[fithos]

Just to clear up some confusion as what Volvo model front brakes the Mazdaspeed 3 is from. They are from the S40/V50 but only on special models that came with the 320mm front brakes.

As you can see from the pics, these Volvo brakes and the Mazdaspeed brake pads are the same. They are the same size, same metal clips, and are made by Ferodo. I have installed and ran with the pads for the past couple of days. They don't seem to bite as hard as the original but that may be just because it is not broken in yet.

Unfortunately, like the Mazdaspeed 3, those brakes are very hard to find. The S40/V50 that come with the 320mm front brakes are very limited. Most of them come withe the 280mm or the 302mm front brakes. When you call the Volvo parts store they will want the VIN # to determine which brake system you have. You will have to give them the part number directly. Some dealerships will have to order these pads for you as they do not always stock them. Auto parts chain store (Kragen, Autozone, Napa, and etc.) DO NOT carry the 320mm front brake pads at all so do not buy from them. They will be the wrong pads.

On the plus side the pads are about $88 to $100 bucks from Volvo. Much cheaper than the $200+ Mazdaspeed pads. Online I can find them for about $50 to $60 bucks.

 

[angryRotarian]

Well, they may fit in size, but are they the same in compound? I'm curious, as the applications are different due to the different intentions of the cars. I'd love them to be the same, as this is a good way to save money on maintenance.

 

[nliiitend1]

Yup, they're the same front brakes as the S40 T5 AWD.

Don't buy rotors made for the Volvo though, as the Volvos use a 5x120mm bolt pattern.

As far as compound goes, they very well may be different.

I'd just rather buy Hawk HPS (cheaper than OEM, and they use what appears to be a slightly more aggressive than OEM MS3 compound while depositing marginally less brake dust than stock).

 

[Design]

I've heard Hawk can get a little noisy under certain conditions?

 

[fithos]

[quote author=Nliiitend1 link=topic=136619.msg2945301#msg2945301 date=1234980063]
Yup, they're the same front brakes as the S40 T5 AWD.

Don't buy rotors made for the Volvo though, as the Volvos use a 5x120mm bolt pattern.

As far as compound goes, they very well may be different.

I'd just rather buy Hawk HPS (cheaper than OEM, and they use what appears to be a slightly more aggressive than OEM MS3 compound while depositing marginally less brake dust than stock).
[/quote]

Yes, but it is nice to know that when you are in a pinch and need brakes now, you can get it locally instead of waiting for shipping.

Thanks for the heads up on the rotors. Was about to buy those too. LOL

 

[nliiitend1]

[quote author=Design link=topic=136619.msg2946046#msg2946046 date=1235004317]
I've heard Hawk can get a little noisy under certain conditions?
[/quote]

The HPS pads aren't really any noisier than the OEM pads, in my experience.

 

[sok07]

Also the Audi S4 (B6). Same front calipers and pads, but I think the pad is slightly thicker than the Ms3 spec.

 

[blackbird]

[quote author=Nliiitend1 link=topic=136619.msg2946167#msg2946167 date=1235007204]
[quote author=Design link=topic=136619.msg2946046#msg2946046 date=1235004317]
I've heard Hawk can get a little noisy under certain conditions?
[/quote]

The HPS pads aren't really any noisier than the OEM pads, in my experience.
[/quote]

HPS Pads = Fast wear... i'm running HP+ pads on mine and i haven't had an issue with wear. Although i'm switching to Carbotech pads for this up comming track season.

 

[fithos]

Update. I've been using these Volvo pads for about 500 miles and they still don't seem to grab as good as the Speed's pad. I think the compounds are different.

EBC Red Stuff it is then!!!

 

[noobinacan]

[quote author=blackbird link=topic=136619.msg2948260#msg2948260 date=1235082823]
[quote author=Nliiitend1 link=topic=136619.msg2946167#msg2946167 date=1235007204]
[quote author=Design link=topic=136619.msg2946046#msg2946046 date=1235004317]
I've heard Hawk can get a little noisy under certain conditions?
[/quote]

The HPS pads aren't really any noisier than the OEM pads, in my experience.
[/quote]

HPS Pads = Fast wear... i'm running HP+ pads on mine and i haven't had an issue with wear. Although i'm switching to Carbotech pads for this up comming track season.
[/quote]

How is Carbotech ? anyone running them ?
They are based here in charlotte..but everytime I call them, no one answers the phone :/

 

[Ryz]

[quote author=NoobInACan link=topic=136619.msg3005385#msg3005385 date=1237509222]
[quote author=blackbird link=topic=136619.msg2948260#msg2948260 date=1235082823]
[quote author=Nliiitend1 link=topic=136619.msg2946167#msg2946167 date=1235007204]
[quote author=Design link=topic=136619.msg2946046#msg2946046 date=1235004317]
I've heard Hawk can get a little noisy under certain conditions?
[/quote]

The HPS pads aren't really any noisier than the OEM pads, in my experience.
[/quote]

HPS Pads = Fast wear... i'm running HP+ pads on mine and i haven't had an issue with wear. Although i'm switching to Carbotech pads for this up comming track season.
[/quote]

How is Carbotech ? anyone running them ?
They are based here in charlotte..but everytime I call them, no one answers the phone :/
[/quote]

Since the OP in this thread has no update I don't think so.

http://www.mazda3forums.com/index.php?topic=96219.0

 

[fithos]

Can't be a good sign when no one answers the phone. I have no experience with Carbotech pads before.

Ryz is right. I need to update this thread. The Volvo brake pads and MS3 brake pads (although both made my Ferodo) definately have different compounds in them. The MS3 brake pads are much better.

I have tried the Volvo, Hawk HPS, and the POSI-QUIETS pads. I think they are all inferior to the OEM pads. I haven't been able to get the EBC Red Stuff as the shops I call can't confirm if EBC has the RED STUFF pads that actually fits the MS3. Might want to go back to OEM if I can't find it soon.

 

[mazdabrakes]

[quote author=fithos link=topic=136619.msg3005599#msg3005599 date=1237515667]
Can't be a good sign when no one answers the phone. I have no experience with Carbotech pads before.

Ryz is right. I need to update this thread. The Volvo brake pads and MS3 brake pads (although both made my Ferodo) definately have different compounds in them. The MS3 brake pads are much better.

I have tried the Volvo, Hawk HPS, and the POSI-QUIETS pads. I think they are all inferior to the OEM pads. I haven't been able to get the EBC Red Stuff as the shops I call can't confirm if EBC has the RED STUFF pads that actually fits the MS3. Might want to go back to OEM if I can't find it soon.
[/quote]

Can you explain what exactly you feel makes the aftermarket pads you mentioned inferior?

-G

 

[fithos]

Sure. I think that the OEM brake pads are easier to feel/modulate to the point of brake lock up. I also feel that the OEM brakes have a much better initial bite. Those qualities to me make it an excellent street pads.

If I were tracking I am pretty sure the Hawks will provide more fade resistance but for the street I like the OEM pads better.

 

[mazdabrakes]

[quote author=fithos link=topic=136619.msg3021142#msg3021142 date=1238167397]
Sure. I think that the OEM brake pads are easier to feel/modulate to the point of brake lock up. I also feel that the OEM brakes have a much better initial bite. Those qualities to me make it an excellent street pads.

If I were tracking I am pretty sure the Hawks will provide more fade resistance but for the street I like the OEM pads better.
[/quote]

I knew you were going to say initial bite, and was even going to say OTHER than initial bite.

Case in point:

2009 Huyndai Genesis has Brembos, I test drove it, brakes felt GREAT, excellent initial bite. Except when I went to brake from 80-40, they felt MUCH worse than the same Brembos on my WRX with similar tires, but i have HP+ pads.

The point is that even though your stock pads have GREAT initial bite, it ends there. With HP+ (and even with HPS), you press a bit and you get a bit, then you press harder and you get more and more and more.

I think you should try something like the HP+ and you will agree they have MORE modulation control than the stock pads.

-G

 

[fithos]

LOL. I was going to try the HP+ but I keep on hearing that they squeal. They are still streetable right? I know that they will bite when warm, but how are they when cold?

 

[mazdabrakes]

[quote author=fithos link=topic=136619.msg3021230#msg3021230 date=1238169909]
LOL. I was going to try the HP+ but I keep on hearing that they squeal. They are still streetable right? I know that they will bite when warm, but how are they when cold?
[/quote]

I drive mine in New England winters, so yes, they work. They are STREET pads, and are marketed as such.

I'm looking at some right here, PM / email / call if you want em.

-G

 

[fithos]

[quote author=mazdabrakes link=topic=136619.msg3021246#msg3021246 date=1238170136]
[quote author=fithos link=topic=136619.msg3021230#msg3021230 date=1238169909]
LOL. I was going to try the HP+ but I keep on hearing that they squeal. They are still streetable right? I know that they will bite when warm, but how are they when cold?
[/quote]

I drive mine in New England winters, so yes, they work. They are STREET pads, and are marketed as such.

I'm looking at some right here, PM / email / call if you want em.

-G
[/quote]

I would except that I already ordered the EBC Red Stuff. I'll get back to you if those don't work out. Does your company charge for shipping the brake pads out to California?

Oh and do they squeal?
Thanks

 

[Elder_MMHS]

[quote author=fithos link=topic=136619.msg3021261#msg3021261 date=1238170609]
Oh and do they squeal?
Thanks
[/quote]

Yes. I just took my MS3 out for another track day on HP+ front/rear this weekend. It doesn't squeal when cold, but does when warmed up. Before, it was all high-pitch squeals. After the track day, fronts are the same but it now sounds like a dying animal in the rear (seal, baby elephant, or some fairly large mammal - take your pick). But they work great!

P.S. FWIW, I picked up front HP+ pads from Gary last year. Great guy to deal with.

 

[fithos]

How is this pad compare to the OEM pads on the street or do you swap it only during track days? How does it bite when cold? Initial bite?