Shims recommended on Carbotech 1521 pads?

140BPM · 04-18-2017, 05:25 PM

I'm swapping pads this spring to the Carbotech 1521 pads for street. No shims included unlike some other aftermarket pads. I still have the OEM shims... should I throw them on?

I couldn't find any definitive answers. I've read some say Carbotech does not recommend shims on these, but I've also read that they do. Is it model specific? Looking for some quick advice as it's in the air and 1/2 done.

Spooler · 04-18-2017, 07:44 PM

Yes, you should install the factory shims with a little bit of pure silicon lubricant. It will limit the squealing.

140BPM · 04-18-2017, 07:56 PM

That was my gut instinct, just needed some confirmation. Thanks spooler.

I used some copper brake lube on the shims where the pistons make contact, since I believe that's what the manual states. Any reason to use silicon based lube instead?

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Spooler · 04-18-2017, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 140BPM

That was my gut instinct, just needed some confirmation. Thanks spooler.

I used some copper brake lube on the shims where the pistons make contact, since I believe that's what the manual states. Any reason to use silicon based lube instead?

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

Either one works fine. I prefer the Silicon based since it stays put better.

SouthArk370Z · 04-18-2017, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 140BPM

... I used some copper brake lube on the shims ... Any reason to use silicon based lube instead?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spooler

Either one works fine. I prefer the Silicon based since it stays put better.

Six of one; half a dozen of the other. Whichever you use, a little goes a long way.

140BPM · 04-19-2017, 03:28 PM

Last question... Reusing the slotted rotors that I had hawk pads on (both installed at same time new) . I know carbotech states to use new rotors or get them turned, but the rotors only have 1k miles on them. Can I just get away with scuffing them up thoroughly and cleaning?

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Spooler · 04-19-2017, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 140BPM

Last question... Reusing the slotted rotors that I had hawk pads on (both installed at same time new) . I know carbotech states to use new rotors or get them turned, but the rotors only have 1k miles on them. Can I just get away with scuffing them up thoroughly and cleaning?

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

Yeap, folks don't even scuff them up. Just install them and go through the bedding process again. Folks change from Carbotech track pads and install the factory pads back on the car all the time.

140BPM · 04-19-2017, 07:59 PM

Cool. I was confident going into this but all the language on the carbotech faq page had me second guessing everything. I'm sure it's mostly obligatory CYA stuff.

I cleaned up the rotors anyway to remove the oxidation marks from where the old pads sat. Good to know for future reference when I change again. Thanks

Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk

04-18-2017, 05:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
140BPM Base Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 55 Drives: 2009 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 11	Shims recommended on Carbotech 1521 pads? I'm swapping pads this spring to the Carbotech 1521 pads for street. No shims included unlike some other aftermarket pads. I still have the OEM shims... should I throw them on? I couldn't find any definitive answers. I've read some say Carbotech does not recommend shims on these, but I've also read that they do. Is it model specific? Looking for some quick advice as it's in the air and 1/2 done. CF736 likes this. __________________ 2009 370Z Touring w/Sport 6MT

04-18-2017, 07:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
Spooler A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Ga Posts: 13,852 Drives: 2013 Nismo 370z Rep Power: 2684392	Yes, you should install the factory shims with a little bit of pure silicon lubricant. It will limit the squealing. CF736 likes this.

04-18-2017, 07:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
140BPM Base Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 55 Drives: 2009 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 11	That was my gut instinct, just needed some confirmation. Thanks spooler. I used some copper brake lube on the shims where the pistons make contact, since I believe that's what the manual states. Any reason to use silicon based lube instead? Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk __________________ 2009 370Z Touring w/Sport 6MT

04-19-2017, 03:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
140BPM Base Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 55 Drives: 2009 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 11	Last question... Reusing the slotted rotors that I had hawk pads on (both installed at same time new) . I know carbotech states to use new rotors or get them turned, but the rotors only have 1k miles on them. Can I just get away with scuffing them up thoroughly and cleaning? Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk __________________ 2009 370Z Touring w/Sport 6MT

04-19-2017, 07:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
140BPM Base Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Harrisburg, PA Posts: 55 Drives: 2009 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 11	Cool. I was confident going into this but all the language on the carbotech faq page had me second guessing everything. I'm sure it's mostly obligatory CYA stuff. I cleaned up the rotors anyway to remove the oxidation marks from where the old pads sat. Good to know for future reference when I change again. Thanks Sent from my VS986 using Tapatalk __________________ 2009 370Z Touring w/Sport 6MT

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