Hello All,

I have two 1996 850 GLT wagons (5 speed manuals). Recently I went to do a complete brake job including replacing the rear rotors and pads. I only use Volvo parts. In the past the metal shims you place on the back of the brake pads were the same size as the back of the brake pad and completely covered the surface. When I looked at the new shims I had purchased, they were approximately half the surface area of the old shims, and they had a cut-out arrow (which I found out later must be pointing down toward the ground when you install them). I was told by the parts clerk at the Volvo dealership this was the “superseding” part designed by Volvo to replace the old style shims that covered the entire back of the brake pad and were specifically designed to stop brake squeal.

I noticed when I went to replace the rear brakes, the caliper piston one rear brake had a “raised c-shaped” surface while the caliper on the other side did not. I tried installing the “superseding” shim on the caliper piston with the “raised c-surface” and it did not seat properly. I could install this “superseding” shim on the other caliper without a problem, but did not feel comfortable leaving a portion of the brake pad back exposed. So I just cleaned up and re-used the old shims.

I asked my private mechanic what type of shims I should use for the rear brakes? He said use the “superseding” shims on those calipers with the “raise c-shaped” surface and the old style shims on calipers with a flat piston surface. Then recently, I read a posting on the “Mathews Volvo Site” that advocated the opposite.

So to my learned friends of this website, when should you use these new “half surface” Volvo shims? Or should I just keep re-using the old shims, or just ask for them when I order brake parts (they are still available from Volvo). Thank you in advance to all who reply.

Hugh