Brake pads come in a variety of thicknesses and styles, so it’s important to have the correct shims for your car or truck. If you don’t use the brake pad adjustment screw on your vehicle, then it is very important to replace brake pad shims each time you change your brake pads.
There are many types of brakes available on vehicles today, including disc brakes and drum brakes.
The type of brake pad will determine which type of brake Shim you need to install on your vehicle Disc-brake systems require bigger Shim while drum brakes only require smaller Shim.
How Important Are Brake Pad Shims
If you’ve ever had to replace your brake pads, you know that they need to be shimmed. This is especially true if your car has disc brakes.
When the brake pads are pressed against the discs, they create friction which stops the car.
But without the correct amount of pad Shims (a small metal piece between each pad and rotor), this friction can cause wear and tear on your braking system over time.
Problems That Occur When Brake Pads Go Wrong
If your car’s brake pads are going wrong, they can cause a lot of problems. They might not stop the car at all, or they might make it difficult to stop. This can lead to accidents and could cost you money.
There are a few problems that can occur when brake pads go wrong.
Improper Brake Pad Shims Can Cause a Problem
If your brake pads are not fitted properly, they may rub against the rotors. This can wear down the pad quickly and cause it to start creating sparks when you brake.
The problem can become worse if shims aren’t installed correctly or if they’re worn out.
Can Ruin Your Brake System
If your brakes don’t work properly, it is likely that the problem is due to bad shims. These small pieces of metal are used to adjust the distance between your brake pads and the rotor in order to provide optimum braking performance for your vehicle.
If these shims are worn out, incorrect pressure will be applied which could lead to warped rotor discs and even failure of your entire braking system altogether.
Could Lead to Serious Injury or Damage
When improperly fitted shims collide with each other while braking, this can create excessive friction which in turn could result in serious injury or damage including bent rusted calipers (the components that hold up your exterior panels), torn hoses, melted drum assemblies, etc.
In extreme cases, this type of damage might also require the replacement of both brake systems on an individual car basis.
Essential For Optimum Performance
A good set of quality brake pad shims should always be installed by a qualified technician in order to ensure optimal performance from your vehicle’s brake system.
How to Brake Pad Shims
When your brake pads wear down, they need to be replaced. However, before the new brakes can be installed, the old ones must first be removed. This is done by using a set of shims (a thin piece of metal or plastic).
Shims are placed between the pad and rotor to prevent them from rubbing against each other. If they become worn down or damaged over time, their job becomes harder as friction increases.
Check Brake Pad Shims for Damage or Defects
When it comes to brake pads, regular inspection is key in order to prevent any issues down the road. One way to check if your shims are in good condition is by looking for damage or defects.
If you notice anything wrong with them, you’ll need to replace them as soon as possible.
Clean and Lubricate Brake Pad Shims Regularly
Cleaning and lubricating your brake pad shims will keep them functioning properly and protect against wear and tear over time.
Make sure to clean them using a mild soap and water solution before applying a light layer of grease.
Repeat this step every few months depending on how often your car uses its brakes.
Replace Damaged/Defective Brake Pad Shim When Necessary
If one of your brake pad shims begins showing signs of wear or damage, it’s time to replace it immediately so that the car can stop smoothly without issue.
You should also inspect all other components related to braking such as pads, rotors, calipers, etc, before making any changes so that you don’t end up causing further problems down the line.
FAQs
Are Brake Shims Necessary?
Brake shims are a device used to adjust the brake pads on a vehicle. They are made of metal or ceramic and they come in different thicknesses.
Do Brake Shims Work?
Brake shims are a type of brake pad that can be placed under the brake pads to increase braking power.
Brake shims work by increasing friction between the rotor and the pad. This friction increases braking power, which is why they are often used when driving on snow or ice.
Do Shims Correct Pad Alignment?
Shims are used for leveling the top of a pad, but they can also be used to correct bad alignment.
Do Brake Pads with Shims Need Grease?
Yes, but only if you use brake grease that is specifically made for this application.
Where Do You Apply Shim Grease?
In most cases, Shim Grease is applied to metal surfaces like gears and bearings.
Final Words
Brake pads are one of the most important parts of your car and need to be properly maintained. Proper brake pad shimming is essential for creating a smooth braking experience.
If you have problems with your brakes, it’s best to have them serviced as soon as possible so that the pads can be adjusted correctly.
Always replace worn or damaged brake pads before they cause too much damage to your vehicle – this includes those times when they just seem barely used.
Supplies like brake fluid, brake cleaner, and shoe grips can help make adjusting brakes easier in some cases; read labels carefully before using any products though.