What'd you think of the old hardware when you replaced it? Was it in good condition?

Did it your new pads come with shims?

The FSM says to replace the shims whenever replacing the pads. I wasn't planning on ordering shims or a hardware kit. If the StopTech pads arrived and had shims and/or hardware than they would go in. However I am starting to wonder if I should buy new hardware and/or shims.

 

Nikesh, I did a BBK upgrade, so I did not have any old shims/hardware I could inspect. If the FSM states to replace shims, I would do it then. The shims provide a good amount of the noise reduction, so there would be excessive squeal if you reuse the old ones. The Akebono ProACT pads I posted come with built in shims, so you could use these pads/shims and throw your factory ones away. This would satisfy the instruction in the FSM. My understanding is the hardware (pins/clips) is meant to be reused. It wouldn't hurt to replace it, but I don't think there would be any wear on these parts. Hopefully that answers your question and helps, if not, let me know.

Edit: I just saw you said you bought Stoptech pads. I believe those come with built in shims as well. Verify that they do, and then you can install the pads WITHOUT any additional shims.

 

Thanks Ryne, that answers my questions. I clearly missed your earlier post saying you were upgrading to the Akebono setup (your wheels look different, that should've given it away).

I will verify that the StopTech pads come with built in shims when the parts are in my hands.

As for the hardware, I am leaning towards reusing them at this point. Shipping to Canada on the hardware kit triples to quadruples the price and kills the "might as well have the parts in hand" line of thought.

 

If it makes you feel any better I put Evo8 Brembos on my previous car, an Eclipse. I bought the calipers used and they came with the hardware (pins/clips). If you are unfamiliar with these calipers, they have identical construction, 4 piston front / 2 piston rear floating calipers with pins and clips. I installed new pads with built in shims and reused the pins and clips off the salvaged calipers. I had many trouble free miles with that setup before selling the car.

 

The pads do come with new shims on the back (see pic 1).

Got my StopTech pads & rotors and Goodridge lines today . Damn these rotors are heavy! Also, the internal vanes are not directional. A little disappointing

 

Any pro's or con's between the Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium brake pads*and the Akebono ProAct? Their only a few dollars apart...

 

Akebono: Aftermarket Products and Services
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...+Pads&cat=Pads
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...+Pads&cat=Pads

 

I just placed my order. Came out to be $280 total. Waiting for it now. Lol.

 

Mmhmmm... the results. I got them installed finally. $280 (rotors) + $108 (brake pads) + $70 (installation) = $458 total spent.

 

Good job. Did they completely bleed all the old fluid out? That's important as well if you've never done it or it's been over a year or two.