Shims, anti-squeal goo, semi-metalics?

New pads come alone; the shims are like $22 per axle kit from the Nissan dealer. When I bought the kits last year, the rear kit came with a lube for the edges of the pad, and a different lube for the pins. The front kit came with shims only.

I didn't use the blue goo, and have no squeaks. You need to use plenty of brake cleaner, and replace or really clean up the shims to avoid squeaks.

Interesting that you have had problems with Nissan pads. Were they the "good" OEM pads, or the cheaper "value" type that Nissan also sells? What was the problem with them?

My front rotors have been getting rough and noisy every time it rains. In dry weather they smooth back out. This pattern has been going on for 12,000 miles and 9 months since they were put on. Fortunately it hasn't been raining much. Eventually I'll get around to throwing those replacement "OEM" Nissan pads away.

JM

i replaced my pads, threw out the old shims, and forgot to install new ones i knew it right away i never knew what those things did i know now it was noisy as hell oh and (gasp) i have never used nissan pads i usually use raybestos they work fine and have a lifetime warranty pads: $18 shims: $3

(95 max 149k mi)