A while ago I replaced my pads with Hawk HPS, they work great, no squealing, install was easy. One thing though is that I notice when I apply the brakes they click, almost like clicking into place, or the piston hittin the back side of the pads.

The only thing I did different on the install was NOT use the shims from the OEM pads 1. because they didn't seem to fit properly and 2. Once I got them off the back of the OEM's they were all bent from me prying them off.

Should I have used them anyways? Do you think I just need shims to eliminate the sound?

Edit: I have the Stock Brembos.

 

I don't have brembo's, but generally those shims should be replaced, with new shims if you can get them. These can be a pain to get on and off without ruining them, but otherwise they will click as they move hitting the caliper.

 

So where does one get new shims to go on the back of the HPS Brembo Pads? Are they specific to the pad? I don't think so if I should have taken them from the OEM pad to the HPS.

 

I just had this problem with my non-brembo 03. The clicking drove me nuts.

They apparently did something with the shims and it's fine now.

 

Who did something? I assume I just need shims...thats the only thing different.

 

http://www.racingbrake.com/350Z_G35_...er_p/bs960.htm
http://www.racingbrake.com/350Z_EVO_...er_p/bs961.htm

I've found front a rear shims for Brembos, but $70 bucks for SHIMS???

 

Precision designed and tested to match oem pads and backing plate.
They are usable with non oem pads at reduced acoustic performance....the insulative ability still at leasts works to reduce heat transfer from pad back to caliper piston----reduces brake fluid boiling.

As the pads wear from 9mm to 2mm the insulative effect of pad material goes essentially to zero and thus the shims are the last line of defense!

Most aftermarket pads copy the oem pad backing plate some are precise and some are good enough to look like they migjht fit on a good day to save a nickle.

Oem pads must meet precise standard whereas after market have no standards. What ever they can get away with before they go out of business

 

The factory service manual doesn't show shims for the front Brembos. The rear does have separate shims. Both have the cross spring retainers. The retainers could allow the clicking noise if they don't fit right. Also have you noticed that there is a procedure for applying grease to the metal edges of the pads before they are installed?

 

mine started doing that when im stopping in R (when most of the pressure is on rear brakes) after i replaced my pads with hawks... it really doesnt bother me that much, but it kinda bothers me when my gf says something about it or turns around really quick after getting outa the car.... its a little embarrassing having a girl ask whats wrong with my brakes

 

I have the exact same problem! I've been unhappy since the day I put in the Hawk HPS pads. I took off one of my front wheels to check my brakes, and my mechanic did not replace the shims. I went over to local Nissan dealer (there is no Infiniti dealership close to me anymore) and the parts manager couldn't find any part number for any shims for Brembo brakes. Those RB shims are a bit pricey. Where can I get factory shims? I can't believe they are so hard to find. I need to fix this problems so I can be happy with my car again. Along with the clicking noise, I have a major brake sqealing problem too.

If anyone can direct me where to get factory shims, I would be very appreciative.

 

If you are talking about a type of clunk or knock when 1st applying the brakes, especially after backing out of a driveway or parking spot, it is an inherent feature of the OEM Brembos. I recently purchased an STi which is equipped with the OEM Brembos and have noticed this as well. The calipers really only locate the pads using the pins and spring clip assembly at the top of the pads. What happens is after applying the brakes in reverse, the pads will shift rearward in the caliper and will then hit the caliper making a sound. When you then move forward again and apply the brakes , the pads will shift to their forward position and make the clunk sound again as they hit the front part of the caliper. As far as I can tell this is something that is common with the calipers and no immediate fix is available..other than installing a BBK which I will doing shortly

-Erik-

 

That is exactly the issue, thanks for the input. I figured it must be something like that...

 

Happy to help. By the way, I have tried 3 sets of pads in the calipers including the stockers, with and without shims and all of them had the same noise occurence so shims really wont help.

 

Shims would only help with squealing anyways, I'll just have to live with it. But you went back to OEM and had the same problem? Weird...

 

Shims don't do much for squealing, they just keep the pads from moving around within the caliper. When your car changes direction and you first apply the brakes, they will click as the pads move from the front or back of the caliper, and the shims keep the pads nice and tight so they dont have any play and click when used as above.