Hello all,
I'm looking for new pads for the front (non-Brembo) of my Z. It's a street car, and my biggest complaint of the pads on there now (factory) is the dust. The wheels get all mucked up in just days. I'm curious about the EBC "greenstuff" pads, which claim super low dust, and are cheap. But then, most of the aftermarket pads claim less dust. Any one have actual experience with these pads or others? what of the Nismo pads. Thanks.

 

I have installed the Hawk HPS pads in the front, and it has DRAMATICALLY cut down on my brake dust. Stopping power is about the same, if not a little better, and they were pretty cheap as well. I'd recommend them.

 

I've been watching this subject too - - others have said stay away from "greenstuff" and go with the Hawk HPS - - that's probably the route I'm going to take - - - Nismo's for non-Brembo would run about $220

 

Hawk HPS pads are GREAT. Look at raceshopper.com Got mine from them 4 months ago for $56 + $9 s/h.

 

I checked out tire rack - HPS fronts $61 - HPS rears $55

 

i've got the nismo's on mine all the way around..

NO dust whatsoever... stopping power i guess is about the same...

performance nissan has the best prices on them....

 

quick reply from raceshopper.com - -
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the interest!

2003 Nissan 350Z (non-teack model)
HB 268 (front) HPS $56/set
HB 370 (rear) HPS $53/set

For ordering, or for more information, you can reach me directly at: 800-733-8380.

Best Regards,
Edwin Robinson.

http://www.RaceShopper.com
1-800-733-8380

 

Thx all for the input...

I've done some more reading through these boards on the topic, and most of you guys seem to like the Hawk HPS, but as many people say they squeal alot.

That would drive me nuts, regardless of the lack of dust.

Anyone else have experience with the Nismos... I like FB-350's comment on "no dust whatsoever," and don't mind spending the extra dough if they don't squeal.

How does climate affect squealing? I live in hot and humid FL, anyone in a similar climate have any input?

How about the longevity of both...
Many thanks...
Nick

 

I have Hawks HPS and they don't and have never squealed since I put them on. As for the dust...less than the rear pads.

 

My vote is for the Hawk HPS's too. I've been using them on my weekday racer, a 580 Rwhp Mustang 5.0, awesome feel, low dust and NO squeal. I'll be ripping out the Z's OEM pads real soon and replacing them with the Hawk's. What were they thinking with this compound???

 

Originally posted by c_ronius

How does climate affect squealing? I live in hot and humid FL, anyone in a similar climate have any input?

Hey Nick,
I'm in Tampa too - New Tampa - - I'm really leaning towards the Hawks too, I've still got life in my oem pads (18,000 miles) but considering making the switch soon. What dealer did you buy from and what model Z do you have? I bought my CS Perfromance from Ferman a little over a year ago, daily driver down I4 to work in Lakeland - nose mask has done a decent job at reducing chips - - enjoy that Z

Steve

 

Hey Steve,
Bought the car used from an individual in NY, flew up and drove it home last month. Originally from Smithtown Nissan, SS Performance model. Nice to hear from someone here in Tampa. Do you still use Ferman for service? I've heard some bad stories about them. Nick.

 

I do take both my Z and wifes Murano to Ferman for service, I'm just very careful about what I have them do - I decided against doing the window grease TSB after they scrapped both front wheels doing the cupping TSB - they did make it right, at first they wanted me to let their body shop paint them, I told them no way and finally got them powdercoated. I'm trying to build a relationship with their parts and service - - I ended up getting my Nismo exhaust from them for $825 - great price, I was happy.

Cya,
Steve

 

as long as you bed the pads in properly... they don't squeel. Hawk are great pads for the money!

 

Thx all...I think I'll go with the Hawks.

 

I thought Nismo Brake Pads were made by Hawk?

I also have a Hawk Brake HPS Pads all around. I had Front one installed about 5 days ago & rear one installed just yesterday along with 4 new cross drilled rotors. I have not had any squeels yet.

Also, I had Satisfied Ceremic Pads before and it was a very good pad. The only thing was that it sqeeled a little in the morning when it was cold but I found out that it wasn't the pads. I think it had to do with my old rotors. I did not turn the rotors when I installed Satisfied Ceremic Pad . My car had about 11K so my stock pads ate up my rotors a little. I should have turned the rotors when I installed the Satisfied pads.

I actually gave my Satisfied Ceremic Pads to my friend who just purchase 2004 Roadster few of month ago. The pad was almost new so I filed the pad a little and helped him install it. He did not have to turn the rotors on his car since his car is fairly new and the rotors were in good shape. As of yesterday, my friend said that the brakes are great and he has not had any squeels yet.

As for the price,

Satisfied Ceremic Pads: about $55+ shipping from Tirerack.com

Hawk HPS Pads: $61 + Tax from Pepboys.

As for Performance,

Hawk pads definitely has more bite than a stock pads.

Satisfied pads seems have little better bite than stock a pads.

The are both great pads

They both create VERY VERY LOW DUST/ALMOST NO DUST, although I think Hawk Pads create MORE dust than Satisfied Ceremic Pads.

I RECOMEND BOTH PADS.

My Opinion Only!!!!!!










.

I recommend both pads.

 

I have the Hawks HPS pad too, I love it the way it doesn't creating dust, but it does squeal like crazy!! especially at low speed stopping (5-15mph). I even cut the rotor and beded the brakes, but it still squeak. I think it has a lot to do with the weather temp as well. Any place that will go below around the 60 degrees, it will definitely squeak. It is very annoying, and embarassing as well. I'm going to wait until the weather gets better over here in Dallas area, and see if the pad will still squeak like crazy. If not, I might have to find another solutions.

 

Same here. I got mine for $118 for all 4 shipped.

 

NISMO=Hawks

 

Well, its been getting into the high 20 degrees here and I have no squeeks from my HPS. Sounds like they were not bedded properly, or installed properly.

When I installed the pads, I re-used the metal shims that were on the stock pads, and also sprayed a rubberized "stop squeel" on the back of those plates (as you should with just about ALL brake pads) ... installed them, and drove around the neighborhood doing several 30mph -> 5mph stops. After that I did several 45mph -> 5mph stops (don't stop completly). This was as per the Hawk installation sheet that came with the pads.