{"product_id":"hawk-performance-01-03-mazda-miata-hps-5-0-rear-brake-pads","title":"Hawk HPS 5.0 Rear Brake Pads - 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2 (HB442B.496)","description":"\u003ch3\u003eHawk HPS 5.0 Rear Brake Pads - 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2 (HB442B.496)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpgrade 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKey Features:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHawk HPS 5.0 compound\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e20-40% more stopping power than stock brake pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigher resistance to brake fade than standard replacement pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBetter pedal feel and more consistent performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLess brake dust than stock pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStreet-legal, daily-driver friendly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits 2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRear axle set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1.9 lbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePerformance Benefits:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e20-40% More Stopping Power:\u003c\/strong\u003e Higher coefficient of friction than stock pads for shorter stopping distances\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFade Resistance:\u003c\/strong\u003e HPS 5.0 compound maintains consistent friction levels as pad temperature rises — less fade under repeated hard braking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBetter Pedal Feel:\u003c\/strong\u003e More consistent friction coefficient provides a firmer, more predictable pedal feel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLess Brake Dust:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cleaner wheels compared to stock pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStreet Friendly:\u003c\/strong\u003e No warm-up required, quiet operation, compatible with stock rotors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long pad life suitable for street and occasional track use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hawk Performance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e HB442B.496\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompound:\u003c\/strong\u003e HPS 5.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFriction Material Thickness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.496\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.9 lbs (set)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBarcode:\u003c\/strong\u003e 840653055435\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFitment Information:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2001 Mazda Miata\u003c\/strong\u003e (NB2) — 1.8L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2002 Mazda Miata\u003c\/strong\u003e (NB2) — 1.8L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2003 Mazda Miata\u003c\/strong\u003e (NB2) — 1.8L\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e NB2 (2001-2005) generation specific — verify your Miata's model year before ordering\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear pads only — order front pads separately for a complete brake pad upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInstallation:\u003c\/strong\u003e DIY-friendly with basic tools and jack stands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat's Included:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHawk HPS 5.0 rear brake pad set — left and right (HB442B.496)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brake hardware (clips, shims) sold separately if required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brake fluid and rotors sold separately\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eInstallation Notes:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBed-in procedure required after installation — follow Hawk's recommended bed-in process for optimal performance and pad life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClean caliper slides and hardware before installation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInspect rotors for wear, scoring, and minimum thickness — replace if below minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck brake fluid level and condition — replace if contaminated or overdue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTorque caliper bolts to Mazda specifications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePump brake pedal before moving vehicle to seat pads against rotors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid hard braking for the first 200-300 miles to allow proper bed-in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHawk HPS 5.0 Compound — What Makes It Different:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCoefficient of Friction — Why It Matters:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStopping 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBrake Fade — Why HPS 5.0 Resists It:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrake 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eBed-In Procedure — Critical for Performance and Longevity:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMazda Miata NB2 — Braking Context:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eRear Pads — Complete Your Brake Upgrade:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhy Hawk Performance?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHawk 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePerfect For:\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2001-2003 Mazda Miata NB2 owners wanting improved stopping power over stock pads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMiata autocross and track day builds wanting street-friendly performance pads with better fade resistance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNB2 Miata owners replacing worn stock pads with a performance upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirited street drivers wanting better pedal feel and shorter stopping distances on their Miata\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone wanting Hawk HPS 5.0 compound for their 2001-2003 Miata rear brakes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect For:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePro Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPS 5.0 | Rear | NB2:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStop 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hawk Performance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48859288043687,"sku":"HAWKHB442B.496","price":254.51,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/8344\/1063\/files\/03a44a3deb0e81342bec2e7852b144d1L_3aabaf76-b129-4b7e-9bdc-027b22fa38dc.jpg?v=1777008362","url":"https:\/\/www.straightsiximports.com\/products\/hawk-performance-01-03-mazda-miata-hps-5-0-rear-brake-pads","provider":"Straight Six Imports","version":"1.0","type":"link"}