brake pad shims doesn't fit?

Stock4AG · Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 4

I bought some new pads for my 1st Gen XB but found the factory shims does not fit right on the new pads on one side, the new pads shapes are slightly different, although it would fit into the caliper.. just I cannot use the shims, has anyone ran into this problem?

I plan to bring everything to the dealer tomorrow but it's a frustrating thing.

evosky · Joined: 28 Mar 2006 Posts: 2001

hmm i just replaced my pads.
you're sure you configured the shims correctly? because i found that when i was putting my new pads on, i didnt configure one correctly, and i was sitting around for a good half hour trying to make the shim go on the pad the wrong way...

i know that someone here has put new pads on without the shims and apparently has had no problems ....

Sasnuke · Joined: 04 Jan 2008 Posts: 103 Location: Ontario, Canada

Toyota did have a modification to the front pads, where the old shims would only fit on one side side pad but not the other. Either the pads you bought are the old shape & the shims are the new style, or the pads are the new shape & the shims are the old style. Either way the dealer will have the new shims, just try them on the new pad, if they fit your good to go.

Stock4AG · Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 4

Sasnuke wrote: Toyota did have a modification to the front pads, where the old shims would only fit on one side side pad but not the other. Either the pads you bought are the old shape & the shims are the new style, or the pads are the new shape & the shims are the old style. Either way the dealer will have the new shims, just try them on the new pad, if they fit your good to go.

Thanks for your confirmation.
it is the first pad change and the shims only fit one side on my newly bought pads, as you described!

so I am going to the dealer now with the pads to make sure they shims will fit.

VIP_CAMO · Posted: 9/6/08 10:34AM Post subject:

do we really need to use the shims...?im going to be doing my pads soon aswell and if i dont need why bother

Stock4AG · Joined: 25 Apr 2008 Posts: 4

just back from the dealer the new shims retails for $40 but they give me a discount.

no I don't think the shims are necessary, but I like to do things by the book, it will reduce the chance of squealing.. and it will stop the pad backing's paint from transfering to your brake caliper..

koalaty2 · Joined: 02 Feb 2005 Posts: 536 Location: Lancaster, CA

Nice informative post. My pads are nearing 50K, so I will be replacing them soon.

Sasnuke · Joined: 04 Jan 2008 Posts: 103 Location: Ontario, Canada

Are the shims necessary, thats a good question. Lets put it this way, for every Toyota/Scion that uses this shim (or any shim for that matter) could have done without it, Toyota would have saved about $15-$20 per car since it made its frist car (whenever that was).
The shims do serve a purpose, they are supposed to keep the brakes operating quietly, which we all like.
Bottom line, will the brakes function fine without them, sure, could they function overall better with them, sure.

VIP_CAMO · Posted: 9/7/08 4:07PM Post subject:

so its a matter of prefrence and if ya want to shell out aextra 40 for something we should get for free if it was change or at least less than 40 bucks..hope mine will fit :nails: my pads should be here soon i got assix pads will let ya's know

VIP_CAMO · Posted: 9/11/08 12:38PM Post subject:

well changed my pads with axxis pads today did not use the shims...the pad has a rubber style shim molded to the pad went around the corner and so far good ...i will update with any noise or problems at the end of the day when i finish running around ...

p911gt10c · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Alberta

hmm, I'm interested to hear the results VIP CAMO. I just called Toyota here and in town and they gave the the price for a Shim Kit along with the pads and I didn't even realize I needed the kit!

All: how do we know the difference between the old style pads and the new style?

VIP_CAMO · Posted: 10/2/08 12:01PM Post subject:

no probs what so ever no noise no nothing the only thing i got is lots of brake dust the first few miles ..i got the axxis ult pads.. i got em for 41 bucks shiped to my door from nopi.com...im not sure the diff on the new style pad or shim i did keep my shims just incase i need them in the future..the pads are very easy to change deff able to diy and save some cash...i belive it tokk me about 40 mins to do both...

p911gt10c · Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 114 Location: Alberta

VIP_CAMO wrote: no probs what so ever no noise no nothing the only thing i got is lots of brake dust the first few miles ..i got the axxis ult pads.. i got em for 41 bucks shiped to my door from nopi.com...im not sure the diff on the new style pad or shim i did keep my shims just incase i need them in the future..the pads are very easy to change deff able to diy and save some cash...i belive it tokk me about 40 mins to do both...

which style of pads did you get?
the Axxis Deluxe Advanced, XBG Metal Master, Extended Duty or ULT Ceramic ?

VIP_CAMO · Posted: 10/3/08 8:49PM Post subject:

got theKevlar/Ceramic Hi-Performance Brake Pads . i know there was a post on pads made of ceramic but working fine for me..i sometimes have spirited rides ..and works great ..

MadMike550 · Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 350 Location: Wisconsin

I just put a set of ceramics on my box

they work great
the box stops better than it ever has

VIP_CAMO · Posted: 10/4/08 6:21PM Post subject:

its does seem as if it has more bite but could have been because i was just about do for a brake job..