Brake experts chime in.

[hrdboiled]

I was going to replace rear brakes after the track this weekend. I pulled the oem rear pads and noticed the pad doesn't maximize the area of the backing plate. I always thought you wanted the maximum amount of pad on the rotor. Just curious if anyone has an idea why there are the 2 cutouts on oem pads. The hawk pads don't have those. P.S. Not like its going to make a difference in my driving- i'm still slow.

 

[rdollie]

Looks like sensor cutouts to me. I've changed so many brakes in the past 6 months I can't remember if the BW had sensors...

 

[hrdboiled]

sorry, updated pic. circled areas I was referring to.

 

[rdollie]

Oh, I've noticed that as well. My guess is it abates brake squeal but I'm not the expert.