It's time for me to remove and replace front brake pads. I notice some pads come with "shims" some do not.

Does this mean that the existing shims can be reused? What exactly is being shimmed?

I also see that some kits include a couple bolts. The bolts have a one-time use?

 

Hey NITTY,

In my opinion, both the shims and the bolts can be used again. The bolts holding the caliper together experience relatively low torque, but do what you are comfortable with. I would not go out of my way, "or pay more" for a kit with the shims and bolts included... The important thing to note is whether you are purchasing OEM pads or aftermarket. Please note, that many aftermarket pads do not have the U-Shaped top slot to install the Brake Pad Wear Sensor.

The shims are moreso small metal brackets that attach into the top and bottom of the carrier. Once you remove the old parts, remove the shims, clean them up with some brake cleaner, and make sure to use brake anti-seize on the brake pad tabs, which is where they come in contact with the brackets. Once cleaned, you can snap/click the brackets back into the carrier, and then slide the lubed up pad tabs into the brackets. Compress the caliper piston, making sure you have opened the master cylinder reservoir, to give the excess caliper fluid somewhere to go. Tighten everything up and make sure to pump the brakes in order to seat the caliper piston before you attempt to move the vehicle after lowering it back on the ground. Make sure your master cylinder reservoir is neither low or overfilled. Give the car a test drive in a controlled area, and be easy on the pads for the first 25 miles.

Drive Safe & Drive Often. Rubber Side Down. Over & Out.

 

Many Thanks. I'm used to seeing the pads slide on the bolt so this is a little different for me. I've had good life and acceptable performance with the original pads so I'll go that route.

 

Hey NITTY,

No prob. If you check out the below link you can see how the pad tabs fit into the brackets in BOX 3, and if you look at the carrier in BOX 5 you can see where the brackets fit into.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=34_1523

 

All went well when I replaced the pads a couple days ago. Some things of note:

- The replacement pads came with hardware but the fit of the new shims didn't feel as good as the original so I reused the originals. Also didn't understand why only two new bolts were provided. Seems like should have been four. I reused the originals. Hope they are not torque to yield.

- Resetting the computer went through an "active" process. Eventually I got a box with a check mark. Don't know what was being checked.