I just wanted to know how important the brake shoe shims\spacer are on a GSL-SE? I just changed my front brake and rotors and there were no shims of spacers on the old pads. But now after new pads and rotors my drivers side rotor is getting chewed up by the top outer brake pad clip. Any reason why only the drivers side is rubbing? Please help....

 

When I changed my brakes they did not have any front shims either. I am not sure why your rotor is getting chewed up yet.

 

I always though the shims were actually part of the anti-rattle/squeek items. I never ran them, I can't see how the spring clips can hit the rotor if installed correctly.

You have a picture of your problem.

The spring clips hold the pad firmly in place and help with brake pad squeeking.

John

 

Your clip probably got bent during brake pad installation, and is now rubbing against the rotor when you drive. To remedy this, you'll need to remove the pads, take the clip out and rebend to the correct shape so that it sits flush with the inside edge of the caliper mount.

SE's also have a single bent piano wire spring that has a 90 degree bend on one end and a big "Z" shape. The pin on the end goes into the hole in the middle of the outboard pad and then gets pushed against the inside of the caliper (seats above the rubber boot for the piston seal) on the inside. This keeps the outboard pad from rubbing against the rotor when coasting, and also helps to reduce squeal.

The other important piece is the chemical that you use to glue the pads/shims to the caliper. This is the single best thing you can do to preserve rotor life and help reduce brake squeal - I use a loctite product, blue in color, and very very sticky. HTH,

 

THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO I'LL TAKE A LOOK AT IT THIS WEEKEND AGAIN.....