Quote:
Originally Posted by unkl300d
My hypothesis is that MBZ labeled the original round metal shields as 'heat shields' exclusively although they probably had dual purposes.. i.e. vibration control. If they labeled them vibration/squeal control and folks' brakes squealed, then there would be complaints etc. As labeled heat shields, who can prove any outcomes?
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MB labelled them heat shields, because that is their main purpose. They also help keep dirt and other stuff away from the seals which are a critical part of the braking system.
Those heat shields have nothing to do with the noise or vibration. There is no contact with pistons or brake pad backing. The pistons move inside the heat shield annulus without any contact.
You may be mixing shims with heat shields. Some pads come with shims and some without. You can buy them either way. The ones with integral shims have a thin metal plate (the shim) behind the heavier pad backing plate and there is a compound of some type between the backing plate and the shim. When installing, it is still a good idea to use anti-squeal paste between the piston and the shim and on the pad support ears.
If you didn't install the heat shields, you should be OK for a while. But for anyone else getting rebuilt calipers or doing job themselves, I would not suggest that you omit the heat shields. This is what you get when you buy a rebuild kit (heat shields are the metal parts between the seals and o-rings):
