On a '04 Mini S, I don't any tracking with the car, why would anyone want to go with the standard compound Hawk HPS vs ceramic pads other than cost?

 

I haven't found anyone who has actually run BOTH of these compounds on the same MINI to be able to accurately compare them...

But my impression of the "common knowledge" about them is that the HPS pads may have a *little* more "bite" than the ceramics, at the cost of a *little* more dust. The ceramics may have a *little* more fade resistance than the HPS... but this is very subjective. I know folks with HPS that LOVE how little dust they make and don't think they fade at all. I know folks with ceramics who think they have great bite for a street pad... seems that, in reality, on a MINI, the pad characteristics are quite close...

 

According to tire rack the performance rating differences in the 2...

The HPS get 4 of 5 stars on stopping power & the ceramic only get 3 of 5.

The ceramics get 4 of 5 stars in low noise & low dust & the HPS only gets 3.

That said I have HPS & they stop almost as good as the OEM pads, they dust less in one week as the OEM pads do in one day, & I have zero noise. I can't speak to ceramic as I have never had those

 

I can't compare but agree with what has been said.

I have the ceramic and they seem very close to stock. I had read the HPS should stop better than stock.
But I only do street driving so stock stopping and feel are great for me.

The dust with ceramic is just a fraction of what stock pads produce. I am very happy with that aspect.

Probably can't go wrong with either.

 

Like I said.

 

I give my Hawk ceramics 5 stars for stopping. 10 stars for very little brake dust.

Haven't used the HPS Hawks.

 

I'm gonna try Carbotech Bobcat's next time. Just because... I've been quite happy with my Hawk Ceramics - but would love something with more bite that's nearly as clean...

 

Give us a review once you have some time on them. Better bite & still clean. Win, win.

 

The hawk HPS do not have the initial bite that the OEM's do. They are not better than OEM & I never understand why people say they are. They are close to being as good but not 100%. The reason the OEM's dust so much is because they stop so great so I don't think you will ever find a low dusting pad that stops as good as OEM

 

IMO the Hawk ceramics do. But we all know about opinions.

 

Yeah - frankly I didn't run the OEM pads long enough to vividly remember how they worked... but I don't THINK my ceramics have the same initial bite - but the ceramics have good modulation and are plenty capable of stopping the car (and engaging ABS) when you really get on them...

 

I had the stock pads on for about 7-10k miles and noticed a dramatic increase in stopping power (and fade resistance) when I installed the HPS.

 

I run the ceramics for my street pads on my MCS, in my opinion (for what it's worth), they have bit LESS bite than OEM, but they still stop my car just fine. They make zero noise and pretty much no noticeable dust. I really liked the OEM pads, other than the dust, they seemed to be a very capable street pad. None of these pads I mentioned can stop anything like the Hawk HP+ pads though, it's just the dust and noise that keep me from running these as a daily driver pad.

Jason

 

guy,s I've searched a lot and did not get a clear answer and image. I'm going to run Hawk ceramics for front and rear. So please help answering my questions:
1- Do the rear ceramic pads have wear sensor slot?
2- If they do not, how do I deal with the sensor? If I take it out disconnected would the dash light come on?

 

Check with tirerack.com but I don't think they do have that sensor slot for the Ceramic pads-
From tirerack.com on brake pads for the MINI
Rear Fitment Note: Rear brake pads. **Backing plate does not have a groove for models with an electronic wear sensor. The pad will fit but the sensor can not be used.**


see
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r+brake+sensor
post #11 for dealing with the sensor.

 

minihune, it's really helpful. Now I understand how it works

 

The Hawk ceramics do not have a place for the sensor on the rear pads. I just used a couple of zip ties & bundled the sensor out of the way. If you remove the sensor you will get a brake warning light. That's why I just bundled them out of the way.

 

Crash, thanks for the confirmation. The front ones have a place for the sensor???

 

Finally guys, do you think I shoud consider changing the brake lines to stainless steel?? What are the advantages??

 

Advantages of SS lines: Under very agressive use, rubber lines can get soft and expand a bit when you apply heavy pressure. This can make brake pedal feel a bit spongy. It's more of a feel mod than a performance mod.

 

Yes the front pads have a place for the sensor.

I'm a believer in stainless lines. IMO they give a firmer peddle making it easier to modulate the brakes. Like has been said, it's about feel.

I would also recommend you replace the rubber caliper bushings with metal ones. Again for better feel.

http://www.detroittuned.com/products...20061112192217

While you are at it flush out the old brake fluid & put some ATE blue in.

Good luck with your brake job.

 

Hmm, ceramic or HPS. Anybody got a coin?

 

Regarding the SS lines, it kind of depends. On some cars you don't notice any difference at all - especially since the car is fairly new. I've read a few posts here where people said they felt no difference in switching to the SS lines. The stock lines will last a long time. If you were seriously tracking the car, then I'd say go for it.

 

hmmm, I'm not tracking the car at all, just street racing. My car is fairly new. I guess I'll save that mod for later

 

Marwan- Go with the braided line, easy to do (a little messy) and it solves "feel" issue, upgrading to any fluid over DOT3/4 is an improvement. Start with one of the less expensive one's. The fluid also decreases the amount of moisture that will build up in your lines. The higher boiling temp's probably not an issue for you even though it's HOT over there.