Brake Pads

ScottG wrote:

Charlie D. wrote:
I like my OEM brake pads.:)

Something like the Hawks would change your mind during the first panic stop.

See Turtle N Peeps post above this one.

As with most things in life; brakes are a trade-off.

Want something that can take a lot of heat? They won't preform very well when cold.

Want pads that lasts a long time? They just don't preform well as those that don't.

Want drilled and slotted rotors? They just won't hold as many BTU's as solid disks.

It's all a trade-off and most OEM's get it correct out of the box. My BMW says run only OEM pads for a reason. And believe me, they got it correct along with most OEM's.


BTW if you need slotted and drilled rotors for a TV for outgassing, you are doing something seriously wrong when you are towing. Outgassing is really no longer a problem anyway now days.

In short, it's really hard to beat OEM brakes in most cases.

ScottG wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Hawk Super Duty

Great pad - I used the green compound and it gives a nice improvement in how well the brakes grab with a load .
They do make a bit more dust but there is always a trade off with performance pads and it isn't that bad.

Those are the pads I have on my Tundra and don't care for them, too much brake dust for me. In fact, it's the worst pad I've ever owned in terms of dust. Others might have different results. Probably going back to an OEM Toyota pad when I replace.

ACZL wrote:
Another vote for Hawk pads. Last spring I installed Hawk LTS Light Truck & SUV (semi-met) pads and SP Perf Slotted rotors on my then '03 F250. Was VERY happy with them, but sadly I couldn't make full use of them as I got rid of the truck later in the year. Like the idea of the slotted rotors to get rid of heat build up and pads were very impressive. Had no issue towing our 5er with 'em.

Aint that the way it always is, make something nice so someone else can enjoy it!

Another vote for Hawk pads. Last spring I installed Hawk LTS Light Truck & SUV (semi-met) pads and SP Perf Slotted rotors on my then '03 F250. Was VERY happy with them, but sadly I couldn't make full use of them as I got rid of the truck later in the year. Like the idea of the slotted rotors to get rid of heat build up and pads were very impressive. Had no issue towing our 5er with 'em.

I had Hawk pads with power slot rotors on my old Avalanche 2500.
Night and day difference from the stock set-up.

On the negative side - I have never seen such poor metallergy in brakes lately. Yes - OEM brake components were frequently made with less-refined metals but this is the 1st vehicle that I had to air chisel the pads off the caliper. Maybe it's the salt on these Chicago roads that causes it, maybe it's the new "beet juice" formulas they now put on the roads - whatever it is the OEM stuff doesn't seem to hold up anymore. Thanks for all the good brake stories and recommendations.

I also put Hawk SD pads on my 3500 with EBC rotors.

Charlie D. wrote:
I like my OEM brake pads.:)

Something like the Hawks would change your mind during the first panic stop.

I like my OEM brake pads.:)