First time doing the front disks on the Z. Got a set of pads from the local auto parts store. With these pads came four shims which the manufacturer says may be applied to the back of the pads. I'm a bit confused as I don't see any mention of shims like this in the FSM. I do have the original anti-rattle shims as well. From what I can see, using these shims would make the anti-rattle shims lie flatter to the back of the pad but I'm not sure if that's what I should do.

Take a look at the photo I've included. In the background is the supplied pad, and there's two of the shims (so you can see front and back) plus one of my Nissan anti-rattle shims.

Should I install these additional shims or not????

 

OK, nobody replied so far and I decided to move on.

Installed the front pads just like the FSM says, using only the funny looking directional shims originally supplied by Nissan/Datsun. I saved the rectangular ones that came with the aftermarket pads.

Once this thing gets rolling, we'll see if we get brake squeal. If I do, this subject will be revisited.

 

Replacement pads have to fit a number of vehicles to be profitable when produced in large quantities. It may be that the mfr included the additional shims to provide the original 260Z alignment because the pads by themselves will not do that. Or, the shims could be included in the 'kit' so that the pads fit other vehicles when the shims are installed with the pads. Looks like the shims are thick enough that if they are left out but actually required, your brakes won't work right. You will hear and feel that - so you'll get to re-do them - add or remove shims - without having done any real damage to anything - if you catch it right away.

 

Mostly there to stop the squeal. If they squeal put them back in !

 

I was wondering something like that as well. The replacement pads matched both sets of pads from the two cars I have. That doesn't mean they match OEM pads though ...

PO of the car without any shims used caliper anti-squeal goop. The car which had the OEM shims didn't use any goop.

We'll just have to see how this goes. As Skully sez, if they squeal, I'll try putting both sets of shims in. Fortunately that's a pretty simple job.