I just bought some Project MU NS brake pads for the front and rear, and I hear they do not come with shims. I currently do not have any spare shims that are in good condition and was wondering few things.

1. Do I need shims? If I just use some anti-squeal stuff would that be good enough? Are shims used for another purpose besides stopping noise?

2. If shims are recommended, is there any place to buy them without having the buy the whole *hardware kit* that cost between $30 and $40 each?

3. Why don't these pads come with shims?


Thanks for any answers

 

shims are not required but they do help to dampen the noise.i just replaced my brakes with a racing brake bbk and the pads have no shims and make no noise.
just make sure you bed them in properly and you shouldnt get any noise.

 

If ur Pads come with shims, use them---If not, dont ------Always use something like CRC Brake Pad Anti-Squeal----Napa----Spray Can

 

Thanks for info, is the SPRAY can stuff better than the gel CRC stuff? I have a 4oz bottle of the stuff (its a redish color)

 

I doubt it matters ---I use the spray for other things too ---Elec connections,Battery Terminals, even as a sealent for example on a plenum gasket ----The spray is kinda handy ----I even spray it on a socket and let it tack up so I dont drop a bolt Im trying to get into a tight spot

 

when i replaced my front pads with the project mus i am pretty sure i just reused the stock shims. you can try that.

 

The whole problem with using the stock shims is i dont have them, and they cost $30-$40 to purchase.... I guess I will try the pads without shims (unless someone explains why i shouldn't) and if they squeal I will purchase shims....

 

if you don't have your stock shims anymore I'm guessing you have already replaced you pads before. In that case do you have shims from the last set of pads? If not I say just screw the shims.

 

I repeat ---If the pads come with "shims" use them, if not, dont. I have done 100s of brake jobs and that has not been an issue yet.

 

What about the metal one between the piston and the pad on the inside pad?? Does that serve enough of a purpose to reuse?

 

I REPEAT !!!!! JEEZ JK ---

If your pads come from a reputable source, then if it needs shims they will supply them. This is to cover their *** also, why take a chance on customer complaints over 4 cents worth of sheet metal ?

 

Also ---many times the "shim" is adhered to the pad and over time/heat separates it, so when u take off the pad , there is a separate shim that was once part of the used pad-------Throw it away just like u do with the pad

 

I will go on to say ---I get pads with a "shim' as part of the pad, I get pads that have "shims" with peel off backs that you stick to the pad and I get pads with no "shims" I install them accordingly but always use Anti-Squeal spray

 

thanks for the info!

 

The shim is there not only for noise but to protect the piston and the pab from wearing into each other. If you brakes are designed without a shim, than you don't need one, if it is and you don't use one - you will have to replace the pistons sooner or later.

 

The best answer is usually the most simple answer.

 

Most aftermarket pads don't come with shims because they expect you to use the OEM shims.

 

Oem shims are TUNED to match [reduce] the noise from oem pads..........aftermarkets don't want to spend the millions necessary in testing to develop a matching shim.
If you want to understand shims:
http://www2.angstrom.uu.se/tribomate...n%20Thesis.pdf
http://www.gtresearchnews.gatech.edu...f03/brakes.pdf

http://www.scielo.br/pdf/jbsmse/v26n3/a11v26n3.pdf