FinnLS

Hi all,

I did my front breaks (pads+rotors) 5k miles back with OEM parts. Have this constant squeal from the front left corner I think is pad related. Have now got the Akebono pads from Rockauto and would have few questions I did not find answers with searching the forum.

1. The Akenbonos seem to come with one anti-squeal shim already attached to each pad. Should I use the no. 2 shim from the original pads also or just go with the Akebono as is ?
2. To which surfaces have people added break lube between the pads and the shim ? I think Lexus advises only to lube the surface between the pad and the first shim.
3. Have you used the break lube that comes with the akebonos or something else ?

Might seem a bit too specific but I wanted to get it right the first time with the Akebonos since had the struggle with the OEM pads and shims.

Thanks!

yyymmm31

I thought that the general consensus now is that Centric Premium rotors and Centric Premium Posi-Quiet pads provide the best results. I would use the newer shims as long as they fit for better elastic support to the pads. From my readings and YouTube videos, both shims are lubed. For brake lube, I would use any anti-heat synthetic lube, although I prefer Permatex 24125 Ceramic Extreme Brake Parts Lubricant.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

I just did my front and rear akebonos, and did not get a squeal

I did not use the old shim, as the new pads came with it, I did make sure to use the grease they supplied before installing the pads

I would take them out, and recheck everything, and re apply more of the grease

roadfrog

You should apply grease to any contact points between pads, shims and calipers. I apply a small amount to the caliper piston where it contacts the back of the shim/pad. You also need to grease the caliper pins before you insert them into the caliper.

FinnLS

Thank you for the input.

Any opinion about the shims ? Should I just go with the single ones that came with the pads or add the outer OEM on top ?
I was thinking of trying with the single ones and then if any squeal occurs adding the outer one.

nitroracer

Not to necro-bump, but since this still comes up in search results, it's fair game.

Here's the TDS for 24125
Here's the TDS for 80653

The latter is silicone-based, and per the TDS, "It is compatible with internal and external brake rubber and plastic hardware, including ethylene-propylene rubber."

The former is synthetic, and the TDS makes no mention of compatibility.

What I typically do is, apply Toyota (red) Rubber Grease to where the rubber piston boots contact the back of the brake pad, then fill in the rest with the (silicone-based) 80653.

50k miles so far since I first swapped out the factory pads and no piston boot swelling that I can see.

I just installed Akebonos, and before that I had EBC Yellowstuff. I left the OEM shim kit off the Akebonos, but I did include it with the EBC's.

nitroracer

I ended up with some swelling of my piston boots using 80653, even though my research told me this shouldn't happen. Sticking with red rubber grease only, going forward.

LeX2K

Aluminum has a melting point of 1,218 °F cast iron 2,200°F. So your caliper will turn liquid but the grease will be just fine. Total nonsense Permatex.