aurora40

iTrader: (1)

Apparently the OEM stuff came with backing plates for the brake pads. This is not the backing that is bonded to the main backing plate like most pads have, the ones that reduce chatter.

This was on top of that and not bonded to the brake pad.

They weren't rusty, and cleaned up well, but they are magnetic. I assume they are stainless steel.

Anyway, I got new pads and rotors from the forum deal, and the new pads have no such backing plate or hardware included. Should I re-use these?



My guess is they are either to limit heat to the caliper, or corrosion of the pistons?

rjoffe

reuse the OEM's.

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

I didn't re-use mine (just installed Hawk HP+). Don't know why those plates were in there.

rjoffe

The plates function as a heat barrier between the pads and the calipers. Those of us who track their V's replace those pads with Titanium shims, as they offer additional insulation.

UnsafeAtAnySpd

I use the OEM and ti shims.

FuzzyLog1c

iTrader: (4)

Really? Those plates are magnetic, meaning that they're probably steel. Therefore, the OEM units are likely terrible insulators and were probably intended to help prevent brake squeal, unless you know of a non-metallic material that can be made magnetic.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong here.

JNR_Design

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, I was going to say that chances are if it was magnetic, it wasn't stainless steel; least not 3xx series...Some of the cheaper stainless steel's (like 409, 421, etc.) are somewhat magnetic though, fwiw. Many times "shiny" steel is an alloy with nickel in it that gives it the shine and corrosion resistance. However, I may be thinking more of iron than carbon steel though.

If there were backing plates on there already, re-use them. This has me thinking about my recent rotor replacement and the more I recall, mine also had the plates (using aftermarket ceramic pads from PO)...I just cleaned them up and added that orange stop squeek stuff (can't think of the name) to go between the plate and back of pad. That helps reduce noise and chatter, as well.

wmskateteam

iTrader: (8)

any specific part # or link for these shims?

rjoffe

from http://www.ctsvparts.com/

http://hardbrakes.com/index.php?main...products_id=30

http://hardbrakes.com/index.php?main...products_id=31

rjoffe

It really depends on what type of steel the OEM ones are made of. Steel and it's alloys has a huge range of thermal conductivity. Without knowing what the OEM ones are made of, I couldn't guess at a value. However the Titanium ones are a well known value, and have shown some improved results in lowering heat transfer to the caliper.

I'm not a metallurgical expert by any means, so if someone is, please step in.

EdmundGTP

Haven't done brakes on my V yet. What type of caliper spreader tool are you guys using to re-install pads?

rjoffe

Just Hands.

aurora40

iTrader: (1)

Yup, used my fingers. Take the cap off the brake reservoir and it is easy.

Also, that hardbrakes site sells stainless insulators too:

http://hardbrakes.com/index.php?main...24&chapter=100