Burning brake smell from my Hawk ceramics - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Avalnch · 09-08-2010, 05:48 PM

Just had my first ever auto-cross event in (like) 20 years running my stock suspension/tires LS3. The Hawk pads worked great and the big Brembos had lots of stopping power. Also, there was barely any dust at the end of the day. BUT after very hard stops (not lockups), there was an extremely strong brake pad smell coming from the Hawks. Is this normal? As the day wore on and my driving got smoother, I had to brake less and the smell went away.

Anyone else have any experience with working the Hawk ceramics hard and getting a strong smell?

Thanks.

SC2150 · 09-08-2010, 06:35 PM

Thats normal. If you had a camera on he rotors you would see them glow under sustained hard braking. Good pads!

JusticePete · 09-08-2010, 06:49 PM

Brakes used hard generate massive amounts of heat and a perfume to the nose of anyone that loves to go around corners on a track or autocross. That should be normal, BUT when you run hard on a track or autocross it pays to do before and after under car inspections.

The OE SS caliper dust boots will 'burn' in extreme use, but will NOT smell. Consider the dust boots a maintenance item and inspect them after hard use.

Inspect your dust shields and look for blisters from the brake heat. It is a cosmetic issue and nothing more.

While you are under the car lay a wrench on every nut and bolt in the steering, suspension and drive-line to be sure nothing is working loose. It is the old an ounce of prevention...

Mr Twisty · 09-08-2010, 08:07 PM

Nuttin' like the smell of hot brakes first thing in the morning... ahhhh

09-08-2010, 05:48 PM	#1
Avalnch Drives: Rally Yellow Camaro+Avalanche Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vancouver Posts: 1,110	Burning brake smell from my Hawk ceramics Just had my first ever auto-cross event in (like) 20 years running my stock suspension/tires LS3. The Hawk pads worked great and the big Brembos had lots of stopping power. Also, there was barely any dust at the end of the day. BUT after very hard stops (not lockups), there was an extremely strong brake pad smell coming from the Hawks. Is this normal? As the day wore on and my driving got smoother, I had to brake less and the smell went away. Anyone else have any experience with working the Hawk ceramics hard and getting a strong smell? Thanks. __________________ Vengeance Kaotik Cam, C.A.I., ARH LT, Pypes Cat Back, ZL1 Shifter+2012LS3VERT bushing, Quantum Brake Ducts, JDP Tow Hook Scorch Yellow Trim Kit, Shark Fin, AAC DRLs+ABLs+SMDs, ZTA Rear Spoiler, R.Y. 1LE Splitter. Pfadt coilovers, camber plates, trailing arms, Pegasus Solid Subframe. Pedders ZL1 barz, radius arm & steering rack bushings. BMR adjustable toe-rods. Hotchkis Max Chassis Brace. ZL1 GMPP Driveline Upgrade. TurnOne P/S pump. CTS-V 6 pistons. 447 HP @ 6180 RPM / 418 TQ @ 5100 RPM

09-08-2010, 08:07 PM	#4
Mr Twisty Drives: the 2nd amendment home Join Date: May 2008 Location: OK Posts: 14,707	Nuttin' like the smell of hot brakes first thing in the morning... ahhhh __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Benjamin Franklin

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09-08-2010, 06:35 PM	#2
SC2150 Account Suspended Drives: 2012 Camaro RS, RX supercharged Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 6,063	Thats normal. If you had a camera on he rotors you would see them glow under sustained hard braking. Good pads!

09-08-2010, 06:49 PM	#3
JusticePete Drives: Camaro Justice Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 20,174	Brakes used hard generate massive amounts of heat and a perfume to the nose of anyone that loves to go around corners on a track or autocross. That should be normal, BUT when you run hard on a track or autocross it pays to do before and after under car inspections. The OE SS caliper dust boots will 'burn' in extreme use, but will NOT smell. Consider the dust boots a maintenance item and inspect them after hard use. Inspect your dust shields and look for blisters from the brake heat. It is a cosmetic issue and nothing more. While you are under the car lay a wrench on every nut and bolt in the steering, suspension and drive-line to be sure nothing is working loose. It is the old an ounce of prevention...