The pulsing on the highway is finally getting to me from the pad material build-up on my 07 TSX. I think this is the worst I have ever experienced in 15+ years of owning Hondas.

All I really want it OEM performance pads with no squealing, and not pulsing. I think the Hawk Ceramic pads (yellow box) will probably do the trick. So to my question, should I go with OEM replacement rotors or Brembo blanks? I don't need anything fancy, just something that works. For the rear pads, I think I am just going to keep what I have since I only notice the issue with the front ones.

I would appreciate any insight/suggestions.

Thanks,
Nick

 

You'd be fine with brembo blanks. There's huge debate about slotting/drilling etc., but most of us just need regular old blank rotors. I bought a set of centric blanks instead of the brembo's (for cosmetic reasons). The centrics have some black paint, what they call "ecoating," which prevents rust in the areas between where the pad meets the hub of the rotor. It doesn't last forever, but it looks pretty good for awhile.

 

I installed the Bremo blanks and Hawk Performance Ceramic pads today. Initially the stop was taking longer than I was expecting. After a few 30 to 15mph to break in the pads, it is better. It is still not the bite that I am expecting from Honda OEM pads. I only drove it around 5 miles. Will it continue to get better or is this it?

I also noticed on my old pads, the interior had a slight hump around 2 inches and the outer edge was lower. What kind of issue does this mean? It was on both of the interior pads.

 

One additional note in case it matters, the rotors still are showing the matte finish. It hasn't gone to that shiny smooth surface yet.

 

I went with Brembo blanks and Hawk HPS, and the change is wonderful. In my mind there's also one more very large deer and a high-mileage 06 TSX both still alive because of that change. Anyhow, take a look at the following test from Car & Driver:

http://blog.caranddriver.com/perform...c-yellowstuff/

 

Yeah I am not sure if it's just the Hawk Performance vs the Hawk High Performance or if it's just the rotor that needs to be worn in. I went with the Hawk Performance over the HP because I wanted no noise. I see Tire Rack rates them a 3/5 (the Performance line)...I would wonder what the OEMs would be rated. I do notice better braking, just that the distance seems to take longer over my old Acura OEMs (this could be in my head though). I'll continue to monitor and try them out this week in hopes everything works out.

 

Update: After using the pads for about two weeks, I have grown accustomed to them now. They don't have that initial bite like the OEMs but do slow the car down quicker.