modifications > Hawk HP+ Brake Pads
Why did you put Hawk HP+ Brake Pads on your RS?
Yes, if you can believe it, I have been autocrossing on the stock brake pads in my Focus RS since I purchased it new back in 2016. With competition getting better every event, I constantly look for an advantage.
Say what you will, factory brake pads on most vehicles are not setup for motorsport use. Although the Focus RS is equipped with Brembo brakes, a set of Hawk HP+ Brake Pads will compliment my setup (including the front Rotora rotors previously installed).
The only negative to a set of motorsport pads like these is the noise. When up to temp, they sound like bus brakes. Oh well, a price to pay for decreased stopping distance and repeatability over long autox courses. Be forewarned, you might need a neck brace
after you install these brake pads!
Date Completed:
01/08/22
Materials:
- Hawk HP+ Brake Pads front/rear including grease packets (TireRack.com)
- Anti-seize for hub surface & lugs
- Nitrile gloves (Harbor Freight)
Tools:
- Small hammer + punch for caliper disassembly/re-assembly
- 3/8" drive ratchet, various sockets (13mm, 18mm, 19mm)
- 1/2" breaker bar and 1/2" to 3/8" socket adapter
- 7mm allen key for rear caliper guide pin bolts
- 13mm combination wrench for caliper pin bolt
- Factory RS wheel lock key (in glove box?)
- Jack + jack stands
- 3/8" Torque wrench (52 lb-ft, 20 lb-ft, 15 lb-ft)
- 1/2" Torque wrench (85 lb-ft, 100 lb-ft)
*A friend for moral support is always optional. If friend isn't available Pandora will suffice.
Notes:
1. Install takes less than an hour. I took my time because of taking pictures for this website.
2. No undertray removal. That's a win in my book any day.
3. No wiring plugs need to be disconnected for this swap.
4. Follow along in the pictures for removal/replacement process.
5. Loosen lug nuts before jacking up your RS. Jack up your RS. Remove everything. Paint hubs if you want. Push caliper pistons in. Replace front/rear brake pads. Reinstall wheels/tires.
6. Torque specs = 100 lb-ft for lug nuts, 85 lb-ft for front caliper bolts, 52 lb-ft for rear caliper bolts, 20 lb-ft for front caliper pin bolt, 15 lb-ft for rear caliper pin bolts.
*Note: I put anti-seize on all of my lugs. Reduced my torque to 75 lb-ft (25% reduction due to lubricated threads).
7. Rotor removal is not necessary to replace front/rear pads, but I temporarily removed the rotors to buff away corrosion and spread anti-seize to prevent any in the future.
8. I followed the Hawk motorsport bedding procedure after installing their pads. See picture #19 for more details.
9. Leftover parts = factory front/rear pads.
10. Looks stock! :) Doesn't sound stock. :(
11. Easily reversible back to stock.
12. Weights are negligible, so none were taken.
13. (3) charts with different Hawk Brake Pad Compounds (Temp vs COF) = Hawk Brake Pad Compounds - All
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