one of my brake pad shims in the front broke, but i just stuffed it back in. it was rubbing up against my rotor's hat area and grooved it from contact. are these outer shims required for proper brake function, or can i take them off? any bad consequences taking them off? thanks in advance.

 

I have 93 hatch and I took the shims off of my car. It hasn't effected anything. The only thing I notice is that the brakes squeal a bit more than usual.


[Modified by 57one, 3:26 AM 8/11/2002]

 

You may notice a little more noise. Maybe not.

 

yes, the main purpose of the shims is noise reduction.

 

Just rub some of that stop squeak glue-like substance on the back of your pads and your set.

 

thanks for the replies fellas.

so... performance will not be affected--only noise may result, right?

 

So it did affect something...

 

Shims are essentially noise-reducing agents...most modern brake friction compounds, due to their semi-met composition, will tend to squeal...and thus pads that are sold as OEM-replacements will typically use one or more of the following noise-reducing methods:

(1) edge chamfering
(2) shims
(3) slotting

If you don't have shims, you'll just live with some noise. You can use Permatex Disc Brake Quiet to reduce noise if it bothers you too much...get it at Autozone or Pep Boys in the 12oz aerosol can...easier to apply.

HTH... -Andie