Hawk HPS pads garbage - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Gnnr · 02-14-2009, 08:03 PM

I've been driving my car with these pads (Hawk HPS all around) for a couple of months now and I'm not impressed.

The initial bite is sub par and the brake fade gets bad if you ride the brakes even a little when coming to a slowdown. I'm using Brembo blanks and Falken Azenis ST115 tires all around. I don't think they're the problem. The brake line was flushed and lines bleed.

The ceramic brakes I put on the family Altima does better than these pads, and they're just the Advance Auto generic brand. The Hawks are just "ok" pads. For the money I paid I was expecting much more.

I just wanted something more aggressive for the street (car is not tracked) and better than the last generic pads I had. This is my daily auto S14 with no ABS.

I'll be replacing these with something else as soon as I have the chance, any suggestions?

flip3d · 02-14-2009, 08:09 PM

Wow. For reals? Try the EBC Green Stuff pads if you don't like the Hawk.

02-14-2009, 08:10 PM

I never had any problems with them, they're great. Im running a set on my Miatae. Prior to that I've run Axxis metallics, which are also good for the dollar. I see the HPS as a (small) step above the axxis.

Maybe you're just too heavy on your brakes. If thats the case, either you need to change OR you need to upgrade. You chose. Brakes should tailor your driving style.

nismo tuned s14 · 02-14-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnnr

The ceramic brakes I put on the family Altima does better than these pads, and they're just the Advance Auto generic brand.

I would get those if that's how you feel.

I'm sorry you don't like these pads. I love mine.

Gnnr · 02-14-2009, 08:25 PM

I dunno. Its just that bite doesn't seem to be there. I feel that I dominate threshold braking well and don't abuse the brakes. What I mean by riding is, like if I'm coming to a stop the earlier I start to brake it seems to heat up quickly and start to fade. I didn't have this with the last generic pads I had.

Like I said, in my head I'm trying to think if it could be something else because of the good reviews the pads had. But I don't think its the rotors or tires. I'll try to analyze it better this week while I'm driving. Could it be because of alignment?

OptionZero · 02-14-2009, 11:11 PM

fuck all

Porterfield R4-S for daily/track mixed

R4 for pure track

affordable and quality

simplistek · 02-14-2009, 11:19 PM

i never had a problem with my hawk HPS at buttonwillow. they didnt even fade until the very end of the run session. and that track is known to kill brakes due to how heavy you have to brake.

but i love my endless pads right now. they bite hard as hell.

MrChow · 02-15-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptionZero

fuck all

Porterfield R4-S for daily/track mixed

R4 for pure track

affordable and quality

Ditto!!!!

Try it. I got all 4 of my for $109. I've had the EBC green stuff and they are crap... R4-S are great. Better all around. No idea why buy anything else.

Pacman · 02-15-2009, 12:41 AM

I don't mind the Hawk pads. I had Greenstuff and they ate my rotors alive! Good pads though. I never used the Porterfields, I wanna try them. The HPS on my car have been gently.

I'm running Brembo Blanks, HPS front, Carquest special in the rear, and Goodridge lines on all four corners. How about the lines being worn and flexing? I need to flush my system out. I'm ABS as well.

DreamN · 02-15-2009, 12:49 AM

My setup:

Front - S15 30 mm Calipers, HPS Pads, Brembo Blanks, SPL SS Lines
Rear - R33 Calipers, HPS Pads, Brembo Blanks, SPL SS Lines, and Project Mu Shoes

I also have a Z32 BMC and brake booster. Love my brakes. Tracked it a couple times and throughout the day I always felt my braking just get better and better. Daily the car as well and my setup has definitely saved me from a few close calls.

slider2828 · 02-15-2009, 01:34 AM

hp+ ARE definitely better > than R4 or R4s on the street. On the track R4 > HP+.... HP+ > RS4 for autox.... You pick.... from experiece.

Koopa Troopa · 02-15-2009, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gnnr

I dunno. Its just that bite doesn't seem to be there. I feel that I dominate threshold braking well and don't abuse the brakes. What I mean by riding is, like if I'm coming to a stop the earlier I start to brake it seems to heat up quickly and start to fade. I didn't have this with the last generic pads I had.

Like I said, in my head I'm trying to think if it could be something else because of the good reviews the pads had. But I don't think its the rotors or tires. I'll try to analyze it better this week while I'm driving. Could it be because of alignment?

I highly doubt you're fading brake pads driving to work.. What does your brake pedal feel like?

MrChow · 02-15-2009, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slider2828

hp+ ARE definitely better > than R4 or R4s on the street. On the track R4 > HP+.... HP+ > RS4 for autox.... You pick.... from experiece.

Have you used both?? I haven't tried hp+. When are you coming for Auto-x down here? I'm trying to show up to all of them. The next one I'm going to be really low on tires...

slider2828 · 02-15-2009, 11:02 AM

Yes I have used both HPS and HP+. Hey call me..... I think the late Feb I will go.... You? Hope it rains it should be fun in the rain LOL!!!

bigOdom1 · 02-15-2009, 11:10 AM

only pads i have ever run are hp+ (front z32 rear s14). they are great autox pads and for street driving they need some heat to bite well, the hp+ have scared me a lil on a cold morning when they are not warm enough, but after they warm up they are great. on a track day the end of a session saw the fluid overheat but i think the pads were just fine.

jr_ss · 02-15-2009, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pacman

I don't mind the Hawk pads. I had Greenstuff and they ate my rotors alive! Good pads though. I never used the Porterfields, I wanna try them. The HPS on my car have been gently.

I'm running Brembo Blanks, HPS front, Carquest special in the rear, and Goodridge lines on all four corners. How about the lines being worn and flexing? I need to flush my system out. I'm ABS as well.

Same here, my EBC GreenStuff pads killed my blank Z32's. They were great brakes, very dirty, but got the job done. Supposeably, the RedStuff pads are more for the street than the GreenStuff's and not as prone to eat rotors, but I'm not positive on that.

I switched to the Hawk HPS's on my new setup w/ Brembo Track rotors and I couldn't be happier. They are a great pad with minimal dust.

ronmcdon · 02-15-2009, 02:11 PM

I'm currently using the HP+ on my S14 daily (R32 GTR calipers f&R, oem blanks all-around, spl brake lines). Also have used them on my EG civic for hpde duty/daily. Overall I couldn't be happier with the bite. It might be a little noisy at times, but its a great dual purpose pad. It might also create more brake dust, but thats not something I notice since i never wash my car anyways. It gives good feedback on the street & track driving alike, safe (it might not perform to best capabilities the first few mins of driving, but by no stretch a hazard either), and last a reasonable amount of time. I replace them every 8-20k mi, depending on track abuse and car. On the track, it performs well and holds consistent on 30 min hpde runs in my experience. Typically a set of F&R runs $200ish more or less, so they're a fair deal imo.

I've also had good general experience with Axis/PBR Ultimates as a dual purpose pad on my old crx. Feedback isn't as good as I would like, but overall its a solid pad for cheap. For a daily that you don't track, I would suggest them.

Will be trying the ferodildo 2500's next on my evo x. Also seems like a good dual purpose pad. Wanted to try a new pad, and couldn't find the rear hawk pads for that application.

VG30Drift · 02-15-2009, 03:48 PM

I'm experiencing the same problem with the HPS pads on my Z32. I'm using brembo blanks slotted and drilled... They seem to work much better after you've warmed them up a bit. When cold, the initial bite is there but it fades away almost instantaneously.

Gnnr · 02-15-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koopa Troopa

I highly doubt you're fading brake pads driving to work.. What does your brake pedal feel like?

Well, when I'm running late

lol. Not but seriously, I don't feel it any different than before the brake change. I'll look at it more closely when I drive the car this week, I'm away from it/home right now.

I'm gonna double check my tire pressure and see if the lines need more bleeding or something. They're stock brakes, but that's more than adequate for daily duty.

I didn't get the HP+ because I didn't want to warm them up and didn't want my rotors eaten up. The HPS are definitely low dusting, but I wonder if that's the tradeoff for a strong Initial Bite.

I want to know how others without ABS feel them.

ronmcdon · 02-15-2009, 05:35 PM

Unless you drive 10/10 straight out of your driveway, and need absolutely all the feedback and stopping power you can muster, I really doubt the HP+ needs to be warmed up at all. I literally live 2 blocks next to Mulholland canyons in socal. I drive my car fairly hard when there's no traffic. never have I once felt even the most remote concern that the pads were not up to temps. any difference at all might be negligible, if not psychological. I suppose if you lived in someplace with freezing climates, things might be different, but I can't see that playing a factor if you live in south FL.

best thing to do would be to find someone who has those pads, and try them out yourself.
some things are best evaluated when experienced directly. internet opinions can only tell you so much.

The Ferodo 2500's might be your safest bet if you're really concerned with rotor wear (haven't noticed that being a problem either with my HP+).
You have to figure all pads have to make some compromises somewhere.

slider2828 · 02-16-2009, 01:15 AM

Ferodo's and Axxis is NOT rotor friendly... Wouldn't go at it ever on a street car... HP+ I ran it and very rotor friendly. Never had any problems with CS XDrill Slot rotors.... Probably most rotor friendly with really good breaking power. Not enough for my track events, but for most street autox and some track, HP+ is awesome! I needed Porterfields because I needed more breaking strength and less fade and RS4 are awesome! BUT NOT rotor friendly either. HP+ for 1000000% sure for most zilvians....

MrChow · 02-16-2009, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slider2828

Yes I have used both HPS and HP+. Hey call me..... I think the late Feb I will go.... You? Hope it rains it should be fun in the rain LOL!!!

What's a good time?? I'll be there. Yeah it was raining the last time. Dumb me was drifting too much didn't try to do one good time... D=

Quote:

Originally Posted by slider2828

Ferodo's and Axxis is NOT rotor friendly... Wouldn't go at it ever on a street car... HP+ I ran it and very rotor friendly. Never had any problems with CS XDrill Slot rotors.... Probably most rotor friendly with really good breaking power. Not enough for my track events, but for most street autox and some track, HP+ is awesome! I needed Porterfields because I needed more breaking strength and less fade and RS4 are awesome! BUT NOT rotor friendly either. HP+ for 1000000% sure for most zilvians....

Yup yup.
Now I have heard that EBC red are like Porterfield pads but nicer on rotors.

ZX88 · 02-16-2009, 06:54 AM

ive never had a problem with these. i thought they were moderately nice for there price.

sils15 · 02-16-2009, 08:06 AM

I have stock calipers front and rear with Russell ss lines all around,z32 bmc,also used powerslot rotors F&R on all my brake jobs to. and as for pads ive tried axxis utl,hawks hps,and ebc redstuff 3000 in that order.

from my Experience the axxis out performs the hps by braking and longevity but the redstuff diff outperforms all of the above and i drive my car hard 75% of the time, im due for another brake job as we speak and im going with the same setup again.

02-14-2009, 08:03 PM	#1
Gnnr Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: S. FL Posts: 3,960 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hawk HPS pads garbage I've been driving my car with these pads (Hawk HPS all around) for a couple of months now and I'm not impressed. The initial bite is sub par and the brake fade gets bad if you ride the brakes even a little when coming to a slowdown. I'm using Brembo blanks and Falken Azenis ST115 tires all around. I don't think they're the problem. The brake line was flushed and lines bleed. The ceramic brakes I put on the family Altima does better than these pads, and they're just the Advance Auto generic brand. The Hawks are just "ok" pads. For the money I paid I was expecting much more. I just wanted something more aggressive for the street (car is not tracked) and better than the last generic pads I had. This is my daily auto S14 with no ABS. I'll be replacing these with something else as soon as I have the chance, any suggestions? __________________

02-14-2009, 08:25 PM	#5
Gnnr Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: S. FL Posts: 3,960 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I dunno. Its just that bite doesn't seem to be there. I feel that I dominate threshold braking well and don't abuse the brakes. What I mean by riding is, like if I'm coming to a stop the earlier I start to brake it seems to heat up quickly and start to fade. I didn't have this with the last generic pads I had. Like I said, in my head I'm trying to think if it could be something else because of the good reviews the pads had. But I don't think its the rotors or tires. I'll try to analyze it better this week while I'm driving. Could it be because of alignment? __________________

02-14-2009, 11:19 PM	#7
simplistek Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 463 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	i never had a problem with my hawk HPS at buttonwillow. they didnt even fade until the very end of the run session. and that track is known to kill brakes due to how heavy you have to brake. but i love my endless pads right now. they bite hard as hell. __________________ v e r t e x - u s a . c o m

02-15-2009, 12:49 AM	#10
DreamN Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SoCal - 818 Age: 40 Posts: 10,692 Trader Rating: (54) Rides Gallery: DreamN Feedback Score: 54 reviews	My setup: Front - S15 30 mm Calipers, HPS Pads, Brembo Blanks, SPL SS Lines Rear - R33 Calipers, HPS Pads, Brembo Blanks, SPL SS Lines, and Project Mu Shoes I also have a Z32 BMC and brake booster. Love my brakes. Tracked it a couple times and throughout the day I always felt my braking just get better and better. Daily the car as well and my setup has definitely saved me from a few close calls. __________________ - Jimmy Wanted: TBD For Sale: TBD

02-15-2009, 01:34 AM	#11
slider2828 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 6,040 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	hp+ ARE definitely better > than R4 or R4s on the street. On the track R4 > HP+.... HP+ > RS4 for autox.... You pick.... from experiece. __________________ Turn and Burn!

02-14-2009, 08:09 PM	#2
flip3d Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL Age: 37 Posts: 1,473 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Wow. For reals? Try the EBC Green Stuff pads if you don't like the Hawk.

02-14-2009, 08:10 PM	#3
ixfxi Guest Posts: n/a	I never had any problems with them, they're great. Im running a set on my Miatae. Prior to that I've run Axxis metallics, which are also good for the dollar. I see the HPS as a (small) step above the axxis. Maybe you're just too heavy on your brakes. If thats the case, either you need to change OR you need to upgrade. You chose. Brakes should tailor your driving style.

02-14-2009, 11:11 PM	#6
OptionZero Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Norcal Age: 41 Posts: 6,263 Trader Rating: (2) Rides Gallery: OptionZero Feedback Score: 2 reviews	fuck all Porterfield R4-S for daily/track mixed R4 for pure track affordable and quality

02-15-2009, 12:41 AM	#9
Pacman Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Ohio Age: 37 Posts: 1,149 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I don't mind the Hawk pads. I had Greenstuff and they ate my rotors alive! Good pads though. I never used the Porterfields, I wanna try them. The HPS on my car have been gently. I'm running Brembo Blanks, HPS front, Carquest special in the rear, and Goodridge lines on all four corners. How about the lines being worn and flexing? I need to flush my system out. I'm ABS as well.

02-15-2009, 11:02 AM	#14
slider2828 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 6,040 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	Yes I have used both HPS and HP+. Hey call me..... I think the late Feb I will go.... You? Hope it rains it should be fun in the rain LOL!!! __________________ Turn and Burn!

02-15-2009, 11:10 AM	#15
bigOdom1 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Auburn/Birmingham AL Age: 41 Posts: 1,817 Trader Rating: (4) Rides Gallery: bigOdom1 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	only pads i have ever run are hp+ (front z32 rear s14). they are great autox pads and for street driving they need some heat to bite well, the hp+ have scared me a lil on a cold morning when they are not warm enough, but after they warm up they are great. on a track day the end of a session saw the fluid overheat but i think the pads were just fine. __________________ my car domain that good review thread

02-15-2009, 02:11 PM	#17
ronmcdon Post Whore! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: beverly hills Age: 90 Posts: 4,260 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	I'm currently using the HP+ on my S14 daily (R32 GTR calipers f&R, oem blanks all-around, spl brake lines). Also have used them on my EG civic for hpde duty/daily. Overall I couldn't be happier with the bite. It might be a little noisy at times, but its a great dual purpose pad. It might also create more brake dust, but thats not something I notice since i never wash my car anyways. It gives good feedback on the street & track driving alike, safe (it might not perform to best capabilities the first few mins of driving, but by no stretch a hazard either), and last a reasonable amount of time. I replace them every 8-20k mi, depending on track abuse and car. On the track, it performs well and holds consistent on 30 min hpde runs in my experience. Typically a set of F&R runs $200ish more or less, so they're a fair deal imo. I've also had good general experience with Axis/PBR Ultimates as a dual purpose pad on my old crx. Feedback isn't as good as I would like, but overall its a solid pad for cheap. For a daily that you don't track, I would suggest them. Will be trying the ferodildo 2500's next on my evo x. Also seems like a good dual purpose pad. Wanted to try a new pad, and couldn't find the rear hawk pads for that application.

02-15-2009, 03:48 PM	#18
VG30Drift Zilvia Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca Age: 36 Posts: 159 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I'm experiencing the same problem with the HPS pads on my Z32. I'm using brembo blanks slotted and drilled... They seem to work much better after you've warmed them up a bit. When cold, the initial bite is there but it fades away almost instantaneously. __________________ '94 NA Z----------------'90 S13 Base Coupe

02-15-2009, 05:35 PM	#20
ronmcdon Post Whore! Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: beverly hills Age: 90 Posts: 4,260 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Unless you drive 10/10 straight out of your driveway, and need absolutely all the feedback and stopping power you can muster, I really doubt the HP+ needs to be warmed up at all. I literally live 2 blocks next to Mulholland canyons in socal. I drive my car fairly hard when there's no traffic. never have I once felt even the most remote concern that the pads were not up to temps. any difference at all might be negligible, if not psychological. I suppose if you lived in someplace with freezing climates, things might be different, but I can't see that playing a factor if you live in south FL. best thing to do would be to find someone who has those pads, and try them out yourself. some things are best evaluated when experienced directly. internet opinions can only tell you so much. The Ferodo 2500's might be your safest bet if you're really concerned with rotor wear (haven't noticed that being a problem either with my HP+). You have to figure all pads have to make some compromises somewhere.

02-16-2009, 01:15 AM	#21
slider2828 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 6,040 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	Ferodo's and Axxis is NOT rotor friendly... Wouldn't go at it ever on a street car... HP+ I ran it and very rotor friendly. Never had any problems with CS XDrill Slot rotors.... Probably most rotor friendly with really good breaking power. Not enough for my track events, but for most street autox and some track, HP+ is awesome! I needed Porterfields because I needed more breaking strength and less fade and RS4 are awesome! BUT NOT rotor friendly either. HP+ for 1000000% sure for most zilvians.... __________________ Turn and Burn!

02-16-2009, 06:54 AM	#23
ZX88 Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: ATX Age: 36 Posts: 2,946 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	ive never had a problem with these. i thought they were moderately nice for there price.

02-16-2009, 08:06 AM	#24
sils15 Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: MD Posts: 243 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	I have stock calipers front and rear with Russell ss lines all around,z32 bmc,also used powerslot rotors F&R on all my brake jobs to. and as for pads ive tried axxis utl,hawks hps,and ebc redstuff 3000 in that order. from my Experience the axxis out performs the hps by braking and longevity but the redstuff diff outperforms all of the above and i drive my car hard 75% of the time, im due for another brake job as we speak and im going with the same setup again.