Hawk ceramic pads - the answer? Where can I find some?
#1
![NC](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/nc.jpg)
When I first got my 8, the brakes were squealing. Found out it was a common problem and there was even a service bulletin put out on the issue that someone kindly posted for me. The pads on the car had previously been replaced twice, first with inexpensive ceramic pads and then later with more expensive pads in an apparent effort to correct the squealing brakes. Well, even though the pads were almost new, I ordered the kit that the service bulletin called for, from Mazda, and had them installed per the service bulletin and the rotors were machined. Within 3 days, they were squealing again and my wife and daughter won't get off my back about it.
Several people here have said they swear by Hawk Ceramic brake pads as far as no squeal and reduced dust. Are they almost certain to fix the problem? Where is the best place to get some and are there different options/price levels for them or is there just 1 set that fits the 8? How much money am I looking at? And is there anything else I need to buy to go with them (other than clear corners, body kits, painted calipers, etc? LOL)?
Several people here have said they swear by Hawk Ceramic brake pads as far as no squeal and reduced dust. Are they almost certain to fix the problem? Where is the best place to get some and are there different options/price levels for them or is there just 1 set that fits the 8? How much money am I looking at? And is there anything else I need to buy to go with them (other than clear corners, body kits, painted calipers, etc? LOL)?
#3
Okay, thanks, found them. Now, is there anything I need to buy in addition when changing pads? I've changed my own pads years ago but I can't remember exactly how I went about it. I assume I need some sort of tool for it? Any tips on changing the pads out?
#4
went back to srsly broke
iTrader: (2)
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...nting+calipers
That's for painting your calipers, and has step by step instructions. You'll run pretty much the same steps just to get to your pads.
#5
Huge hole is huge
The only think you'll need to remember is get the tool to "Screw" the caliper back into place. I think the fronts push in and the rears screw in. At least, that's how m RX-7's were.
#6
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
Never fear, Jedi is here!
Answers to your questions
1. Yes, they will most likely solve the sqeaking problem. I did the same as you, went through two of the OEM pads (as instructed by TSB) but the sqeaking always came back. My Hawk Ceramics = no sqeak
2. I know a few local guys have purchased these directly from Charles R. Hill
Send him a PM, he'll take care of you.
3. Just one size for our cars
4. MSRP for those pads puts you near $200 but I know CRH's prices are below MSRP
5. Nothing else needed with them but if you're doing the swap yourself, look at the DIY.
Are they almost certain to fix the problem? Where is the best place to get some and are there different options/price levels for them or is there just 1 set that fits the 8? How much money am I looking at? And is there anything else I need to buy to go with them (other than clear corners, body kits, painted calipers, etc? LOL)?
1. Yes, they will most likely solve the sqeaking problem. I did the same as you, went through two of the OEM pads (as instructed by TSB) but the sqeaking always came back. My Hawk Ceramics = no sqeak
2. I know a few local guys have purchased these directly from Charles R. Hill
Send him a PM, he'll take care of you.
3. Just one size for our cars
4. MSRP for those pads puts you near $200 but I know CRH's prices are below MSRP
5. Nothing else needed with them but if you're doing the swap yourself, look at the DIY.
#8
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
we're rested from the weekend, had this been posted on a Friday...
![FIREdevil](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/FIREdevil.gif)
#10
As for searching, I have been doing that and have found some info - still reading. So, rather than anyone losing their mind, just know I am searching for the how-to and just move on if this post annoys you.
#11
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
I was referring to total price.
I pulled the figures from www.racingbrake.com, they have an 'msrp' listed. (which we all know is too high) I usually try to give people 'worst case scenario' pricing
I pulled the figures from www.racingbrake.com, they have an 'msrp' listed. (which we all know is too high) I usually try to give people 'worst case scenario' pricing
Last edited by Jedi54; 06-29-2009 at 05:16 PM.
#12
went back to srsly broke
iTrader: (2)
For your benefit:
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-how-change-your-rear-brake-pads-172382/
I usually bookmark any DIY that I would use once I find them.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/diy-how-change-your-rear-brake-pads-172382/
I usually bookmark any DIY that I would use once I find them.
#13
Registered Zoom Zoomer
iTrader: (2)
Concur. Since I switched to properly bed-in Hawk Ceramic pads (and Racing Brake Sport rotors), with dabs of copper grease in all the right contact places, nary a squeal. And I've since really tried to elicit some noise, and brake dust for that matter, to no avail. ![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Never fear, Jedi is here!
Answers to your questions
1. Yes, they will most likely solve the sqeaking problem. I did the same as you, went through two of the OEM pads (as instructed by TSB) but the sqeaking always came back. My Hawk Ceramics = no sqeak
2. I know a few local guys have purchased these directly from Charles R. Hill
Send him a PM, he'll take care of you.
3. Just one size for our cars
4. MSRP for those pads puts you near $200 but I know CRH's prices are below MSRP
5. Nothing else needed with them but if you're doing the swap yourself, look at the DIY.
Answers to your questions
1. Yes, they will most likely solve the sqeaking problem. I did the same as you, went through two of the OEM pads (as instructed by TSB) but the sqeaking always came back. My Hawk Ceramics = no sqeak
2. I know a few local guys have purchased these directly from Charles R. Hill
Send him a PM, he'll take care of you.
3. Just one size for our cars
4. MSRP for those pads puts you near $200 but I know CRH's prices are below MSRP
5. Nothing else needed with them but if you're doing the swap yourself, look at the DIY.
#14
Okay, just to make sure I'm ordering the right thing, are these what I'm looking for:
http://www.fluidmotorsports.com/popu.../large/340.jpg
http://www.fluidmotorsports.com/popu.../large/340.jpg
#19
Ordered the pads from Fluid Motorsports this morning for $88 shipped and already got an email with a tracking number.
While I'm waiting for them to get here, I want to gather what I'll need to swap them out. Apparently I need a 17mm socket and/or wrench. What else do I need?
Once the caliper is disconnected, can the pads be removed and installed by hand or are tools needed?
There are only a couple hundred miles on the pads that are in there now, might I possibly get away without having to use a clamp to recess the piston?
I am not planning on removing the rotors and having them machined. Do I need to apply any cleaner or do anything else to them? Brakes are squealing even worse now so probably a lot of dust.
Do I need to buy some sort of anti-rattle grease or will the pads come with that? Or do I need need it (should already be some left on the shims)?
I don't have any jack stands and, of course, the car didn't come with a jack. I'm hoping to use the scissor jack that came with my Jeep Liberty or Dodge Ram pickup. Is there a recommended jack point on each side for the front wheels?
While I'm waiting for them to get here, I want to gather what I'll need to swap them out. Apparently I need a 17mm socket and/or wrench. What else do I need?
Once the caliper is disconnected, can the pads be removed and installed by hand or are tools needed?
There are only a couple hundred miles on the pads that are in there now, might I possibly get away without having to use a clamp to recess the piston?
I am not planning on removing the rotors and having them machined. Do I need to apply any cleaner or do anything else to them? Brakes are squealing even worse now so probably a lot of dust.
Do I need to buy some sort of anti-rattle grease or will the pads come with that? Or do I need need it (should already be some left on the shims)?
I don't have any jack stands and, of course, the car didn't come with a jack. I'm hoping to use the scissor jack that came with my Jeep Liberty or Dodge Ram pickup. Is there a recommended jack point on each side for the front wheels?
#20
went back to srsly broke
iTrader: (2)
If you have the owner's manual, it'll point out the locations best suited for a jack. It's pretty much on the side, right behind the front fender panel.
Your general brake/wheel cleaner will get rid of dust on the rotors. I don't think you need to get them machined yet.
Your general brake/wheel cleaner will get rid of dust on the rotors. I don't think you need to get them machined yet.
#21
Registered
iTrader: (5)
"I don't have any jack stands and, of course, the car didn't come with a jack"
I'm sure you have it in the trunk hidden in the secret compartment where you have to lift a black plastic part and you will find your jack stand......I thought I didnt have one either but you will find it there.......
I'm sure you have it in the trunk hidden in the secret compartment where you have to lift a black plastic part and you will find your jack stand......I thought I didnt have one either but you will find it there.......
#22
Registered Zoom Zoomer
iTrader: (2)
Check the very well done Brake replacement DIY's.
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=brake+DIY
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...=brake+pad+DIY
http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modif...x8_brakes.html
Get some jackstands. Never work off the jack alone!
Jack points in addition to sills:
http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modif...ackpoints.html
I'm sure you'll be as pleased as am I with the Hawk Ceramics.
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ight=brake+DIY
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...=brake+pad+DIY
http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modif...x8_brakes.html
Get some jackstands. Never work off the jack alone!
Jack points in addition to sills:
http://www.hi-impact.org/ryang/modif...ackpoints.html
I'm sure you'll be as pleased as am I with the Hawk Ceramics.
Last edited by Huey52; 06-30-2009 at 12:35 PM.
#23
Administrator
iTrader: (7)
NEVER work on a car without jack stands, it's just not worth the risk.
$25 at home depot: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100594522
$25 at home depot: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100594522
#24
Thanks