Danais350

I have the new low dust front brake pads in hand and also ordered the shims. My question is the shim kit comes with 2 sets of shims. One set mirrors the stock all metal ones. The other set is mostly metal, but has a rubberish black padding that comes in contact with the back of the brake pad. What is the difference and which should I use? I assume if I use the all metal ones I use grease, but if I use the black rubber ones that is there so you do not need to use grease maybe... Any help is greatly appreciated.




Thanks!

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

Use both types of shim! The rubberized coated ones touch the pads, the non-rubberized coated ones touch the calipers.

Pad -> Coated shim -> Non-coated shim -> Caliper

No grease is used.

Pads with wear indicators go on the inside.

Jeff

Danais350

Perfect Jeff. Thanks! Exactly what I needed. I was going to start it last night, and when I saw 8 shims I didn't remember anyone in this thread discussing the "extra" shims. This was very helpful. I will replace them exactly as you are suggesting. Thanks for your time!

danais350

smokyis350

iTrader: (21)

Any reason to not use any grease? I added some CRC brake quiet on the outside of the chrome shim that touches the caliper and piston and I added grease on the slide pins and contact points. My brakes were squeaking and so far it solved the issue for now.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

If you've got noise issues and grease helps fix them, that's probably not a terrible thing. Lexus' fix for the noise was an updated set of shims and pads (the same ones the OP has) and the TSB specifically mentioned not to use grease (same as the original shims). I don't think there's anything wrong specifically with using grease, but they weren't originally designed to be used with grease (though the rears were).

Jeff

smokyis350

iTrader: (21)

Phew. I thought Lexus is special and shouldn't use grease or lubricant on the caliper . I was getting ready to remove the lubricant and grease.

Thanks for clarifying.

chanman3IS

would I need a new shim kit if I get the Akebono pads for the front? or just use the shiums from the original pads and ditch the shims that comes with the Akebono? this is for 2014 is350 fsport

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

Typically speaking, using the shims that came with the pads is a good idea, and follow whatever directions they give. Alternatively you could use your original shims and ditch the ones that came with the pads. Up to you.

Jeff

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

With the three various front pads I've ran I've just re-used my factory shims ('06) and used whatever integrated shim the pad cam with. Never had squealing or any other issues to speak of.