Brake Pads

[jmgtp]

Of course I searched first since I figured this would be a common topic but the search feature always seems to turn up the most obscure things. I was surprised to see this isn't covered in the 'threads of note.'

The car:
2001 LegGT 5mt
60k miles
original brake hardware all around, the wear indicators are just starting to make their presence known.

Objective: replace worn hardware

I'm fully satisfied with the factory brake performance. It is mostly highway driven and not abused. That said, I'm not looking to spend a whole lot on an upgrade. The rotors all look to be in excellent shape (no groves, no pulsation/vibrations) so I plan on having them cut and reusing.

I've had excellent luck with ceramic pads on other cars but don't know what is really available for the Leg.

I'm considering:
Genuine Subaru Pads
Ceramic Pads
EBC Green Stuff Pads

What have you used? My basic requirements are a minimal performance equivalent to the factory pads, similar longevity and preferably a pad that doesn't create excessive dust.

I'd like to know cost of parts and where you got them as well.

[deadlydave]

I'm using the Greenstuffs on my '95 legacy, and there was probably a great improvement, maybe 25% in braking ability. The '95's had pretty small brakes though, in comparison to yours. You might notice it more or less with better brakes to start with.

The Hawk pads are recommended by some, I didn't buy them because they were a little more expensive than the Greenstuffs.

[rougeben83]

I didn't really like the greenstuffs when it got really cold during the winter (sub freezing); took a little long to warm up and even then it didn't have the same bite as during the summer.

Do you want low dust along with better performance? I have Axxis Ultimates right now - much more consistent braking and better initial bite, but they dust A LOT.

I would suggest Hawks HPS or the Hawk Ceramic (I've used HPS before on other cars); the HPS's about $15 more than the Greens (for the fronts) but I think the extra initial bite and consistency is worth it.

[auspex]

Hawk HPS for me.....absolutely no complaints. A little cost prohibitive, though. I think mine were ~$85.

-mike

[LegacyRob]

Hawk HPS for me. $76 at www.raceshopper.com (http://www.raceshopper.com) HB352F.665 i believe is the part #.

[jmgtp]

I'm going with the Hawk HPS front and rear. Certainly not the cheapest route but after your reccomendations I did some reading on them and liked what I saw.

Thanks for the input!

[jmgtp]

Hawk HPS' are installed on freshly cut rotors (the factory originals).

Driving impressions:

Thusfar, not so great. It has a firm pedal but more pressure is required to come to a stop compared to the original pads. I only have about 15 miles on them so far though so they may just need more time to bed in and for the 'rough' cut of the rotors to polish smooth again. I haven't gotten into the brakes yet and won't, unless the situation calls for it, until they are broken in.

I'm hoping they improve as they break in.

[ivwarrior]

Did you follow Hawk's procedure for bed-in? IIRC it's printed on the box.

[jmgtp]

I'll readily admit that those boxes are in the trash and I didn't read a word on them. I figured any worthwhile documentation would have been on paper in the box, of which there was none.

I pulled this from the Hawk site and will give it a try - I've just driven normally thus far and have about 40 miles on the pads now.

Burnishing Instructions

After installing new brake pads, make 6 to 10 stops from approximately 30-35 mph applying moderate pressure.
Make an additional 2 to 3 hard stops from approximately 40 to 45 mph.
DO NOT DRAG BRAKES!
Allow 15 minutes for brake system to cool down.
After step 4 your new pads are ready for use

[jmgtp]

Tried the break in procedure and I'm around 100 miles now.

The car does stop good but it still requires more pedal effort. I'm starting to think maybe thats just how these pads. I'm getting used to it now so I don't notice it as much.

[MCarp22]

More pedal effort as in a firm pedal, or more pedal effort as in a longer travel? The first is desirable imo.

[jmgtp]

Firmer pedal, if it was the latter I'd be more worried and bleeding the brakes. It just requires more 'oomph' from my foot but the pedal is firm not squishy.