Those strange shims
 

Hello all,
I was wondering the reason for the brake pad shims.
Some pads don't have them in the box. If the old pads have shims, should you throw them away.

The last brake job was done at the dealer on my new/old car and they threw them away and put mercedes pads on.

If they didn't use shims, did they apply some paste ?
I would go with one or the other.

Yes they did use paste.

Your choice. ;)

Usually, if there are shims behind the pads, they are there to correct a squealing problem and should be re-used. If, however, you don't have problems, you don't need them.

PBR Metalmasters almost always require shims to keep them from screaming, I've heard. Not in the box, must be purchased separately, but can be re-used.

Peter