Date: Sat, 25 Jul 2015 09:28:30 -0700
Reply-To: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Neil N <musomuso@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: anti squeel shims install questions
In-Reply-To: <EED82241-B991-41D0-B1FF-52C1D499D7D3@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
I ran PBR pads without metal shims, on my 1981 Westy
with ATE calipers.
They did not squeal for many miles.
The backside of the pads had a type of soft
material that I'm pretty sure was intended to act as a silencing shim.
Of note, the old PBR pads wore at an angle;
the lower end of the pad (closest to ground)
was narrower than upper end. All 4 pads wore in the same manner.
i have to wonder if the lack of silencing shims caused this
given that there is a cutaway at edge of each piston lip. (normal).
If I recall, you are sight challenged? Regardless, there are notes in Bentley
regarding piston positioning and shims.
I recently installed ATE OEM pads. These do not
have the soft material at backside of pad.
When in neutral, coming to a top, (at idle my engine is quieter than stock)
I can hear the pads rubbing on the rotors.
There is also a slight squeal starting.
Here's some notes from a web page I put together.
This was my first time doing this job on a Vanagon.
I had also replaced the calipers.
Caliper installed. Antisqueal applied to both parts of spring clip
where it presses on metal portion of each pad. Installed pads, upper
pin part way, clip, pushed upper pin further in, installed lower pin
and seated pins. (tapped in with punch/hammer) After parts installed,
a small amount of antisqueal "pushed in" between pins and pad holes. A
large Jewellers scredriver may work for this. A clean rag kept handy
to remove excess antisqueal.
On 7/25/15, Eric Caron <ecaron1@comcast.net> wrote:
> Hi Listers,
> My breaks have been squealing for about 3000 miles, Just over a year. High
> pitched sounds from the front, I believe. Happen when breaks partially
> press not full or hard press.
>
> I have finally confirmed with David Beierl’s help that in fact the anti
> squeal shims are missing. this after a late night well removal and
> inspection. thanks to Ken at Vanagain I have a new set of shims in my
> hands. I’m waiting for another missing part, a broken spreader spring, on
> the same caliper to arrive and then I’m ready to install the shims and get
> rid of this awful noise.
>
> So, not being able to read the Bentley I’d love some tips on doing the
> install.
>
> Initially David showed me the steps including pin removal and how the break
> pads come out.
>
> but at the last minute he said something about piston alignment to the
> shim.
>
> so, tips from experienced shim installers wanted!
>
> These are ATE calipers on a 1985 Van.
> Can I just slide in the shims so they match up the break pad put together
> and have quieter breaks?
>
> Are the shims specific to one of the four pads and I need sighted help to
> determine the positions?
>
> Is there a specific side that faces the break pad?
>
> Should I also get the anti squeal goop and add to the shim?
>
> If I use the goop does it go between shim and caliper piston or shim and
> break pad?
>
> I’d like to do this repair early next week so advice and tips are greatly
> appreciated.
>
> Eric Caron
> 85 GL Auto Westfalia
>
>
--
Neil n
Blog: Vanagons, Westfalia, general <http://tubaneil.blogspot.ca>
1988 Westy Images <https://picasaweb.google.com/musomuso/New1988Westy>
1981 Westfalia "Jaco" Images, technical <http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/>
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