The Hawk HB641F.696 is a front pad set from Hawk's HPS (High Performance Street) line. The manufacturer positions the HPS compound as a step up from OE pads for stronger stopping power, better pedal feel, higher thermal capability, and less dust. It is sized for the B8-generation Audi A4, A5, S4, S5, and Q5 in the 2009 to 2010 range, and the manufacturer's listings include some later model years, so confirm your exact year, trim, and brake package in Hawk's vehicle selector before ordering. Keywords: Hawk HPS front brake pads, Audi B8 A4 front pad upgrade, B8 S5 HPS street pads, low dust Audi B8 front brakes.
Compared with stock pads, the main reason to choose this set is a firmer, more predictable bite for spirited street driving with less brake dust on the wheels. The manufacturer says these pads are designed for iron or metal rotors and are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors, so check your rotor type before buying. Hawk also describes the HPS compound as a street formulation rather than a race compound, which makes it a sensible fit for daily driving with occasional aggressive stops, not sustained track sessions. Owners comparing budget pads should weigh the fade resistance and rotor-friendly wear this compound is marketed for against the lower up-front cost of generic replacements.
No. The manufacturer states that Hawk pads in this compound are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors and are designed for iron or metal rotors.
Details vary by application. The manufacturer's fitment listings label some vehicles as including the OE electronic wear sensor, so compare your car's wear sensor setup against the manufacturer's vehicle selector before ordering.
The manufacturer lists this set under street use and describes it as excellent for spirited driving. It is intended for street driving, not sustained racing.
Front pad replacement on the B8 A4 and S5 is a moderate DIY job for someone comfortable with a jack, jack stands, and torque wrench. Owners on user forums commonly use a 13mm socket for the caliper bolts, a 21mm socket for the caliper carrier bolts, and a T30 Torx driver for the remaining hardware. Forum users advise loosening the wheel bolts while the car is still on the ground, using a breaker bar or penetrating oil on the 21mm bolts, and supporting the caliper with wire so the brake hose is not strained. Users also note that a C-clamp is generally enough to retract the front pistons, and that the front caliper bolts can seize, so anti-seize on reassembly is recommended. Always confirm torque values in a service manual, because the manufacturer's install specifics were not confirmed in this listing. Bed in the new pads with several firm stops before aggressive driving.
