OK. Time to change brakes.

Just bought some Raybestos (spelling?) semi-organic pads for the front. However, these seem a little different than usual pads b/c they seem to come with a type of shim that is already punched on... These are the first pads that I come across with something like this. B/c of the excess padding, I am not able to close the caliper (yes it is fully retracted) with the stock shims on top of the pads. So I removed 1 of the inner shims (outside pad uses 1 and inside pad uses 2, one on top of another).

My problem is, at first things are fine and I sort of bedded the pads to the rotor, but the next morning it randomly squeals when I brake at around +/-5 mph. Sometimes it squeaks, other times it doesn't... what's going on? I am thinking maybe I should just NOT use the stock shims. Would that cause a problem???

Would it be sufficient ok to just put ANY pads in without using the 'brake pad kit' (shims)? Are they used just as fillers so that it simulates as though the pads are deeper?

Yeah, I should have took some pics before I put them on, but I wasn't expecting any problems either...

Let's see who can shed some light. Thanks.

 

Don't use the stock shims, since the Raybestos already comes with the shims... and don't forget to put some silicone on the pads before you put them on... helps to eliminate noise.

 

silicone glue or silicone lubricant?

 

the silicone lubricant... they sell it usually by the counter in really small tubes for like $1 or so.

 

I'll give it a try. Thanks!