The Hawk HPS 5.0 front brake pad set (part number HB757B.758) uses Hawk's High Performance Street 5.0 compound, a ferro-carbon formulation for street cars that need more stopping force without giving up ABS calibration. The manufacturer describes the compound as offering aggressive torque, long pad and rotor life, and smooth, predictable control. Many owners on user forums say the 5.0 compound produces less brake dust and less noise than OEM pads, with more linear pedal feel once the pads reach temperature.
Choose this set over a budget pad when you want consistent stops on spirited street driving or autocross-style use, and over stock when you want cleaner wheels and quieter operation. The main trade-off is cold bite. Owners on user forums report that initial stopping force feels softer than OEM until the pads warm up, so allow extra distance in cold weather. The manufacturer states Hawk pads are designed for iron or metal rotors and are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors. Searchers looking for a Hawk HPS 5.0 front pad for an Audi A6 Quattro, A7 Quattro, or A8 Quattro should confirm the exact fitment first, because published application lists for this SKU differ by model year and trim.
Application lists for HB757B.758 vary by model year and trim, so confirm your exact year, body style, and engine against the manufacturer's fitment lookup before ordering.
The manufacturer states Hawk pads are designed to work with iron or metal rotors and are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors.
Yes. The manufacturer's street pad procedure calls for 6 to 10 stops from about 30 to 35 MPH at moderate pressure, followed by 2 to 3 hard stops from 40 to 45 MPH. Do not drag the brakes, and let the system cool for 15 minutes afterward.
Owners on user forums commonly report less dust and quieter operation than OEM pads, though reports vary, and some describe reduced cold bite.
This is a moderate front brake job that suits a home mechanic with a floor jack, jack stands, a socket set, and a C-clamp or similar tool for compressing the caliper pistons. Support the car securely, keep the caliper hanging by a wire rather than the brake hose, and inspect the rotors for grooves or cracking before fitting new pads. Owners on user forums report that the retaining clip between the pads can stay stuck until the piston is pushed back, so compress the piston slowly and check the clip before forcing anything. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's installation procedure, and complete the bed-in sequence described above before any hard driving.
