1992 Q45 Hawk Brake Pad

[Haitian_King]

Hello all,

The day before yesterday, I noticed the "Brake Pads Worn" message on my display screen. I had planned on replacing the front pads soon anyway. After researching the subject, the general consensus is that Hawk pads are pretty good. I found a set of fronts for $83 with free shipping. However, they won't be able to be shipped until after the 26th.

How unsafe would it be to continue to drive while I waited for the pads to come in?

[maxnix]

If the warning light is illuminated, it is already a little late.

No sudden stops or enthusiastic driving.

Doesn't Joe or Tire rack sell these? Good to have a shim kit on hand if it is required. Turn rotors and flush brake fluid with DOT 4.

OEM works best for initial application cold stops.

[Haitian_King]

If the warning light is illuminated, it is already a little late.

No sudden stops or enthusiastic driving.

Doesn't Joe or Tire rack sell these? Good to have a shim kit on hand if it is required. Turn rotors and flush brake fluid with DOT 4.

OEM works best for initial application cold stops.

Ok. I just had the system flushed and refilled with DOT 3 back in March. I checked the IOS website and I couldn't find a brand for the pads they sold. Searches of the board turned up Akebono as the OEM equivalent from IOS.

I was going to do the brakes myself in the driveway, but I guess I'll have to take it to the shop for the rotors and shimming. I have no idea what shimming entails.

[maxnix]

The shim kit is just some metal clips that preload the pads to avoid rattling and groaning. If you drive in salt, they may be weak or none functioning.

Shimming the rotor is a technique to account for some slight hub run out to true it. Read Q45tech's post for an explanation.

I would never put new pads on a rotor with less than perfectly parallel surfaces. Don't ignore rear rotors either because they can affect fron caliper performance if they are uneven. Always good to lubricate the capiper slider pins with high temperature lubricant.

[Haitian_King]

The shim kit is just some metal clips that preload the pads to avoid rattling and groaning. If you drive in salt, they may be weak or none functioning.

Shimming the rotor is a technique to account for some slight hub run out to true it. Read Q45tech's post for an explanation.

I would never put new pads on a rotor with less than perfectly parallel surfaces. Don't ignore rear rotors either because they can affect fron caliper performance if they are uneven. Always good to lubricate the capiper slider pins with high temperature lubricant.

Thanks. My rear rotors should be fine, They checked out when I did the rear brakes back in 08. I was getting brake squeal and changed them.

I'll check Tech's posts. I've modified my driving habits to try to stay safe, but I fear the possibility of an emergency stop. My options now are either get pads that I'm not 100% sure on put on tomorrow, or order my Hawks and have to wait.

The "Brake Pads Worn" message is off now. I just saw it cycle from OK to Rear Lamp Inoperative.