Complete Hayes brake pad compatibility guide 2025
Ordering the wrong Hayes brake pads is a $40 mistake that kills your riding weekend. With Hayes' complex model lineup spanning 15+ years and multiple pad shapes, getting Hayes brake pad compatibility right matters more than brand loyalty.
This definitive guide eliminates guesswork with exact part numbers, cross-references, and compatibility data verified directly from Hayes technical specifications.
Hayes brake pad compatibility: current model lineup
Hayes Dominion series compatibility
Hayes Dominion A2/A4 brake systems:
- Official Hayes part number: HFX-9/Hayes 98-24735
- Pad shape: Rectangular with chamfered edges
- Backing plate: Steel with integrated spring clips
- Thickness: 4.5mm friction material maximum
Compatible aftermarket options:
- Shimano Saint/Zee pads (identical mounting pattern)
- SRAM Code RSC pads (same dimensions)
- TRP Quadiem pads (direct fit)
Hayes Dominion T2/T4 brake systems:
- Official part number: 98-24736
- Pad shape: Larger rectangular profile
- Unique feature: Proprietary fin-cooled backing plate
- Aftermarket compatibility: Limited - Hayes original only recommended
Hayes Prime series brake pad compatibility
Hayes Prime Comp/Pro/Expert:
- Part number: 98-24650
- Cross-compatibility: Shimano XT M8000 series pads
- Aftermarket options: Wide availability from multiple manufacturers
- Note: 2019+ models only – earlier Prime uses different pad shape
Hayes Prime Sport:
- Part number: 98-24651
- Compatibility: Shimano Deore M6000 equivalent
- Budget alternatives: Widely available generic options
- Performance note: Entry-level compound, upgrade recommended
Legacy Hayes brake pad compatibility
Hayes Stroker series (discontinued but still serviced):
- Stroker Trail/Carbon: Part #98-24650 (same as current Prime)
- Stroker Ace: Part #98-24652 (Hayes exclusive, limited availability)
- Stroker Gram: Part #98-24653 (discontinued, NLA)
Hayes HFX series:
- HFX-9: Part #98-24735 (same as Dominion A-series)
- HFX Mag: Part #98-24654 (Hayes only, becoming scarce)
Hayes Dominion pads: detailed specifications
Dominion A-series pad specifications
Physical dimensions:
- Length: 42.5mm
- Width: 15.8mm
- Maximum thickness: 4.5mm (friction material)
- Backing plate thickness: 2.1mm
Compound options available:
- Standard organic: Best modulation, moderate durability
- Semi-metallic: Enhanced heat resistance, longer lifespan
- Sintered: Maximum power, aggressive conditions
Installation torque specifications:
- Pad retention bolt: 5-6 Nm
- Caliper mounting: 8-10 Nm
- Rotor bolts: 6.2 Nm
Dominion T-series unique requirements
Why T-series pads are different:
- Cooling fins: Integrated into backing plate design
- Larger surface area: 15% more friction material than A-series
- Proprietary compound: Optimized for 4-piston caliper heat generation
- No direct substitutes: Aftermarket options don’t fit properly
T-series availability:
- Hayes direct: Always in stock, premium pricing
- Authorized dealers: Limited inventory, 2-3 day delivery
- Online retailers: Inconsistent availability, verify authenticity
Cross-compatibility chart: Hayes vs other brands
Direct fit alternatives (verified compatibility)
| Hayes Model | Direct Fit Alternative | Availability | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dominion A2/A4 | Shimano Saint M820 | Excellent | -30% |
| Dominion A2/A4 | SRAM Code RSC | Good | -25% |
| Prime Comp/Pro | Shimano XT M8000 | Excellent | -40% |
| Prime Sport | Shimano Deore M6000 | Excellent | -45% |
| HFX-9 | Same as Dominion A | Good | Same |
Compatibility warnings
Do NOT use these combinations:
- ❌ Shimano resin pads in Hayes Dominion (insufficient heat resistance)
- ❌ SRAM Level pads in Hayes Prime (different mounting system)
- ❌ Generic “universal” pads (poor fit, safety risk)
- ❌ Mixing pad types (organic + sintered) in same caliper
Hayes brake part numbers: complete reference
Current production part numbers
Dominion series:
- 98-24735: A2/A4 organic compound
- 98-24737: A2/A4 semi-metallic compound
- 98-24736: T2/T4 organic compound
- 98-24738: T2/T4 semi-metallic compound
Prime series:
- 98-24650: Prime Comp/Pro/Expert organic
- 98-24652: Prime Comp/Pro semi-metallic
- 98-24651: Prime Sport organic
Service parts:
- 98-24740: Pad spring kit (all Dominion)
- 98-24741: Caliper rebuild kit (A-series)
- 98-24742: Caliper rebuild kit (T-series)
Discontinued but serviceable
Legacy part numbers still available:
- 98-24653: Stroker Gram (limited stock)
- 98-24654: HFX Mag (Hayes only)
- 98-24655: Nine series (NOS only)
Where to buy Hayes brake pads: availability guide
Authorized Hayes dealers
Advantages:
- Guaranteed authentic parts
- Warranty coverage included
- Technical support available
- Latest compound formulations
Pricing: MSRP, typically 20-30% higher than online
Online retailers with Hayes authorization
Recommended sources:
- Worldwide Cyclery: Excellent Hayes inventory, fast shipping
- Jenson USA: Competitive pricing, good availability
- Chain Reaction Cycles: International shipping, bulk discounts
- Local bike shops: Support local, verify Hayes dealer status
What to avoid
Red flags when buying Hayes pads:
- Prices significantly below market (likely counterfeit)
- No part numbers listed in description
- Sellers without Hayes dealer credentials
- “Compatible with Hayes” vs “Hayes original” language
Hayes brake replacement parts: beyond pads
Complete caliper service requirements
When replacing pads, also inspect:
- Rotor thickness (minimum 1.5mm)
- Brake fluid condition (DOT 5.1 for Dominion)
- Caliper piston movement (should extend evenly)
- Banjo bolt tightness (8-10 Nm)
Service intervals for Hayes brakes:
- Pad inspection: Every 500 miles
- Fluid replacement: Every 12 months
- Complete service: Every 2,000 miles or annually
Rotor compatibility with Hayes systems
Hayes Dominion rotor specifications:
- Minimum thickness: 1.5mm
- Maximum thickness: 2.3mm
- Optimal surface: Light crosshatch, no glazing
- Rotor mounting: 6-bolt or Centerlock compatible
Aftermarket rotor options:
- Shimano Ice Tech (excellent cooling)
- SRAM Centerline (good value)
- Hayes V-series (optimal compatibility)
Troubleshooting Hayes brake pad issues
Common compatibility problems
Pad not seating properly:
- Cause: Wrong backing plate thickness
- Solution: Verify exact part number match
- Prevention: Always check Hayes compatibility chart
Excessive noise after pad replacement:
- Cause: Incompatible friction compound
- Solution: Use Hayes-approved alternatives only
- Quick fix: Proper bedding procedure essential
Premature pad wear:
- Cause: Mismatched compound for riding conditions
- Solution: Upgrade to semi-metallic or sintered
- Long-term: Consider rotor surface condition
Performance optimization
Getting maximum life from Hayes brake pads:
- Proper break-in procedure:
- 20 moderate stops from 15 mph
- 30-second cooling intervals
- No hard braking first 100 miles
- Maintenance schedule:
- Monthly pad thickness check
- Quarterly rotor cleaning
- Annual fluid replacement
- Riding technique:
- Avoid dragging brakes on descents
- Use both brakes evenly
- Allow cooling on long descents
Hayes brake pad compatibility: 2025 updates
New releases and changes
2025 model year updates:
- Dominion A5: New pad shape, not backward compatible
- Prime Elite: Uses same pads as Comp/Pro (98-24650)
- Discontinued: Stroker series officially end-of-life
Supply chain improvements:
- Better aftermarket availability for Dominion series
- Reduced lead times on Hayes original parts
- New semi-metallic compound options
Future compatibility considerations
What’s changing:
- Move toward universal mounting standards
- Increased aftermarket options for all series
- Better cross-brand compatibility coming
What stays the same:
- Existing Hayes brake systems remain serviceable
- Part numbers stable for current production
- Warranty coverage continues for all active models
Professional installation recommendations
DIY vs shop service
DIY brake pad replacement:
- Skill level: Intermediate (basic tools required)
- Time investment: 30-45 minutes per brake
- Special tools: Pad spreader tool recommended
- Risk factors: Contamination, improper alignment
Professional service advantages:
- Proper alignment: Precision tools ensure optimal performance
- Contamination prevention: Clean workspace, proper procedures
- Warranty coverage: Work guaranteed by shop
- System bleeding: Often required, complex procedure
Installation tips for Hayes brake pads
Critical steps for success:
- Clean everything: Isopropyl alcohol on all surfaces
- Check rotor condition: Replace if glazed or under minimum thickness
- Use correct torque: Over-tightening damages components
- Proper break-in: Essential for full performance
- Test thoroughly: Verify operation before trail riding
Bottom line: Hayes brake pad compatibility
Hayes brake pad compatibility isn’t just about finding parts that fit – it’s about maintaining the performance characteristics that made you choose Hayes originally.
Key takeaways:
- Dominion A-series: Multiple aftermarket options available
- Dominion T-series: Hayes original recommended for optimal performance
- Prime series: Excellent aftermarket availability and savings
- Legacy models: Still serviceable but plan for limited availability
Best practice: Stock spare pads before you need them. Hayes Dominion pads especially can have lead times during peak season.
Investment priority:
- Keep Hayes originals for critical rides
- Use quality aftermarket for training/casual riding
- Always verify part numbers before ordering
- Buy pads in pairs – never replace just one side
Ready to order the right Hayes brake pads? Use this guide to verify compatibility, choose the best compound for your riding, and ensure you get authentic parts that maintain your braking performance.