2002 ES Brake Shims

[jordanserre]

Hey All:

I have watched the forums for a while now and thoroughly enjoy all the information that I have received. As for my problem, I hope that someone has had the same issues.

I have owned a 2002 Protege ES for about a year now. I replaced the rear brake pads this weekend and after much trouble (the caliper pistonwouldn't depress, but then we found the set screw to release the piston) once we figured out how to get the piston depressed, we broke one of the set screws. We ordered 3 from Mazda and after all the trouble just put everything back together without thinking about the shims on the old pads.

I had put on Wagner Thermoquiet pads (PD892) and the pads have backings on them, so I am wondering if the shims are even necessary. I noticed that the old pads are just material, nothing else, so it would make sense to have the backing for the piston to contact.

Does anyone know if the shims are necessary on aftermarket pads, especially since the Wagner's have the backing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Jordan

[jordanserre]

Does anyone have any idea?

- Jordan

[wannabe]

i was wondering the same thing. i just did one of my rear brakes (ran out of time) last night and the shim literally fell apart in my hands..my pro is 4.5 years old in harsh cleveland weather, with 75,000 miles on it. i couldnt replace the shims if i wanted too...

[jordanserre]

yeah, I could replace them, but they aren't exactly the most fun to replace, so if i would rather not.

anyone know if not replacing the brake shims will affect anything?





i was wondering the same thing. i just did one of my rear brakes (ran out of time) last night and the shim literally fell apart in my hands..my pro is 4.5 years old in harsh cleveland weather, with 75,000 miles on it. i couldnt replace the shims if i wanted too...

[NegatiZE]

I don't think it will. With my old 1.6L front brakes, I didn't re-use the shims at all because they were practically destroyed.