I just put a set of Hawk HPS brake pads on my '97 Integra. These were installed simultaneously with new Brembo blank rotors and new Accord V6 calipers. (These are essentially the same brakes as the ITR. The details are here.

I have bedded these pads using the StopTech method for street performance pads. The problem that I am having is that the front brakes are making a swishing sound as I drive. (This sound is constant, not periodic.) It seems like the pads are lightly touching the rotors. Of course, the rotors still have that new, record-groove appearance. Is this a normal occurance?

The pads also squeal slightly after brake release, but I am not as concerned about that.

 

From what your describing, it sounds normal to me. I would just check and make sure nothing is causing an interference with each other. IE rotor rubbing on caliper.

 

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure what exactly Hawk meant by "low noise". My calipers were machined to have the proper offset with those rotors and the splash guards were removed.

The brakes feel fine, and there isn't any noticeable drag when coasting.

Will this swishing subside as the rotors wear a bit, i.e. the record grooves are removed?

 

My HPS's started to make some noise at creeping speed. I took the pads out, used compressed air on everything, then put em back on. Seems to have made the noise go away.

 

Swishing and squealing??? Did you buy the gay or straight pads?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 00R101 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Swishing and squealing??? Did you buy the gay or straight pads?</TD></TR></TABLE>

You mean they don't normally come in a fuchsia box with iridescent accents?

 

You mean you don't like your girlfriend knowing that you have mAd tIgHt bRaKes Yo!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by fireant &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My HPS's started to make some noise at creeping speed. I took the pads out, used compressed air on everything, then put em back on. Seems to have made the noise go away.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Was your noise a squeal or a swish?

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crazydave &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You mean you don't like your girlfriend knowing that you have mAd tIgHt bRaKes Yo!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Just don't let my wife know.

 

swish,..

are you able to freely turn the rotors by hand, or does it have resistance?

the squeling you may have to deal with, or try installing shims.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Crazydave &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">swish,..

are you able to freely turn the rotors by hand, or does it have resistance?

the squeling you may have to deal with, or try installing shims.</TD></TR></TABLE>

There is no mechanical interference, as the rotors turn freely by hand when the wheels are mounted. I personally think that it is a combination of the asperities on the new pads and the new rotors that are lightly contacting and making the swishing sound. I just have no experience with these particular pads and need to know if this characteristic is normal.

The squeal is minor and typically only occurs after releasing the brakes and slowly rolling. Some caliper grease on the pad shims will most likely address that issue.

 

Mine also make this sound. Normal. Just wait till you see their "Low dust (yeah, right)" pad in action...Good stopping power once you get on it.

But unless you have ABS, you'll need to be very careful when you get into slower speeds...they'll lock up pretty easily.

Nice upgrade.