Auto Racing: best brake components, hawk brake pads, hawk street

Question
QUESTION: Hi Steve,

In your opinion, which are the best/ppopular brake pads and brake linings available in the market? Are there any top brands to choose from? How do we assess the quality?

Thanks

ANSWER: Krishna-

  The type of brake pads you use depend entirely on what's available for your particular car and what you intend to do with the car.  In general I guess I mwould recommend Hawk brake pads simply because they cover a large variety of applications...everything from street and truck pads to full race compounds.  A company called EBC also make some good quality pads, although they're biggest claim is low dust and not stellar performance (although they do perform well).  Hope this helps.

Steve

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is the average life of the Hawk brake linings and brake pads - in miles and years? Is it very different for trucks, street use and racing?

Answer
Krishna-

  I had a set on one car that saw some limited track use that lasted me a few years (I don't remember exactly how long, but it was more than 2 years).  They were a Hawk street/track compound and I really didn't abuse them much so if you run your brakes hard your pad life may vary.  Really it's all about how hard you push the brakes.  If you tend to brake hard and take corners late then they obviously won't last as long as they would if you just drove normally around town.  Hope this helps.

Steve