The Hawk HB704F.692 is a front disc pad from Hawk's HPS (High Performance Street) line, built around a friction formulation the brand says offers a higher coefficient of friction than OEM pads. Hawk's HPS material page credits it with roughly 20 to 40 percent more stopping force and stronger resistance to brake fade than most standard replacements. For a Pontiac Vibe 2.4L or Scion tC owner who drives spirited back roads, that is a noticeable step up from stock hardware without the noise and fuss of a race compound.
The case for paying more rests on consistency and rotor life rather than raw track bite. The manufacturer says the pad produces less dust, releases predictably, and is kinder to rotors, which helps preserve both pads and discs over time. Hawk rates the HPS compound for a 100 to 700°F operating range, with an optimal band of 100 to 500°F, so it suits daily commuting and enthusiast street use. Hawk also states that its pads are designed for iron or metal rotors and are not compatible with carbon-ceramic discs, so check your rotor type before buying. Search-minded buyers looking for a Hawk HPS street pad for a 2009-2010 Vibe 2.4L or a 2011-2012 Scion tC will find this part number matches that application.
No. The manufacturer states that its compounds are not compatible with carbon-ceramic rotors and that its pads are designed for iron or metal rotors.
The manufacturer lists an operating range of 100°F to 700°F, with an optimal range of 100°F to 500°F.
Owners on user forums working on a Vibe report that included single shims were not enough in their case, and one owner used a Toyota shim kit with molybdenum grease at the pad contact points. Check whether your kit includes shims and inspect the existing hardware before assembly.
Owners on user forums describe front pad swaps on the Vibe as a manageable DIY job, but they flag the shim and lubrication step as the detail that makes or breaks a quiet result. One owner said the single shims that came with their pads did not stop squeal, so they added a Toyota shim kit and applied molybdenum grease based on each pad's shape. Inspect the caliper slide pins and hardware, and confirm your kit's contents before starting.
