Hawk HPS pads Pulling Right.

[pitts64]

I just installed a set of Hawk HPS pads on my 3 month old NAPA D-52 calipers. The hoses are also 3 months old. I had the rotors cleaned up at the machine shop.. I broke in the pads like the directions said.. I also bled the system..

I'm getting a pulling to the right under moderate braking. It stops straight under aggressive braking.. I have about 20 miles on the pads now..

My car did'nt pull to the right with the less aggressive NAPA pads I just replaced..

Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Jeff

[pitts64]

I just tried switching the outer pads, didn't work.. Still favors the right under light/moderate braking..

I ordered new a new left caliper and hose from NAPA. I'm thinking about scrapping the reman calipers all together and trying the Wilwood D-52s that Kore3 sells..

[6'9"Witha69]

If it is going right it means that caliper (right) is getting hit faster than the left. It can usually be a sign of a sticking piston (perhaps cocked at an angle during comperession to replace the pads) or a sticky pin, causing the outer pad to not fully disengage and that side hitting harder/faster. It could also be that the left caliper has air in the line. Not much at all, but some, and so increased brakie force is being applied to the right caliper. These conditions may not be noticed with parts store replacement quality pads, but with grippier pads it will definitely expose the condition.

[Apogee]

The HPS pads have a CoF similar to most off-the-shelf semi-metallics with an "FF" friction rating, so they're not what I would consider all that aggressive. That said, if they are "grippier" as Nick pointed out, they will potentially make any other conditions you have happening more noticeable. If it is indeed the brakes, a pull to the right is usually the result of the left front caliper not applying equally with the right front. Make sure the calipers slide freely on the pins and if you have a caliper pressure guage kit (or access to one), that could rule out a hydraulic issue.

My first thought reading your post was that either the left front rotor/pad set didn't bed in properly (grease or oil on the rotor?) and/or your alignment is off and/or steering components worn. The pull you're describing could be a lot of things though, so your best bet is to start ruling out the easy stuff first one by one.

Tobin
KORE3

[pitts64]

I tried everything and they still pull, I'm going to replace both calipers..

[pitts64]

I pulled everything apart again and noticed the hawk outer pads holes were on the low side.. I elongated the holes and that was the trouble.. The one caliper was hanging up once it got hot. I would move when cold but when hot it binded...

Hawk D-52 pads need the holes in the outer pad elongated...

With the outer pads, I was wondering if anybody ever bonded those little tabs to the caliper with a little tack from a welder? It would hold the pad in place...

[MonzaRacer]

No but if you place a cold chisel between the rotor hub and the bottom of the caliper, then use another blunt chisel and beat the tabs down to hold them a little tighter/snug.
Also dont forget to put some silicone brake lube on the metal backing between the pads and calipers inside and outside, like on piston side and caliper side, NOT on the pad side(seen this working at AutoZone!) it helps alleviate squeal.

[pitts64]

Thanks for the tip Lee...

[wmhjr]

Also dont forget to put some silicone brake lube on the metal backing between the pads and calipers inside and outside, like on piston side and caliper side, NOT on the pad side(seen this working at AutoZone!) it helps alleviate squeal.

Well, you'd have to admit, putting the lube on the pad side would certainly cut down on brake squeal - at least the squeal from the brakes :)