Brake pad shims - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JHZR2 · #1 11-06-2002, 10:29 AM

Hi,

Doing pads and rotors, and a guy I was talking to said that I should really use pad shims to stop squeal...
I have textar pads, and I dont think they would even fit with shims...

I know the actual OEM MB pads come with shims pre attached.

I really hate squealing brakes, but havent heard anyone here talking much about using shims... And Im sure not everyone uses MB boxed pads... The guy I was talking to said that MB owners would take the cars back into the shop for squealing or groaning brakes a day after the job was done if they didnt put shims on...

Any truth in this? Anyone use separate shims when using textar, for example pads? If so, how do you fit the pads and the shims in?

Thanks

JMH

lrg · #2 11-06-2002, 01:54 PM

Ditto to TXBills comments. I've probably done five pad replacements and one rotor replacement and never used shims or paste and never had a squeeling problem. I just spray everything with Brake cleaner, wipe up as much of the old dust as possible, and slide in the new pads. Occasionally I'll put a touch of greese on the pins so they slide in a bit easier but that's it. Just in case you don't know, be aware that some pads contain asbestos so be careful around the dust. I would't recommend just blowing it out, especially if you're not using some sort of respirator.

DieselHead · #3 11-06-2002, 02:49 PM

I've never not used paste but I've never used shims before. I agree that the shims probably wouldn't fit in there with new pads, so if you're worried about it, apply some anti-squeal paste to the backs of the pads for piece of mind. The stuff is really cheap.

Alex