BRAKE PADS AND SHIMS!
In the diagram which I will get into more detail on I just wanted you to see the basic brake system. This is so important and the reason I say that is, no system in your car gets compromised, adjusted, modified, and then re-modified more than the brake system. Main reason for this back and fourth method of repair is because we take the car to one shop one time, then another shop the next, and then maybe back to the dealer the next.
I think it is vital to point out that most repair facilities are not in it to rip you off. They are simply towing the company line. That may mean selling you a part from their warehouse rather than offering you a selection of parts as they should. So here is the low down.
The way most shop save you 30 or 40 dollars on a brake job is by simply using a hmmm how shall I put this, they use a sub standard part. Plain and simple they put a brake pad on that is made of super hard pressed graphite and iron, or waste metal super cheap to produce. This gives the brake pad a super long life, but a ridiculously loud squeak and a near guarantee on warped rotors in the future, this means you come back for repairs that you think will be under warranty and you typically find out there is no warranty . In my humble opinion you should always ask what parts are being put on the car in the first place, if they are using an aftermarket or cheaper part that is great but, do any changes need to be made for the part to fit? does anything need to be shaved, clipped, or cut, if so what is being changed and why. What is the price difference to go with factory parts, or the equivalent. So you are simply letting them know you know what your doing I promise it will change everything.
The other reason for the photo or diagram is the shims. The shims are a small metal plate that is on the brake pad (in most makes and models) when the vehicle is shipped from the factory. When I mentioned, clipped, modified, shaved, or thrown away the shims were mainly what I was referring to. Now if you get factory pads then you can reuse the shims (they do cost extra if the shop requests replacement find out why). If you bought your vehicle used, or your last repair was from a local independent or next door mechanic chances are the shims were thrown away. Yep you heard right, 30.00 dollars worth of factory parts tossed in the trash because the aftermarket brake pads did not fit the factory shims, or the shims get cut and modified so they cannot be used again.
Okay I spit out a ton of info there here is the bottom line. If you do not have the factory shims and pads you are still going to stop fine, however you will have a lot of brake squeak, not a little, a lot! Do not let the shop you had do the work, talk you into grease, brake goo, or turning your rotors to quiet the noise down, this will make the noise go away temporarily, but make it worse down the road not to mention the shop will almost surely charge you for the repair. It is vital that at the time of repair you ask the status of the shims, then with the repair facility being aware that you are educated and understand the shims, they will be responsible to you for the what and where condition report. Really that is all you need, this will almost surely prevent you from being taken advantage of. Now if a shop is recommending new shims, make sure and ask why. They are either going away from factory parts and need a different type shim for this part, or they may be going back to factory and need them for the factory pads. Having them explain this prevents the shop from assuming you do not know what is up
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