Brake pad shims

[tezza]

I've just changed all 4 pads in my ute and Ive noticed that there is only one shim on a pad at each wheel.

Are there meant to be shims on all pairs of pads at each wheel?
Since I only have one for the time being, should the shim be put on the caliper piston pad or the other one?

(there is some slight squeaking noise, which may or may not be due to the shim placement)

Thanks

[The1]

so are you talking about those little plastic insert things between the caliper and the back of the pad? i left mine off ages ago havn't noticed any difference.

[cander24]

What you have is correct. There should only be one metal shim/plate per caliper. The pad with the metal shim should be against the caliper piston.

[tezza]

Thanks for your help. I'll need to double check that Ive got the shim on the right pad tomorrow then. Having it on the outer pad, would it cause any small squeels?
Do I need to put some rubber grease or something on the shim between the pad or caliper?

Ive changed brake pads before, although they have never had the shims or there were two for each pad, so thats why I was just checking with the Commodore ones to make sure I havent got any missing.

I think most aftermarket pads have some anti squeal / rattle backing on them anyhow right?

[Z2TT]

They have anti squeel shims? Mine don't.
I thought VS had no shims and most workshops just put the anti-noise spray on the back of the pads

Gregories manual doesn't show the shims on the diagram.

[RX25SE]

The shims are not critical.
If you have some slight squeaking (or wan't to prevent it) place a very small smear of high temp copper grease, such as Copper Eze or Wurth CU800, on the leading edge of the pads backing plate where it contacts the caliper bracket.
If you look at the old pads you should see a shiny spot at this point, that's where you would put the grease.