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I'm getting ready to change my pads soon and the replacement pads didn't come with any springs, clips or shims. In the Enthusiasts manual there is a discussion about these items as having been added later to reduce noise. The clips and springs don't really concern me if they don't get replaced, but what about shims???

In my limited experience with brakes I haven't ever used shims before and the manual isn't clear where they go. Is this cause for alarm? What are the shims shimming? Where would the gap be that they are filling? Any insight here would be greatly appreciated.

Doug

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'99 Mk IV Jetta VR6 now claimed by the better half.

'90 Miata A-package, Floats like a butterfly and buzzes like a BEE with loudspeakers.

Shims are a noise reduction strategy as well. Many higher end pads now come with plastic shim that is specifically designed to damp vibration and thus noise.

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Rich
http://www.v8mongrel.com/

I've never used shims, and I only use whatever little clippy things I haven't lost over time. Never had an problems. I think if you order stock pads from Mazda, you'll get all the appropriate little clippy things with the pads.

Diane

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Diane (Hall) Bundas
1992 Spec Miata #48 - 1997 Chevy Tahoe - 2007 Honda Civic Coupe

Maybe next time. Thanks guys!

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'99 Mk IV Jetta VR6 now claimed by the better half.

'90 Miata A-package, Floats like a butterfly and buzzes like a BEE with loudspeakers.

When we replaced Robs' rear pads we replaced the spring. That seemed to be useful for keeping the pads spread while you mount them. Not really a big deal.

The shim / backing plates. Some vendors ship pads with them some don't. Not just with Miata. We didn't use them. I don't use them on the Vette either. But I do use that Brake Lube stuff that is orange and sticky. Forget the name of it now. I put that on the back of the pad backing plate anywhere there is metal on metal contact. No squeeking or rattling problems and the stuff lasts.

Graham

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http://www.greywinds.com

Are you referring to copper-based anti-sieze? Got some of that. If something else I don't and am interested in it. Is it readily abailable at auto parts places?

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'99 Mk IV Jetta VR6 now claimed by the better half.

'90 Miata A-package, Floats like a butterfly and buzzes like a BEE with loudspeakers.

No it isn't an anti-sieze. It is specifically for putting on the back of brake pads to stop them from chaffing/squeeling from metal on metal contact. When I get home I can get the name. You can find it in any auto parts store. It's bright orange. It looks like a creme but it is really tacky/sticky. Put it on the back of the pads and stick them in place. I have never had to remove pads and redo them for noise using this stuff. And on way more cars than just the Vette.

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http://www.greywinds.com

Permatex makes the same stuff in a blue can called, 'Disc Brake Quiet'. It works well. - AB

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'14 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4WD
Super Westerfield Bros - '93 Integra - LeChump Du Jour
STX 93 - Scion FR-S

I use this as well. The spray can application makes it easy to use.

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Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

Where'ya get it?

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'99 Mk IV Jetta VR6 now claimed by the better half.

'90 Miata A-package, Floats like a butterfly and buzzes like a BEE with loudspeakers.

The orange stuff is called Disc Brake Quiet and made by CRC. Either that or the Permatex should be fine. As long as you put something on there. Either can be found at any automotive store. Only a few bucks and a bottle will last a long time.

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http://www.greywinds.com

Doug,
The best deal I found on pads is from Carbotech Engineering, a SPONSOR of our Track Events . I bought the rotors/XP9 package for the fronts on my Miata from Matt. For the price, I can piss through rotors and replace them as often as I want! The XP9 pads came with an integral "shim" built in, as I recall. If your new pads have this feature, don't add another shim! This would degrade the pedal response, especially if the shim is deformed, as it would press the caliper piston back in just a bit after each braking application.

I think you should at least include the "V" shaped springs and the anti-rattle seat clips which fit in the caliper. Both of these items are intended to stop the unloaded pads from rattling around when encountering rough conditions.

The "squealing sensor" that clips on to one of the ears of the inside pad is useless. Don't wory about it.

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Brad