Capital Driving Club Discussion Forum

I'm registered for the Test & Tune this Sunday (3/20). Last weekend I installed Hawk HP+ brake pads and they're squealing like crazy during low-speed braking right now. Everything's installed properly and pedal feel and braking is good, but I'm wondering: Is the squeal going to raise any red flags when I go through tech inspection?

I'd hate to drive all the way there only to fail tech inspection...

no, you will be fine.

People show up on track pads that are far louder than the HP+'s all the time...as Fred said....you'll be fine.

You will be fine ...

But did you try to properly bed the pads. That will help with stopping and usually noise.

I did a bed in as recommended by Hawk, but I still have some squealing when the pads get warm (about 1/2 way through my commute). It's slowly improving, but SO embarrassing in traffic.

I am proud of squeaky breaks It means my car goes to enough events and fast enough to need fancy pads.

If it really bugs you and doesn't go away, you can try adding anti-squeal to the face between the piston and the backing plate and the caliper mount and caliper itself. I have pictures somewhere on my HD if that isn't clear...

Kinickie wrote:I did a bed in as recommended by Hawk, but I still have some squealing when the pads get warm (about 1/2 way through my commute). It's slowly improving, but SO embarrassing in traffic.

The HP+ pads won't stop squealing, they're known for it. Also, the brakes on the JCW, at least 2009+, have a reputation to be noisy with anything other than the stock pads.

ACoopeR wrote:I am proud of squeaky breaks It means my car goes to enough events and fast enough to need fancy pads.

If it really bugs you and doesn't go away, you can try adding anti-squeal to the face between the piston and the backing plate and the caliper mount and caliper itself. I have pictures somewhere on my HD if that isn't clear...

When I did the install I coated the backs of the pads as well as the "ears" with the Gearhead Grease that was included with the pads, so I really think the noise is just related to the type of pad and not other NVH issues. I knew they would be noisy since they're more aggressive than street pads, but I guess I just wasn't expecting this much noise.

aronparsons wrote:Also, the brakes on the JCW, at least 2009+, have a reputation to be noisy with anything other than the stock pads.

I think all of the JCW brake kits are known for being noisy, but the newer ones do seem to be louder than the ones used on the R53.

I really appreciate everyone's quick responses. You've been very helpful, and hopefully I'll see a few of you on Sunday!

(I'll be the one in the squeaky MINI )

Kinickie wrote:

aronparsons wrote:Also, the brakes on the JCW, at least 2009+, have a reputation to be noisy with anything other than the stock pads.

I think all of the JCW brake kits are known for being noisy, but the newer ones do seem to be louder than the ones used on the R53.

I really appreciate everyone's quick responses. You've been very helpful, and hopefully I'll see a few of you on Sunday!

(I'll be the one in the squeaky MINI ;))

I don't know about the R53s being noisy, but I know my 09 JCW makes quite a bit of brake noise. Cleaning the dust out helps for a little while, but it's back rather quickly.

I'll be the one in the squeaky Lotus this weekend; I run HP+ pads on my car ;-)

Just ordered a set of HP+ for the rear of our second Miata. Not looking forward to the squealing!

I have an 07 with the big jcw brakes and they only make noise for me when I'm going in reverse. They do put out a lot of dust though.

I have HP+'s on the Miata and Cobra and have no brake noise.

Would you even be able to hear it if they were in the cobra?!

FredK wrote:I have HP+'s on the Miata and Cobra and have no brake noise.

There's an Exige that runs with WDCR that must run some serious track pads. You can usually see the car throwing sparks when it brakes. You have nothing to worry about

Good luck with those pads. They seemed to be pretty good for autocross, but i was never able to make the squeeling go away. Mine got so bad and annoying i took them off and sold them. I have read if you sand down the edges into an angle it helps.