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Best Brake Pad Shims of 2026

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Robert Reyes

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Brake pad shims are small metal or rubber plates that sit between the brake pad and the caliper. They are designed to reduce noise and vibration that can occur when braking. They work by creating a barrier between the two components, absorbing the energy and reducing the amount of sound and vibration that is transferred to the vehicle. Brake pad shims are a simple and effective way to improve the driving experience, reducing noise and improving braking performance. They are available for a wide range of vehicles and can be easily installed by a professional mechanic or DIY enthusiast.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Brake Pad Shims

#TOP 1

Genuine Toyota Shim Kit for Vehicle Brake Pad

Genuine Toyota Shim Kit for Vehicle Brake Pad Cover

Genuine Toyota 04945-04012 Front Brake Pad Kit

This Genuine Toyota Shim Kit is made in Japan and includes one package with dimensions of 13.97 cmsLx10.16 cmsWx1.016 cmsH. It is a high-quality product that is perfect for your car brake kit.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Made in Japan with high-quality materials
  • Includes one package with dimensions of 13.97 cmsLx10.16 cmsWx1.016 cmsH
  • Perfect for your car brake kit
#TOP 2

Toyota Shim Kit 04945-0C040

Toyota Shim Kit 04945-0C040 Cover

Toyota Genuine Parts - Shim Kit, Anti Squea (04945-0C040)

The Toyota Shim Kit is an essential component for your brake system. It includes specially designed shims that help reduce noise and vibrations when braking. This feature provides a smoother and quieter driving experience, allowing you to enjoy your ride without distractions. Additionally, the quality of the shims ensures durability, giving you peace of mind that they will last over time. By using this kit, you can improve the overall performance of your brakes, contributing to a safer driving experience. This makes the Toyota Shim Kit a practical choice for anyone looking to enhance their vehicle's braking system.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Noise reduction
  • Durable materials
  • Smoother braking experience
  • Enhanced safety
#TOP 3

Toyota Shim Kit 04945-60090

Toyota Shim Kit 04945-60090 Cover

Toyota Genuine Parts - Shim Kit, Anti Squea (04945-60090)

The Toyota Shim Kit is an essential component for your vehicle's brake system. With compact dimensions of 5.75 inches in length and 3.74 inches in width, it fits easily into your brake assembly, ensuring a smooth installation process. Weighing just 2.0 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to handle, making it convenient for DIY enthusiasts. This kit comes as a single unit, which is perfect for replacing worn-out parts without the need to buy in bulk. Designed specifically for vehicle brake pads, this product enhances braking performance, giving you peace of mind while driving.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Compact size for easy installation
  • Lightweight for convenient handling
  • Single unit purchase
  • Enhances braking performance
#TOP 4

TRQ Semi-Metallic Front and Rear Brake Pad Set

TRQ Semi-Metallic Front and Rear Brake Pad Set Cover

TRQ Front and Rear Brake Pad Set Semi Metallic Compatible with 1985-1988 Chevrolet Nova 1989-1992 Geo Prizm 1985-1992 Toyota Corolla 1984-1987 Tercel

The TRQ Brake Pad Set includes both front semi-metallic brake pads and rear brake shoes, giving you everything you need for a complete brake replacement. It comes with a wide range of reference numbers, making it easier to confirm if this set fits your vehicle. TRQ supports you with a large collection of DIY videos, so you can watch step-by-step guides before starting your installation, helping you feel confident and prepared. Designed as direct replacements, these parts fit precisely without needing modifications, saving you time and effort during installation.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Complete front and rear kit
  • Extensive fitment references
  • Helpful DIY video support
  • Direct-fit, no modifications
#TOP 5

Genuine Front Brake Shim Kit 04945-0C030

Genuine Front Brake Shim Kit 04945-0C030 Cover

Toyota Genuine Parts - Shim Kit, Anti Squea (04945-0C030)

This Genuine Front Brake Shim Kit is vehicle specific and Toyota Quality Assured, ensuring optimal performance. It is an OEM product, not an aftermarket replacement, and designed to fit your vehicle perfectly. This kit is an essential component to reduce brake noise and prevent brake vibration, allowing for a smooth ride.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vehicle specific for optimal performance
  • OEM, not aftermarket for perfect fit
  • Reduces brake noise and prevents vibration for a smooth ride
#TOP 6

Toyota Shim Kit Anti Squeal 04945-42060

Toyota Shim Kit Anti Squeal 04945-42060 Cover

Toyota Genuine Parts - Shim Kit, Anti Squea (04945-42060)

The Toyota Anti Squeal Shim is designed specifically for your vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and reliable performance. With Toyota's quality assurance, you can trust this part to meet high standards and last longer. This is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, meaning it's made by Toyota and not a generic aftermarket option, giving you peace of mind about compatibility and durability. Additionally, it comes with a manufacturer warranty, providing extra protection and confidence in your purchase. This part helps reduce brake noise, making your driving experience quieter and more comfortable.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vehicle-specific fit
  • Manufacturer warranty included
  • Toyota quality assurance
  • OEM genuine part
#TOP 7

Lexus Disc Brake Pad Shim

Lexus Disc Brake Pad Shim Cover

Lexus 04945-06130, Disc Brake Pad Shim

This Brake Pad Shim is a genuine part designed to fit your specific Lexus vehicle. Manufactured to meet specifications for fit, form, and function, it ensures a precise fit and reliable performance. This product has a part number of 04945-06130 and falls under the category of Brake Pad Shims.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Precise fit for your specific Lexus vehicle
  • Reliable performance
  • Manufactured to meet specifications for fit, form, and function
#TOP 8

Toyota 04945-12111 Brake Pad Shim

  • Toyota
  • 04945-12111
  • Black
  • Large
Toyota 04945-12111 Brake Pad Shim Cover

Toyota 04945-12111, Disc Brake Pad Shim

The Toyota Brake Shim is designed specifically for certain Toyota vehicles, ensuring a perfect fit that helps maintain your brake system’s performance. Made by Toyota, this part meets the brand’s quality standards, giving you confidence in its durability and reliability. As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product, it is not a generic aftermarket part, which means you get the same high-quality component that Toyota originally installed. This makes installation easier and helps your vehicle maintain optimal braking function, keeping you safe on the road.

8.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vehicle-specific fit
  • Toyota quality assured
  • OEM part, not aftermarket
  • Durable and reliable
#TOP 9

Wilwood 240-4387 Caliper Shim Pack

Wilwood 240-4387 Caliper Shim Pack Cover

Wilwood 240-4387 .015" 7/16" Hole Caliper Shim - Pack of 10

The Wilwood Caliper Shim is designed with advanced engineering techniques to ensure top performance and durability in braking tasks. Using the latest computer-aided design and manufacturing methods, this product offers precise fit and reliability. The design process also includes thorough testing like dynamic and cycle tests, so you can trust it to handle tough braking conditions. Plus, it’s made in the USA, assuring quality craftsmanship. The compact packaging makes it easy to store and handle, weighing just 0.06 pounds. This shim is a smart choice if you want dependable brake pad performance and peace of mind on the road.

8.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Advanced engineering design
  • Thorough performance testing
  • Compact, lightweight packaging
  • Made in the USA quality
#TOP 10

URO Parts Brake Pad Shim 30mm

URO Parts Brake Pad Shim 30mm Cover

URO Parts 99635208600 Brake Pad Shim, Fits 30mm piston

The URO Brake Pad Shim is designed to provide a perfect fit for your braking system, ensuring smooth and quiet operation. With its OE dimensions, you can trust that it will work seamlessly with your vehicle. Made from high-quality materials, this shim can withstand intense braking heat and harsh weather conditions, increasing its durability. It's important to replace disc brake pad shims whenever you change your brake pads, and this product makes that easy. Plus, it comes with a 24-month unlimited mileage warranty for added peace of mind.

8.6
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Guaranteed fitment
  • OE dimensions for quiet operation
  • High-quality, durable materials
  • Easy replacement with new pads
  • 24-month warranty

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are the shims on brake pads necessary?

Brake shims are not necessary for all cars, but they are commonly used in newer vehicles to reduce noise and minimize rattles. While brake pads can function perfectly fine without shims, the addition of shims helps to keep the noise levels down.

2. Do you grease brake pad shims?

Brake lube can be used to decrease vibrations between the caliper pistons and disc brake pads. However, it is important not to apply lubrication between the pads and noise suppression shims. It is recommended to use lube sparingly on the back of a bare pad or between the caliper and pad shim.

3. Do shims reduce brake squeal?

Yes, quality brake shims can effectively prevent brake noise throughout the lifespan of the brake job. Unlike some lubricants, shims do not dry out or become displaced over time, making them a reliable solution for reducing brake squeal.

4. Do brake shims correct pad alignment?

Brake shims, especially in motorcycle brakes, can assist with alignment and reduce noise. They not only shield heat but also serve as an important aid for aligning the brake pads properly.

5. Do brakes make noise without shims?

Shims play a crucial role in absorbing vibrations from the brakes. If shims are ignored or not used, the vibrations in the brakes can result in noise. Therefore, shims are essential for minimizing brake noise.

6. Do shims need to be replaced?

Shims are reusable components as long as they appear to be in good condition and measure out properly. Since they do not experience fatigue or wear, using shims that look good and are concentric should not pose any issues. The measurement on shims is somewhat arbitrary, as the focus is on the end result.

7. Can a bad alignment cause uneven brake pad wear?

Yes, misalignment in brake pads can lead to uneven wear. It is important for brake pads to be aligned evenly so that the entire pad makes even contact with the rotor. When brake pads become misaligned, such as having a "\|" shape instead of "| |", it can cause faster and uneven wear on the pads.

Editor's Notes

During our brake pad shim research, we found 24 brake pad shim products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,818 customer reviews through our big data system to write the brake pad shims list. We found that most customers choose brake pad shims with an average price of $22.37.

The brake pad shims are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of brake pad shims, including Toyota, TRQ, LEXUS, Wilwood, URO Parts. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 152 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by

Robert Reyes Avatar

Robert Reyes

Robert Reyes is a dedicated writer from San Francisco with a bachelor of degree in mechanics and a bachelor of degree in marketing. He focuses on making some complicated topics simple and enjoys explaining complex and technical things in an easy-to-understand way.