Brake Hardware
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville Georgia
Brake Hardware
A search did not provide the answer, so here it goes.
Need to replace Front Pads on new (to me) 03 Z06. Probably using non GM pads. What hardware is required (shims, springs, etc.) to be reinstalled? I understand that new pads come with hardware. Can the existing stuff be reused or should I get new stuff (if available)?
I have replaced lots of pads on other makes both for the street and track and I usually discard the stock shims etc when I install aftermarket pads. I have not had any ill effects from this policy.
Thanks for your input. I am looking forward to getting the car out on the road!!
Need to replace Front Pads on new (to me) 03 Z06. Probably using non GM pads. What hardware is required (shims, springs, etc.) to be reinstalled? I understand that new pads come with hardware. Can the existing stuff be reused or should I get new stuff (if available)?
I have replaced lots of pads on other makes both for the street and track and I usually discard the stock shims etc when I install aftermarket pads. I have not had any ill effects from this policy.
Thanks for your input. I am looking forward to getting the car out on the road!!
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Third party pads usually don't come with the shims/springs that should be installed on your brake system. They generally expect you to re-use your existing hardware.
The GM pad kits do come with new copper shims/springs. The shims/springs cannot be ordered as a seperate item, they are only included in the pad kits.
If you want to discard the existing shims/springs ... that is your call. It won't have much affect on braking power, but eliminating them will probably increase noise .... the pads will tend to "click" at low speeds without the shims, and also may tend to squeal more without the hardware. YMMV.
The GM pad kits do come with new copper shims/springs. The shims/springs cannot be ordered as a seperate item, they are only included in the pad kits.
If you want to discard the existing shims/springs ... that is your call. It won't have much affect on braking power, but eliminating them will probably increase noise .... the pads will tend to "click" at low speeds without the shims, and also may tend to squeal more without the hardware. YMMV.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 177
From: Houston, Texas FEAR THE BONES
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Actually, you can buy the brake hardware kit from GM, which includes the shims. It is P/N 18039816 "C5 Corvette Brake Pad Hardware Kit" and each kit serivces only 1 wheel, so you need 2 in order to service both front brakes. Costs around $14 each. See www.superchevyperformance.com or ask Gene for his prices here on the Forum.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,960
Likes: 21
From: West Norriton PA
St. Jude Donor '08
Actually, you can buy the brake hardware kit from GM, which includes the shims. It is P/N 18039816 "C5 Corvette Brake Pad Hardware Kit" and each kit serivces only 1 wheel, so you need 2 in order to service both front brakes. Costs around $14 each. See www.superchevyperformance.com or ask Gene for his prices here on the Forum.
