Brake Pad Shims - Need Um?

[FJ1100mjk]

Hi:

I replaced the old, worn-out pads on the rear of my '85 with EBC double H pads. When taking out the old ones, I noted the shims on the back of them, but didn't put the shims on the new pads. The Clymer repair manual states to make sure they are on and have their arrows pointing forward. However, I wasn't looking at the manual (I know, I know, bad) when I swapped out the pads. Has anyone ever left them off like I did, and had any ill effects from it?

I put the same brand and type pads (without shims) on an older Kawasaki, put over a 1,000 miles on them, and haven't heard a peep out of them, or noticed a thing other than improved braking.

I still have to go through the front brakes yet, and I assume that the old pads will have the shims too.

Thanks.
Marty

[FJmonkey]

Hi:
I replaced the old, worn-out pads on the rear of my '85 with EBC double H pads. When taking out the old ones, I noted the shims on the back of them, but didn't put the shims on the new pads. The Clymer repair manual states to make sure they are on and have their arrows pointing forward. However, I wasn't looking at the manual (I know, I know, bad) when I swapped out the pads. Has anyone ever left them off like I did, and had any ill effects from it?
I put the same brand and type pads (without shims) on an older Kawasaki, put over a 1,000 miles on them, and haven't heard a peep out of them, or noticed a thing other than improved braking.
I still have to go through the front brakes yet, and I assume that the old pads will have the shims too.
Thanks.
Marty

I think they are for noise/squeal effect...Harmonics can make the brakes sing like an angelic group on crack.... The shims break up the natural harmonics to prevent this. If your brakes sound like crap after bedding in then you might want to put the shims or alternative product back in. Or leave it as is so others know you are slowing down.....

[SlowOldGuy]

Really?

It took longer to type that post than to put the shims back in.

DavidR.

[FJ1100mjk]

Hey, be nice!

You can type a lot faster if you do it with more than one finger at a time, and when you're not looking at the keyboard too.