I've got the dreaded brake squeal, it is now time to do something about it (well it has been for a while). I've read that these can be bought from MSA, but i can't see them there:

http://www.zcarparts.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=SBC

I've also read that brake grease can solve the problem, but doesn't always. So, i figure that if i'm going to do something about this then i should do it properly and get some shims. Where else can i get these from? Is there anywhere in Australia that has them? Could i make them myself?

Thanks,

Jon

You should be able to get them from just about any Nissan dealer...Left shim P/N: 41085-E4100 Right shim P/N: 41084-E4100. You also might try the following url: http://www.nissanparts.cc

Have enclosed a picture as well in case you need to show the parts person what they look like...otherwise they kind of look at you like a deer when you shine your headlights in it's eyes...and say something like "Say What???"

webdawg1

Anti-Squeal Shims.bmp

Several years working on brakes for a living lead me to say that you should use both shims and brake grease.

• If you are re-using existing pads, clean the back surface and edges of the backing plates as well.
  
• Apply a thin coat of the grease to the shim where it sits on the backing plate.
  
• Apply a thin coat to the edges of the backing plate, with special attention to any spots that look like they have metal-to-metal contact.
  
• Apply a thin coat to the piston surface where it contacts the backing plate and shim.
  
• Use new retaining hardware if possible, or clean the existing hardware thoroughly.
  
• Put a thin coat of grease on the cups of the spring plates that go between the two retaining pins.

not too long ago I bought a set of shims and all the rest of the caliper hardware (pins, clips, and springs) from a local parts store. I forget what brand was on the box, but when I opened the box there was a paper tag inside the plastic bag that contained all of the parts with the name "Girling" on it. IIRC it was less than $20 and I got all new everything (except pads).

I also use silicone brake grease and shims in combination.

And if all else fails get some different pads. Whicever Bendix ones are available except Ultimates, which are a very high performance pad but can squeal a bit.

I'll try a Nissan dealer on Friday and see how i go. Thanks for the help.

260DET, i originally tried to get Bendix Ultimates but have been informed that they are now a discontinued item (they are bringing in another performance replacement soon though).

Thanks

Jon

You should be able to get them from just about any Nissan dealer...Left shim P/N: 41085-E4100 Right shim P/N: 41084-E4100......

webdawg1

The suffix has been superceded. 41085-A0100 and 40184-A0100.

I tried some of the anti-squeal compound, and it is working for now. How lond does the liquid stuff (from a tube applicator) last?

I also saw spray-on stuff, what is that like?

From the Haynes book, the anti-squeal shims in the pictures look like a very thin paper-like material, is that what it's made of? I'm wondering because another person here used cloth-backed duct tape, but it didn't last more than several years.

thx

The shims on my car are thin sheets of stainless steel. In years of doing brake service, I never had really great results using any of the anti-squeal stuff, either in tube or spray on. I use proper shims and brake grease instead.

Try Warren at all zparts in Sydney. I bought my set off him about a year ago and they were much cheaper than Nissan for the factory ones.

Why is it that you get brake squeal?

Is it the pads, wear of the disc, weather conditions or what?

Arne , you,ve worked in the industry why is it so?

It's the pads.

You squeeze them together, and they make heat, which is a kind of energy. This energy has an equivalence in vibration/sound, so it makes a noise which is transferred to the brake caliper. Using the shims or anti-squeal compound is like a layer of sound-deadening insulation.