Originally Posted by
Ron Sutton
Woody,
If you change from the Hawk HP Plus pads to the Wilwood BP-10 Pads ... that may not solve your issue ... as the CF difference is small. If you need substantial more braking from a pad change, I'd suggest the E pads. But I would also look at other factors in your braking system first.
Not having "good pedal feel" is usually not a pad issue, but a pressure issue. Meaning you could be experiencing air in the lines, a failing master cylinder, Brake calipers with pistons way too small or a master cylinder with a piston(s) simply too big (which lowers brake line pressure).
I would seriously look into these areas & not just change pads. Braking is obviously important to safety (yours & everyone on the road around you) and performance.
If I were in your shoes, my questions would be:
1. Does the pedal feel spongy at first ... then get stiffer as you pump it up and/or use the brakes?
(Clear sign of air in the system)
2. Does the pedal feel spongy always?
(Could be air in lines, could have a miniscule air leak, could be a failing M/C ... or a combination of small pistons in the calipers & big piston(s) in the M/C.)
3. Is the pedal always firm/hard ... but it just doesn't stop well?
(Means the Coefficient of Friction (CF#) is weak/low "somewhere". Could be rotors glazed and/or brake pads glazed/burnt ... or simply too hard of a pad. This is the time to simply step up in brake pad CF ... like to the E-pad in your case.)
4. Are the brakes "good" initially ... then get worse (fade) with use?
(overheating the pads, rotor and/or brake fluid)
Don't be afraid to ask questions as you look into your car's brakes.