sip
04-26-2014, 09:46 AM
I am going to replace front rotors & pads after 78,000 km in my 2009 Mazda 3 GX.
The pads I looked at are (with tax) OME for $120, Hawk HPS for $90 and Akebono ACT1044 ProACT for $100 from Amazon ( at local NAPA it is $150)
Should I stick with OME because it gave me almost 80K or go with Hawk and save $30? I know some of you are very happy with Hawk HPS but there are lot of complaints about fading and poor performance in winter. This is what Car and driver said (http://blog.caranddriver.com/performance-brake-pads-compared-hawk-hps-hawk-hp-plus-ebc-yellowstuff/) about Hawk in their test in a Miata: "The Hawk HPS is a street-performance pad meant as an upgrade or replacement for stock units. These pads are very street-friendly, with minimal noise and a relatively steady pedal feel. We found a measurable improvement in stopping distance for the first few cycles. But as the test wore on, the HPS pads were prone to fade. If long days of pounding around a track are on your agenda, there are better choices."
I have no intention of tracking - just want strong long lasting break pads.
I am also having a hard time finding Centric C-tek 121.45068 rotor in GTA, so any recommendation for good but cheap rotor will be appreciated.
Are front and rear break pads the same for Mazda 3 (know rotors are different)?
The pads I looked at are (with tax) OME for $120, Hawk HPS for $90 and Akebono ACT1044 ProACT for $100 from Amazon ( at local NAPA it is $150)
Should I stick with OME because it gave me almost 80K or go with Hawk and save $30? I know some of you are very happy with Hawk HPS but there are lot of complaints about fading and poor performance in winter. This is what Car and driver said (http://blog.caranddriver.com/performance-brake-pads-compared-hawk-hps-hawk-hp-plus-ebc-yellowstuff/) about Hawk in their test in a Miata: "The Hawk HPS is a street-performance pad meant as an upgrade or replacement for stock units. These pads are very street-friendly, with minimal noise and a relatively steady pedal feel. We found a measurable improvement in stopping distance for the first few cycles. But as the test wore on, the HPS pads were prone to fade. If long days of pounding around a track are on your agenda, there are better choices."
I have no intention of tracking - just want strong long lasting break pads.
I am also having a hard time finding Centric C-tek 121.45068 rotor in GTA, so any recommendation for good but cheap rotor will be appreciated.
Are front and rear break pads the same for Mazda 3 (know rotors are different)?