1996 Volvo 850 Brake Pad Half Shims

wackenhut · Post by **wackenhut** » 25 Feb 2016, 19:14

Hi,

So I am experiencing the dreaded vibration with the rear brakes and purchased the half shim kit from volvo. When I look online at the volvo factory pads, they are attached to a backing with two holes, is this considered a shim? I am just wondering if the half shim metal kit goes on top of this piece or if it needs to some how be taken off and reattached to the metal half shim.

If someone could please explain that would be great!

Thank you.

Post by **dosbricks** » 25 Feb 2016, 19:59

The pad backing (steel) is coated with something that is supposed to reduce vibration, but in my experience, only the L-shaped shims are effective. The pad backing is not removable.

Remember the arrows on the shims must all point in the direction of forward wheel rotation (or up in the case of the rear brakes). Use silicone brake grease on all.

wackenhut · Post by **wackenhut** » 25 Feb 2016, 21:06

Thank you so much!!

Post by **misha** » 26 Feb 2016, 04:44

Almost all reputable brake pad manufacturers now have something like brake shim in the back of their pads.It's glued at the back of the pad and almost looks like it's a single piece.
Those are Mintex,Trw,Delphi,Ferodo.

I installed Delphi (Ac Delco for U.S market)rear brake pads few months ago and they had factory shims at the back.
They sometimes squeal ONLY when i brake while driving in reverse while i park the car.Before them i had ATE from Volvo and they behaved the same.

Post by **dyn blin** » 26 Feb 2016, 10:34

When I pulled the pads from the rear during Stage 0 update after purchase, one side had the arrows pointing counter to forward wheel rotation. Wear appeared "normal" and even, no squeal (one of the few things that didn't make noise when I bought the moose). Looked about 50% worn-

What's the effect of reversed pads with shims?

Post by **misha** » 26 Feb 2016, 12:36

Not reversed pads with shims....shims are fitted at the back of the pads to prevent squealing.

Post by **dosbricks** » 26 Feb 2016, 13:06

dyn blin wrote:
What's the effect of reversed pads with shims?

Misha, I think he means the shims were upside down on either one side of the car or on the opposite side of the rotor--not sure which.

dyn blin, it appears the L shaped shims were designed to put unequal pressure on the pad in such a way as to eliminate squeal. As pads and rotors wear down toward the end of their usable life, squeal tends to become more of a problem.

Post by **cn90** » 26 Feb 2016, 13:28

I throw away the shims b/c to me they are almost worthless.
I use anti-squeal compound and Mintex FWIW.

Post by **dosbricks** » 26 Feb 2016, 13:41

cn90 wrote:I throw away the shims b/c to me they are almost worthless.
I use anti-squeal compound and Mintex FWIW.

Where did you find the Mintex rear pads? The last time I did a brake job, I could not find the rears anywhere online--only the fronts.

Post by **cn90** » 26 Feb 2016, 13:56

dosbricks,

http://www.autohausaz.com/ sells REAR brake pad by Mintex for $18 or so.
Free shipping if the order is > $75 or so.