I started trying to remove the stock fiber shim from one of my pads to transfer to my new DS2500's using a razor blade and found it was bending the shim quite badly so I quit.

How are you guys preserving the flatness of the shim when removing them? Seems like they definetely won't want to stick well on the new pad if they are in the shape of a big 'C'.

Please give me your trick to this.

Thanks

 

Heh those come off? I really don't think they're intended to be transferred. Only the metal shims are needed.

 

??????????

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...94&postcount=5

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...9&postcount=30

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...28&postcount=7

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...91&postcount=1

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...83&postcount=1

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...65&postcount=1

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...6&postcount=11

And about a 100 more posts/threads about them if you search for keywords, BRAKES and SQUEAL!

 

I am so happy you posted this. I removed the fiber shims from 2 pads and installed my new DS2500s using the fiber and metal shims. Then I got all confused and decided that the fiber shims where actually just the packaging/backing of the brembo pads, so I removed them from my setup!

Without the fiber shims my DS2500s are fine (no squeaks) most of the time. Only when it is cold out and the brakes are cold do I get squeaking with light braking application.

I used a putty/spackle knife to remove the shims. I did get a little bending of the shim, but since the spackle knife worked well overall.

 

Another question for all of you... When you apply the thermal grease to the backing of the brake-pads, do you also put grease in between the shims and the pad?

If I was to install the pads using both the fiber and metal shim, would the process be like this?
1) cover the back of the brake pad with thermal grease
2) place the fiber shim on the greased brake pad
3) grease the back of the fiber shim
4) place the metal shim on the back of the fiber shim
5) grease the back of the metal shim
6) install!

 

yea that would work, the grease is mainly there to reduce vibration, which in turn causes the squeak... not too much tho

 

Ok, got the shims removed and reinstalled on the Ferodos. The trick is to use a very thin but wide putty knife. I had originally used a putty knife that had a knife edge but it's base was quite thick and would not flex.

1. Start with a razor blade; push it in about half the depth of the blade.
2. Slip the putty knife under the blade and remove the blade.
3. Work the putty knife in rocking 30/45 degree motion while pushing hard against the shim
4. Stop when you reach the middle
5. Begin with the opposite side with the razor blade and slip in the putty knife
6. Work the putty knife but be careful as it will eventually give way abruptly

This minimizes bending of the fiber (metal backed) shim. No rebending back to flat will be required if you do it right.

I would suggest NOT placing grease/lubricant between the fiber shim and the pad. Instead follow what the factory did originally: stick the fiber shim back on the pad back clean, apply lubricant to the piston side of the metal shim liberally. I also lubricated the inside of the metal shim.

I also lubed the outside edges of the pad, the top of the pad, the upper and lower areas in the caliper where the sides of the pad rest against, and everywhere the spring clip touched the retaining pins. After assembly I pried the clips down away from the pins and made sure there was still plenty of lube against the pin (since I dragged the pin across them.)

It took me all day, but it was my first brake job on a Brembo/multipiston setup, and I like to be thorough in cleaning all parts.

 

You say not to put grease in between the fiber shim on the pad's back as the factory took no such measures. Did use glue instead to fix the fiber shim to the pad?

Please let us know if you still get squeaking after all your preparation.

 

I didn't use glue, there was adhesive left on them however it wasn't that sticky but may stick better once they get hot. Doesn't matter as they aren't going anywhere anyway.

I bedded them in and it was quite EERIE as it was the first time that my Evo has been completely quiet! No squeeking when stopping at any speed whatsoever.

Another big key to my success I think is the lubricant I'm using: Bendix Ceramlub. You can get it where I got here: http://www.autobarn.net/bl1.html

I actually spoke with the engineer who invented this stuff and now sells it to Bendix. It's good to 2800 degrees!

 

Wow, that is some mighty strong lubricant! I was driving around today (weather is about 50 degrees) and did not hear any squeaking with my current install of DS2500s and metal shims only. Perhaps the pads just needed a some break-in miles before they quieted down.

On the other hand, my stock pads never made any noise...