It's been a long time since I participated here. I did a search for my question on this thread but couldn't find a dedicated thread. I apologize if this is an often repeated topic but do appreciate advise as I will be changing my brake pads and rotors on my TL Type S in a near future.


I purchased HPS Ceramic brake pads from Hawke about 3 years ago for my 2007 Acura TL Type S. Overall I feel they are a good pad. They produce very little dust and have lasted a long time. I don’t think they stop as good as the stock Brembos on the car however and my rotors shake a bit when braking at high speeds MY Acura dealer told me the Hawke pads warped my rotors b/c they are much harder than the Brembos. Not sure if I believe this or not.


In any event, I am getting ready to change my brake pads and rotors. I notice Hawke has many different versions of their Street Ceramic pads ranging from $80/pr to $130/pr but offer no explanations of the differences. Any ideas?



Should I go with new stock Brembo rotors or is there a better option? I was kinda hoping to get a slotted rotor for better performance and cosmetics.

I appreciate your advice.


I prefer not to go back to the Brembo pads b/c they dust like mad and only last about 20k miles.

 

slotted and drilled rotors offer very little performance, in fact a blank rotor would be your best bet!
unless you like the look of the slotted and or drilled rotors...


drilled rotors tend to crack because of the holes that are drilled in close proximity of each other, taking away surface material.
I like the look of a slotted rotor and run a slotted rotor with a ceramic pad up front paired with the brembo caliper.
personally, I couldnt tell a difference between the initial bites of the brembo pad vs the ceramic pad on the street, daily driving.

I however, did notice a stopping distance improvement when I switched to a strict summer tire. better grip, better traction = shorter distances!

 

basically, depends on you and your budget.

 

I personally recommend going with OEM pads and rotors. On a previous Type S I tried non-oem stuff and was never happy with them. Not only did they just not have the bite that the oem's had, but rotors eventually warped as well. I have never once experienced any warping of any sort using oem rotors. The only downside to the oem pads is dusting, but I'm totally fine with that for great stopping power.
My vote goes to oem parts all day long. I won't make that mistake again!!

 

wow guys you confirmed my suspicions. I guess I will bite the bullet, stick with stock and just change the Brembos every 20k miles. I really miss their stopping power that I just don't get with the Hawke pads.

Are the stock rotors Brembo? I can't tell since they aren't marked.

Any recommended places to buy the Pads and rotors cheaper than Acura?

 

i personally have been installing autozone duralast cmax gold rotors and pads on my friends rides.
it's been great and my friends enjoy the pricing.

 

Stoptech pads and rotors. I can't notice a difference from oem and they have much less dust. I go about 50k on my brakes before replacing. Have yet to change the rears and I'm at 76k.