quickly, tons of dust, noisy, and still fade eventually. I was not even able to get rid of the fade with a brake cooling kit.

 

Word. One reason I always recommend track pads for the track. Makes sense right?


- Andrew

 

http://zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm
using this bed-in process helps wonders too.

http://zeckhausen.com/bleeding_brakes.htm
and this is a good walk-thru for bleeding your brakes.