Inspection of the front brake calipers (Girling) after removing the old PBR pads that were intsalled by a Volvo mechanic the last time the pads were replaced revealed that the dust boots are all cracked around the caliper pistons and now need to be replaced. I have a set of new PBR brake pads, but is there a shim kit for the front calipers to help keep the dust boots from tearing apart?
The old dust boots are not leaking, but the way I understand it, they help pull the piston back away from the caliper when the brakes are released. True?

I remember reading here that the original OEM factory installed pads had shims behind them. Is this a true statement? I have the front of the car up on jackstands and I'm having a problem finding replacement dust boots at the local parts houses. I could leave the old boots in there and just put the new pads in, but I don't want to have to go back in there again just to replace the dust boots.

Let me know about the shims. I'm wondering if the last guy that installed the brake pads might have damaged the dust boots trying to force the new pads into the caliper.

Thanks in advance!