Akebono ProAct pads

[jofrad]

I just finished installing a new set of brake pads and rotors on the front of my 07 SE. I used the ProAct pads instead of OEM this time.

with the OEM i was able to put some anti-squeal between the pad and the shim but for the proact they already had the shim installed on the pad.

Should i have taken the shim off the pad and add anti-squeal lube? Or should i just leave it as is (installed the new pads with shims already installed)?

Thanks

[gdanaher]

No, leave it alone.

[JohnGD]

The stick-on shims are applied so they're good to go. These apply-once shims will be ruined if you remove them. Just apply light coats of lube to contact points and you'll be fine.

In fact, earlier ones the shims come in a bag. I didn't even need them on and the pads are quiet.

IMO lube between shim and pad is a lousy design. Especially with black graphite (moly?) type lube it's just hard to clean during periodic inspections. Dumbest idea ever.

Originally Posted by jofrad

I just finished installing a new set of brake pads and rotors on the front of my 07 SE. I used the ProAct pads instead of OEM this time.

with the OEM i was able to put some anti-squeal between the pad and the shim but for the proact they already had the shim installed on the pad.

Should i have taken the shim off the pad and add anti-squeal lube? Or should i just leave it as is (installed the new pads with shims already installed)?

Thanks

[jofrad]

just got a chance to check the rear pads that i didn't put on yet. got a chance to get the shims off and it didnt have any stick-on pads or lube in between so i'm assuming the front is the same. drove the car around with just the fronts so far and i get no squealing. I am not sure if its ok but i am debating if i should put some on.

['02 XLE V6]

I just installed Raybestos AT pads and rotors in the rear. I applied lube on all contact points as was metioned in a previous post. These pads also came with the shims attatched. So, I just lubed the areas of the shim that would make contact with the caliper. No noise issues here and it's been a few weeks now.

[JohnGD]

Well I guess Toyota has gotten cheaper even here. They used to have lube under the shims.

But in my experience on different makes, Akebono is so quiet shims really weren't necessary. But I wouldn't take them off if they came stuck on.

'02 XLE V6 is right on.

Originally Posted by jofrad

just got a chance to check the rear pads that i didn't put on yet. got a chance to get the shims off and it didnt have any stick-on pads or lube in between so i'm assuming the front is the same. drove the car around with just the fronts so far and i get no squealing. I am not sure if its ok but i am debating if i should put some on.

[JohnGD]

The only thing about Raybestos pads, at least with older Quiet Stop cermaics, was that they were lower density and wear out much sooner (25-30K miles) than the 60-90K mile Akebono Proacts. So please keep us posted on how these wear.

Originally Posted by '02 XLE V6

I just installed Raybestos AT pads and rotors in the rear. I applied lube on all contact points as was metioned in a previous post. These pads also came with the shims attatched. So, I just lubed the areas of the shim that would make contact with the caliper. No noise issues here and it's been a few weeks now.

[AkebonoDC]

Akebono typically tries to use a clip on shim as opposed to the stick on shim.We have found them much more effective in preventing shim shift.The moly paste ( grease ) between the pad and the shim has proven effective in noise reduction in some applications.The current friction formulations used by Akebono are very quite.They could probably run without a shim and never experience noise.The noise insulator/shim does provide a bit of insurance against noise.If you did not apply the grease you should be fine.Most people probably only apply it to the contact surfaces of the caliper and the pad.
DC

[Gellenole]

Originally Posted by AkebonoDC

Akebono typically tries to use a clip on shim as opposed to the stick on shim.We have found them much more effective in preventing shim shift.The moly paste ( grease ) between the pad and the shim has proven effective in noise reduction in some applications.The current friction formulations used by Akebono are very quite.They could probably run without a shim and never experience noise.The noise insulator/shim does provide a bit of insurance against noise.If you did not apply the grease you should be fine.Most people probably only apply it to the contact surfaces of the caliper and the pad.
DC

Any plans to make better pads for the camry? any kits? The proACTs i have feel the same as stock.

[AkebonoDC]

We are currently developing a performance line.We will offer pads for late model camry.Basically it will have the same Akebono characteristics,no dusting no noise ,but it will have a better performance.This line should be available toward the end of the year.I can keep you posted if you like.
What year is you Camry? We offer our Akebono Street Performance pads for 1983 to 2001 .