Should You Grease Brake Pad Shims?

Introduction

Brake system is a crucial component of any vehicle, and the brake pads are an integral part of the system. They help in slowing down your vehicle and bringing it to a stop. However, brake pads come in contact with various parts of the brake system, and this may cause noise, vibration, and uneven wear. Greasing brake pad shims is a technique used to address these issues.

In this article, we will discuss whether you should grease brake pad shims or not, the benefits of greasing the shims, and the steps involved in greasing the shims.

Should You Grease Brake Pad Shims?

The answer to this question is not straightforward and may vary depending on the type of brake pad shims in your vehicle. Some brake pad shims are pre-lubricated with a special grease that is designed to reduce noise and vibrations during braking. In such cases, greasing the shims may not be necessary.

On the other hand, if your brake pad shims are not pre-lubricated or if you are experiencing brake noise or vibration, then greasing the shims may be necessary.

Benefits of Greasing Brake Pad Shims

Greasing brake pad shims can offer various benefits for your vehicle’s brake system, including the following:

1. Reduced Noise: One of the most significant benefits of greasing brake pad shims is reducing brake noise. When the shim comes in contact with the caliper and rotor, it can produce a screeching or squeaking noise due to the friction. Greasing the shims can reduce the friction and prevent noise.

2. Smooth Braking: Greasing brake pad shims can also make your braking system smoother. The shims will be able to slide along the rotor and caliper more smoothly, reducing instances of jerky braking.

3. Prevents Uneven Wear: Greasing brake pad shims can prevent uneven wear on the pads. When your brake pad shims are not greased, they can become stuck or seize, causing uneven wear on the pads. Greasing the shims can help prevent this issue.

Steps to Grease Brake Pad Shims

If you’ve decided to grease your brake pad shims, here are the steps you should follow:

1. Remove the Brake Pads: The first step is to remove the brake pads. This may involve removing the brake caliper, depending on your vehicle’s design. Ensure that you exercise caution and follow any recommended safety procedures when handling the brake system components.

2. Remove the Shims: Once you’ve removed the brake pads, carefully remove the shims from the pads. You can use a screwdriver or pliers to gently pry them loose.

3. Clean the Shims: Before applying the grease, you should clean the shims to remove any dirt or debris that may be on them. You can use a brake cleaner or rubbing alcohol and a clean cloth to clean the shims.

4. Apply the Grease: Once the shims are clean, apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to both sides of the shim. Use a small brush or finger to apply the grease carefully.

5. Reinstall the Shims: After applying the grease, carefully reinstall the shims onto the pads. Ensure that they are secured in place.

6. Reinstall the Brake Pads: Once the shims are back in place, reinsert the brake pads into the caliper. Again, ensure that you exercise caution and follow any recommended safety procedures.

7. Test the Brakes: Finally, test the brakes to ensure that they are working correctly. Remember to exercise caution and drive slowly and carefully when testing the brakes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, greasing brake pad shims can offer various benefits to your vehicle’s brake system, including reducing noise, providing smoother braking, and preventing uneven pad wear. However, it is not always necessary to grease the shims, and you should consider the type of shims in your vehicle before doing so.

If you decide to grease your brake pad shims, ensure that you follow the recommended steps and exercise caution when handling the brake system components. When in doubt, seek the assistance of a professional mechanic.