bwebb77

I getting ready to put the brake pads on and I notice some of them have this plastic pad thing on the back. On some of the pads this is coming off. Since this is the first time I have replaced the pads and rotors myself, does this plastic thing stay on or do I take it off?

Thanks,
Bill

deliriousga

If there are two per pad that stick to the back of the pad and plug into the pistons, get some new ones with the new pads. They are dampers and they help keep the break pad from moving and causing a bunch of squealing. I got mine at 928 Int, but I think all of the Big 3 carry them.

Big difference!

bwebb77

Would using permatex on the one that the damper is coming off be OK? I mean the others look like they would peel off if I started to pull on it. The metal masters don't cost that much, I could always just buy another set.

deliriousga

Ok, I read the first one wrong. I thought you were talking about the old pads. The dampers I got when I did mine are metal so I don't know if the pieces on your new ones are dampers or not.

bwebb77

Maybe a picture will help.

[IMG]

Kevin in Atlanta

There are vibration dampners available for your brakes. They adhere to your brake pads and insert into your brake calipers. Not cheap, be very effective. Short of that, you can get anti-squealspray at any auto parts store. Spray it on, allow it to dry and assemble.

deliriousga

Those are the dampers I was thinking of. I used the spray on mine and they still started squealing after a week or two so I ended up doing the job twice to put the dampers in later.

Cameron

The anti squeel spray doesn't work. Well, let me say that differently. It works for several hard stops. Then you are back to square one.

bwebb77

OK thanks guys. But I assume then that it doesn't matter if this plastic on the back stays or not. I'll look into the dampers. Does anybody have a picture of these? My old pads never did squeel.

GlenL

There are a lot of pads available for these cars. Some come with anti-squeal pads attached. This looks to be what you have found. They are an extra plate loosely bonded to the metal pad backing. After being installed, they prevent squealing. They also often come completely loose so at the next pad change they fall out.

There is nothing to worry about with the pads that were in there. If the new pads have them, great. If not then don't worry about it.

bwebb77

OK, thanks Glen and all.

deliriousga

Here's a picture of one. They come in different sizes depending on your brake piston size.

bwebb77

Thanks John.