Hawk Performance Brake Pads: Burnishing Guide

The Importance of Burnishing Hawk Performance Brake Pads

When you've invested in high-quality brake pads like those from Hawk Performance, you're looking for superior stopping power, reduced fade, and a longer lifespan. However, simply bolting on new pads and expecting peak performance right away is a common misconception. The key to unlocking the full potential of your new Hawk Performance brake pads lies in a process called burnishing, sometimes referred to as bedding-in. This isn't just a suggestion; it's a critical step that ensures your brakes perform as intended and, more importantly, safely.

Brake pads, regardless of their manufacturer, are made from a composite material that needs to be properly transferred onto the rotor surface. This transfer, achieved through controlled heat cycles during burnishing, creates a uniform layer of friction material on both the pad and the rotor. This uniform layer is what provides consistent and reliable braking. Without it, you might experience reduced initial bite, inconsistent pedal feel, and even premature wear. For performance-oriented pads like Hawk's, this process is even more paramount.

What Exactly is Brake Pad Burnishing?

Brake pad burnishing, or bedding-in, is a procedure designed to properly mate the new brake pads to the brake rotors. It involves a series of controlled stops and cool-down periods. During these stops, a small amount of the friction material from the new pads is intentionally transferred onto the surface of the rotor. This creates an even, microscopic layer of pad material across the rotor face. This layer is crucial for several reasons:

• Optimal Friction: A uniform transfer layer ensures consistent contact between the pad and rotor, leading to predictable and powerful braking.
• Reduced Noise: Improperly bedded pads can lead to vibrations and noise, such as squealing or grinding. Burnishing helps to eliminate these issues.
• Extended Pad Life: By creating an even surface, burnishing prevents uneven wear patterns, which can shorten the lifespan of your brake pads and rotors.
• Fade Resistance: Performance brake pads are designed to withstand higher temperatures. The burnishing process helps to cure the resins within the pad compound, improving their ability to resist heat fade during demanding driving conditions.

Why is Burnishing Especially Important for Hawk Performance Pads?

Hawk Performance is renowned for its advanced friction compounds, engineered for superior stopping power, heat management, and durability, particularly in demanding applications like performance driving, track days, and heavy towing. These advanced compounds often have unique curing properties and require specific heat cycles to reach their optimal performance characteristics. Simply put, Hawk pads are designed to perform, but they need to be "activated" through the correct burnishing process to deliver on that promise.

Failure to properly burnish Hawk Performance pads can lead to:

• Sub-optimal Performance: You won't experience the full stopping power and responsiveness that Hawk pads are capable of.
• Glazing: If the pads are not heated correctly, the friction material can overheat in localized spots, leading to a glassy or "glazed" surface. Glazed pads lose their ability to grip effectively and can also damage your rotors.
• Increased Wear: Uneven material transfer can cause premature and uneven wear on both the pads and the rotors.
• Noise and Vibration: A lack of proper bedding can result in persistent brake noise and an unpleasant pedal feel.

The Hawk Performance Recommended Burnishing Procedure

Hawk Performance provides specific instructions for their various pad compounds, as different compounds have slightly different requirements. However, a general procedure that applies to most of their performance street and track pads is as follows. Always refer to the specific instructions included with your Hawk brake pads, as they are the definitive guide.

The general Hawk Performance burnishing procedure involves a series of moderate to firm stops from increasing speeds, followed by cooling periods.

Step-by-Step Burnishing Guide:

1. Initial Preparation: Ensure your new brake pads and rotors are clean and properly installed by a qualified mechanic. Check that your brake fluid is at the correct level and in good condition.
2. Moderate Stops (10-15 stops): Begin with a series of 10 to 15 moderate stops. Accelerate your vehicle to approximately 30-35 mph (48-56 km/h) and then brake firmly, but not to a complete stop. Aim to slow down to about 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h). Repeat this process, gradually increasing the speed of the initial acceleration for each stop (e.g., 40-45 mph, then 50-55 mph) and maintaining firm braking pressure.
3. Cooling Period: After completing the moderate stops, drive the vehicle for a few minutes (approximately 5-10 minutes) without using the brakes excessively. This allows the brakes to cool down. Avoid coming to a complete stop and holding the brake pedal down, as this can cause uneven material transfer or "imprinting" on the pads and rotors.
4. More Aggressive Stops (5-8 stops): Now, perform 5 to 8 more aggressive stops, this time from higher speeds (e.g., 60-70 mph or 96-112 km/h). Brake firmly enough to feel the ABS engage slightly, but avoid locking up the wheels. Slow down to about 10-15 mph (16-24 km/h) with each stop.
5. Final Cool Down: After the more aggressive stops, drive the vehicle for another 10-15 minutes, making light brake applications only when necessary to maintain speed or in traffic. Again, avoid prolonged stops with the brake pedal depressed. Park the vehicle and allow the brakes to cool completely.

Important Considerations During Burnishing:

• Avoid Hard Stops: Do not perform full-force, panic stops during the burnishing process. This can overheat the pads and rotors too quickly, leading to glazing or warping.
• No Holding the Brakes: Never hold the brake pedal down after coming to a stop. This can transfer excessive material to one spot, causing unevenness.
• Ventilation: If possible, perform the burnishing procedure in an area with good airflow and minimal traffic to allow for safe acceleration and deceleration.
• Smell and Smoke: It is normal to experience some smoke and a burning smell during the burnishing process. This is the binder in the pad material curing. If you notice excessive smoke or a acrid burning smell, stop the procedure and inspect your brakes.

What to Expect After Burnishing

Once the burnishing process is complete, your brakes should feel significantly improved. You should notice a firmer pedal, a stronger initial bite, and more consistent braking performance. The occasional light squeal might still occur, especially when cold, but the overall noise and vibration should be drastically reduced.

It's worth noting that some Hawk Performance compounds, particularly their track-oriented ones (like the DTC series), may require a more rigorous or specific bedding procedure. Always consult the product's documentation for the most accurate method. For street-focused pads (like the HPS or LTS series), the general procedure outlined above is usually sufficient.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mistakes during the burnishing process can negate the benefits of your new pads and even cause damage. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Skipping the Process: The most common mistake is assuming new pads work perfectly out of the box.
• Too Few Stops: Not completing enough stops means insufficient material transfer.
• Too Many Stops: Overdoing the burnishing can lead to excessive heat and glazing.
• Overly Aggressive Initial Stops: Starting with very hard braking can cause premature overheating.
• Holding the Brakes: As mentioned, this is a critical error that can cause pad imprinting.

Burnishing vs. Re-Burnishing

The term "re-burnishing" or "re-bedding" is sometimes used when referring to a procedure for existing pads that have developed issues like glazing or reduced performance. While a similar heat cycling process can sometimes help, it's not a guaranteed fix for severely compromised pads. For new pads, the initial burnishing is essential. For used pads showing signs of glazing, a more aggressive bedding cycle might be attempted, but often replacement is the best solution.

When to Seek Professional Help

Brakes are a safety-critical system. If you are unsure about any aspect of brake installation or the burnishing process, it is always best to consult a qualified mechanic. Incorrect installation or improper bedding can lead to dangerous braking situations. If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or a spongy brake pedal after installation, have your brakes inspected immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does the burnishing process take?
It typically takes about 20-30 minutes of driving, depending on the specific procedure and traffic conditions.

Q2: Can I use my new Hawk pads for daily driving without burnishing?
While they will provide some braking, you won't get optimal performance, and there's a risk of glazing or uneven wear. It's highly recommended to perform the burnishing procedure before relying on them for hard driving.

Q3: Do I need new rotors when installing new pads?
It's generally recommended to replace or resurface your rotors when installing new pads, especially performance pads. This ensures a fresh, flat surface for optimal pad-to-rotor contact and prevents issues from worn or uneven rotors.

Q4: My Hawk pads are still making noise after burnishing. What should I do?
Some slight noise, especially when cold, can be normal for performance pads. However, persistent or loud noises might indicate an issue. Check for proper installation, ensure the burnishing was completed correctly, and consider consulting a mechanic.

Q5: Is the burnishing process the same for all Hawk pad compounds?
No, while the general principle is the same, specific speeds, number of stops, and cooling times can vary between different Hawk Performance compounds (e.g., HPS, HPS 5.0, DTC, PC, RP-1). Always check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific pads.

Conclusion

Burnishing your Hawk Performance brake pads is not an optional step; it's a fundamental requirement for achieving the performance, safety, and longevity that these premium components are designed to deliver. By following the recommended procedure carefully, you ensure that your new pads and rotors are properly mated, leading to superior stopping power, reduced fade, and a more enjoyable driving experience. Remember, when it comes to brakes, proper preparation and installation are key to your safety on the road.

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