Hi everyone,

I have a '04 GD1 Fit and I have just replaced my original front disc pads with an aftermarket part. I noticed that the original brake pads had shims attached to it. When replacing with an aftermarket part, do I still need to attach the brake pad shims as well?

thanks for your help.

Cheers,
Nigel

 

The purpose of the shim is to prevent squealing during brake application so the answer is YES.
In addition the width of the after market pads should match the width of the original ones to prevent formation of the ridge on the edge of the rotor .
FYI , the aftermarket pads can:
have a shorter life
increase braking effort
make a noise
create excessive dust
score brake rotors

 

I agree with doctor J. However, in the interest of balanced reporting, I would ask him if there are any aftermarket pads that are as good as, or better than (depending upon the purpose (durability, racing, cost, etc.)), the OEM items.

 

thanks doctor J. I did fit the shims back along with the aftermarket brake pads. The only problem I have right now is that there is an occasional "knock" or "tock" sound when I hit the brakes when driving uphill or downhill. Braking power is good, I stop pretty quick but there is just this weird "tock" sound on the brakes. Do you think it is because the shims is a bit loose? Is it ok to bend the shims a bit to lock it in place?

 

Most often knock is the sound of the pads touching the flat springs in the caliper bracket.(Position 12 on the picture) the remedy is to pull these spring s apply anti-seize or equivalent to the brackets and re-installing the springs and pads.
Sometimes the pad's backing plate can be shorter compared to genuine pads

 

if I'm traveling say 60 km/hr and i hear my left rotor grinding when I'm just cruising, is that a sign of a sticky caliper?

 

No not realy. Do you have any surface rust on your disc? Is your pad making contact with all of them surface?