I probably asked, and would have forgotten the answer by now. Brake lube on shims: always necessary, or as necessary?
I did brakes on both Toyotas this weekend. Truck used to be lightly driven, so I was not surprised to find lube on the shims up front. Rear shims were dry, might have been installed dry for all I know (bought as a CPO). Camry front and rear shims are dry. Neither vehicle has objectional brake noise (although the Tundra might, but only when braking and cornering just right--don't think it's related).
I bought a tub of StaLube brake grease, and use that every six months or so to redo sliding surfaces. Invariably it's all washed off after six months. One time I slathered the rear shims on the Camry with it--and was informed that the brakes were squealing. Few months later, no noise. I'm guessing I could stand to find some better grease, but since it's not a bad idea to take it all apart every six months, I'm hard pressed to change.
As I get ready to do replace the Camry brakes (again!) I was planning on not greasing the shims. I know the shim kit will come with grease, but I'd rather take it apart and grease later if I have to, than to run the risk of noise.
[I did a rear pad slap on the Camry around 60k. One pad got stuck and wore at an angle; I freed it up but it then ran hot, so I slapped a set of Federated ceramics on, despite pads only being maybe half worn. Upon inspection this past week at 105k (so maybe 45k on these pads), these replacements are over half worn, but one pad shows signs of separation, so replacement time. New pads, one new rotor, all OEM I think.]
I did brakes on both Toyotas this weekend. Truck used to be lightly driven, so I was not surprised to find lube on the shims up front. Rear shims were dry, might have been installed dry for all I know (bought as a CPO). Camry front and rear shims are dry. Neither vehicle has objectional brake noise (although the Tundra might, but only when braking and cornering just right--don't think it's related).
I bought a tub of StaLube brake grease, and use that every six months or so to redo sliding surfaces. Invariably it's all washed off after six months. One time I slathered the rear shims on the Camry with it--and was informed that the brakes were squealing. Few months later, no noise. I'm guessing I could stand to find some better grease, but since it's not a bad idea to take it all apart every six months, I'm hard pressed to change.
As I get ready to do replace the Camry brakes (again!) I was planning on not greasing the shims. I know the shim kit will come with grease, but I'd rather take it apart and grease later if I have to, than to run the risk of noise.
[I did a rear pad slap on the Camry around 60k. One pad got stuck and wore at an angle; I freed it up but it then ran hot, so I slapped a set of Federated ceramics on, despite pads only being maybe half worn. Upon inspection this past week at 105k (so maybe 45k on these pads), these replacements are over half worn, but one pad shows signs of separation, so replacement time. New pads, one new rotor, all OEM I think.]