Toxicxk23

So just recently my brakes started squeeling a little bit and random times. I checked the pads and there was maybe a couple mm's left so I figured might as well change them to the low dust pads now. I just changed them this afternoon but I have a few questions. When I took my old pads out, there were NO shims...just the pads. I greased up the back on the new pads and put them back in. The brake pedal feels better and smoother but I'm still getting some random squeeling. I'm thinking maybe it could be the rear pads making the noise. I can't really tell though.

So back to the shims, anyone ever run into this? This is the first time I've changed the brakes since I've owned the car. Could the previous owner/shop have forgot the shims? What's the effects of not having them?

2GSKaizen

iTrader: (1)

The effect of not having the shims is exactly what you are describing, random squeeling. I bet the shop that did the prior service forgot to put them back in. That's why you don't let any oil jockey do repair work on your Lexus.

Toxicxk23

Grrr okay. Looks like I'll have to get a shim kit. I visually checked the rear pads too and from what I can see, looks like there are no shims there either. This is exactly why I do my own maintenance and installs. I know I'll care more about the quality of work than some random mechanic would. How many shims on each pad would I need? How do I go about figuring that out?

jbjones85

iTrader: (20)

I used one on each pad when I put new pads on a few weeks ago. There were 2 each on the fronts that came out and 1 each on the rears.

Toxicxk23

So should I use 1 or 2 on each? What exactly do the shims do (besides prevent the squeeling)? The pads fit in fine and don't move around when the pistons are pushed against it. Won't be able to add the shims until Monday since the Lexus parts dept is closed tomorrow

Slammer1

What kind of pads did you use? Most of the "quality" pads that I've bought in recent years already have the shims on them. My Centric pads that are on the front and rear of my IS came with them, the Hawk pads on my Accord did as well. I even put a set of Pep Boys pads on for a friend and they had them as well.....

Toxicxk23

I bought the OEM low dust pads

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

When I replaced the OEM fronts, there were only one shim on each pad. I re-used those shims and added a healthy amount of grease. When I recently did the rears, I found the OEM rears had two shims on each pad. I re-used only one of those shims with plenty of grease. No issues/noises to speak of here.

2GSKaizen

iTrader: (1)

I always use a few dabs of that gooey brake stuff between the pads and the shims. This stuff absorbs vibrations and really helps prevent squeels as well.

Toxicxk23

Yeah I use the packets of anti squeal brake lube. Just picked up the front shims today. Gonna put them in some time this week and hopefully it solves my squealing problem.

Toxicxk23

The shims got rid of the squeals but now they have returned to annoy me a little more Possibly rear brake pads since I haven't checked if those shims were there? The squeal went away upon putting in the front shims though so idk where to go from here

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

So are the fronts squealing still, or is it the rears?

Toxicxk23

I can't really tell if its front or rear. The squealing is intermittent. One day it'll randomly squeal a few times. The next day absolutely nothing. Sometimes if it's start squealing I let off the brake and then brake again and no squeal. It's tripping me out

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Does it normally do it during slow braking?

Toxicxk23

Yeah whenever it happens its usually under 40mph