Hawk HPS 5.0 Rear Brake Pads - 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2 (HB442B.496)

Upgrade your Miata's rear braking performance with Hawk HPS 5.0 brake pads. Engineered for the 2001-2003 Mazda Miata (NB2), the HB442B.496 uses Hawk's High Performance Street 5.0 compound to deliver 20-40% more stopping power than stock pads, with higher resistance to brake fade, better pedal feel, and less brake dust — all while remaining fully street-legal and daily-driver friendly.

Key Features:

• Hawk HPS 5.0 compound
• 20-40% more stopping power than stock brake pads
• Higher resistance to brake fade than standard replacement pads
• Better pedal feel and more consistent performance
• Less brake dust than stock pads
• Street-legal, daily-driver friendly
• Fits 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2
• Rear axle set
• 1.9 lbs

Performance Benefits:

• 20-40% More Stopping Power: Higher coefficient of friction than stock pads for shorter stopping distances
• Fade Resistance: HPS 5.0 compound maintains consistent friction levels as pad temperature rises — less fade under repeated hard braking
• Better Pedal Feel: More consistent friction coefficient provides a firmer, more predictable pedal feel
• Less Brake Dust: Cleaner wheels compared to stock pads
• Street Friendly: No warm-up required, quiet operation, compatible with stock rotors
• Durable: Long pad life suitable for street and occasional track use

Specifications:

• Brand: Hawk Performance
• Part Number: HB442B.496
• Compound: HPS 5.0
• Position: Rear
• Friction Material Thickness: 0.496"
• Weight: 1.9 lbs (set)
• Barcode: 840653055435

Fitment Information:

• 2001 Mazda Miata (NB2) — 1.8L
• 2002 Mazda Miata (NB2) — 1.8L
• 2003 Mazda Miata (NB2) — 1.8L
• Note: NB2 (2001-2005) generation specific — verify your Miata's model year before ordering
• Note: Rear pads only — order front pads separately for a complete brake pad upgrade
• Installation: DIY-friendly with basic tools and jack stands

What's Included:

• Hawk HPS 5.0 rear brake pad set — left and right (HB442B.496)
• Note: Brake hardware (clips, shims) sold separately if required
• Note: Brake fluid and rotors sold separately

Installation Notes:

• Bed-in procedure required after installation — follow Hawk's recommended bed-in process for optimal performance and pad life
• Clean caliper slides and hardware before installation
• Inspect rotors for wear, scoring, and minimum thickness — replace if below minimum
• Check brake fluid level and condition — replace if contaminated or overdue
• Torque caliper bolts to Mazda specifications
• Pump brake pedal before moving vehicle to seat pads against rotors
• Avoid hard braking for the first 200-300 miles to allow proper bed-in

Hawk HPS 5.0 Compound — What Makes It Different:

The HPS 5.0 is Hawk's updated High Performance Street compound, building on the original HPS formula with improved performance characteristics. The "5.0" designation reflects the compound's higher coefficient of friction compared to the original HPS — delivering more stopping power while maintaining the street-friendly characteristics that make HPS pads suitable for daily driving. The HPS 5.0 compound operates effectively across a wide temperature range, from cold morning commutes to repeated hard braking on a canyon road or autocross course, without requiring a warm-up period or generating excessive noise and dust.

Coefficient of Friction — Why It Matters:

Stopping power is primarily determined by the coefficient of friction between the brake pad and rotor. A higher coefficient of friction means more braking force is generated for the same pedal pressure. Stock brake pads are designed to a moderate friction level that balances stopping power, noise, dust, and rotor wear for the average driver. Hawk's HPS 5.0 compound uses a higher friction formulation that generates 20-40% more stopping force than stock pads for the same pedal input — translating to shorter stopping distances and a more confident braking feel. This improvement is particularly noticeable in emergency braking situations and during spirited driving where consistent, fade-resistant braking is important.

Brake Fade — Why HPS 5.0 Resists It:

Brake fade occurs when the brake pad's friction material overheats and loses its ability to generate friction against the rotor. Stock brake pads are designed for normal driving temperatures and can fade under repeated hard braking — such as on a mountain descent, during track use, or in an emergency braking situation following a period of hard driving. Fade manifests as a soft, spongy pedal feel and reduced stopping power, which can be dangerous in situations where maximum braking is needed. The HPS 5.0 compound is formulated to maintain its friction coefficient at higher temperatures than stock pads, providing more consistent stopping power and pedal feel under conditions that would cause stock pads to fade.

Bed-In Procedure — Critical for Performance and Longevity:

New brake pads require a bed-in procedure to transfer a thin, even layer of friction material onto the rotor surface and to cure the pad's binding resin. Skipping the bed-in procedure can result in uneven pad deposits on the rotor, causing vibration, noise, and inconsistent braking performance. Hawk's recommended bed-in procedure for HPS 5.0 pads involves a series of moderate-to-firm brake applications from progressively higher speeds, with cooling periods between each application. The full procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes and should be performed in a safe location away from traffic. Following the bed-in procedure correctly ensures the pads and rotors are properly matched and provides the best possible braking performance from the start.

Mazda Miata NB2 — Braking Context:

The 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2 is the second facelift of the NB generation, featuring the 1.8L BP-Z3 engine and a revised suspension setup compared to the earlier NB1. The Miata's lightweight chassis (approximately 2,400 lbs) means its braking system is not heavily stressed in normal driving, but the car's performance character and popularity for autocross, track days, and spirited road driving means many owners push the braking system harder than the factory pads are designed for. The Hawk HPS 5.0 rear pads provide the additional stopping power and fade resistance needed for these more demanding uses while remaining perfectly suitable for daily street driving.

Rear Pads — Complete Your Brake Upgrade:

The HB442B.496 covers the rear axle of the 2001-2003 Miata. For a complete brake pad upgrade, pair with the corresponding Hawk HPS 5.0 front pads for the NB2 Miata. Upgrading both front and rear pads with the same compound ensures consistent braking balance front-to-rear — mixing compounds can alter the brake bias and affect handling under hard braking. If upgrading rotors at the same time, Hawk pads are compatible with stock and aftermarket rotors including slotted and cross-drilled options.

Why Hawk Performance?

Hawk Performance is one of the most trusted names in performance brake pads, with decades of motorsport heritage in NASCAR, IMSA, and other professional racing series. Their friction compounds are developed and validated on the track before being adapted for street use, ensuring real-world performance that generic replacement pads cannot match. The HPS 5.0 compound reflects Hawk's commitment to providing genuine performance improvements for street drivers who demand more from their braking system without sacrificing daily drivability.

Perfect For:

• 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2 owners wanting improved stopping power over stock pads
• Miata autocross and track day builds wanting street-friendly performance pads with better fade resistance
• NB2 Miata owners replacing worn stock pads with a performance upgrade
• Spirited street drivers wanting better pedal feel and shorter stopping distances on their Miata
• Anyone wanting Hawk HPS 5.0 compound for their 2001-2003 Miata rear brakes

Perfect For: 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2 owners seeking Hawk HPS 5.0 rear brake pads for 20-40% more stopping power, improved fade resistance, better pedal feel, and less dust than stock pads.

Pro Tip: Don't skip the bed-in procedure — it takes 20-30 minutes and makes a significant difference in braking performance and pad longevity. Hawk's bed-in instructions are available on their website and should be followed carefully with new pads and freshly resurfaced or replaced rotors.

HPS 5.0 | Rear | NB2: 2001-2003 Mazda Miata. 20-40% more stopping power. Fade resistant. Less dust. Street legal. Bed-in required. 1.9 lbs. Order front pads separately for complete upgrade.

Stop your Miata shorter and more confidently with Hawk HPS 5.0 — 20-40% more stopping power, fade resistant, less dust, street-friendly performance for the 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2.