I'm trying to install Wagner ceramic pads on my 99 GS400. With the metal shim and plastic insulator installed, I can barely get the caliper back on. Even with just the metal shim, it seems like its too thick, and the rotor is dragging with the caliper back on, and new pad springs used. I've compressed the pistons, the rotors are old, so not original thickness. Do I use the shims and insuators or leave them off? The pads are Wagner Thermo Quiet ceramic, pt no QC619/PC619. Thanks.

 

Finished the brake job this morning. Pads fit much better without the shims. So far, so good.. no noise at all, the clunking when backing out of the garage first thing in the morning and changing directions (forward to reverse) is gone. I was afraid that it was the new LBJs I had installed. When I first started up the car and pressed the brake pedal, it went all the way to the floor like it wasnt connected to anything. Did that a second time too. But after that, it felt fine.

I still would like to know what you guys think about the Wagner Thermo Quiet pads with no shims. Seems to me like it would put some sideways stress on the brake pistons that would cause the seals to go eventually, that wouldnt be there with the shims installed.

 

they suck sorry i have a set now and they are quiet but stopping power is lacking big time and that with slotted rotor im going to switch over to hawks or ebc and soon as the weather permit