There are two main types of brake pad shims and deciding which one to get might be difficult, but that’s why this article exists.
What are brake pad shims?
The noise that your brakes make is often attributed to the rotors and the pads, however, sometimes, it could just be your lack of brake pad shims. These brake pad shims are thin layers of rubber or metal that fit between the brake pads and the rotors to correct small differences that may cause noise.
Newer cars often come equipped with these shims, however, you don’t have to rush to purchase them if your vehicle doesn’t have them. They are only accessories that don’t really affect the performance of your brakes.
What are the types of brake pad shims?
Currently in the market, there are two types of brake pad shims. Rubber and titanium. Which one should you get and why?
Rubber shims
This type is often what your car comes with if there are shims already installed. Most of the time, rubber shims are enough if you don’t subject your car to heavy braking or high speeds. You might be asking why, and to answer that question, heat will melt rubber.
Brakes work with friction, and friction generates heat. When you drive at high speeds, the friction you generate is higher than normal, so your brakes will generate more heat as well. All things have a melting point, and it just so happens that rubber generally has a lower melting point.
Titanium shims
Titanium brake pad shims are often called the upgraded shims. This is because compared to rubber shims, titanium shims do a better job of handling and minimizing the noise that your brakes might be making.
Titanium brake shims have two major purposes, one is minimizing the noise, and another is acting as a heat shield for your brakes in general. This is because titanium shims are installed differently from rubber brake shims, as they are threaded to fit in between the brake pads and the calipers.
Should you go for rubber or titanium shims?
The answer for this question will rely heavily on what your driving style is. If you find yourself consistently driving at high speeds, then you might find that titanium shims work better for you. Using rubber shims would have you constantly replacing them because of warpage due to the heat.
This opinion will change, however, if you only use your car for daily activities such as driving to work and back, dropping your kids off for school, and etc. You don’t have to worry about the rubber shims not lasting long enough if you don’t put much strain on your brakes.
So in totality, if you race a lot with your car, and your car is built for speed and performance, titanium shims are the best option for you. However, if you don’t necessarily mind the heat that your brakes generate, then rubber shims should be enough for you. Titanium shims would be an unnecessary cost for your vehicle.
The R1 Promise
Regardless of what option you choose, we at R1 Concepts prioritize quality, safety, and reliability, so you can rest assured that we have your back. From pre-sales to after sales service, we guarantee that our brake shims will serve you well.
