For brake pad manufacturers and aftermarket brands, an anti-noise shim is part of the complete pad design. The correct shim should match the backing plate shape, piston contact area, clip position, adhesive requirement and the buyer’s production process.
Fuxin Brake recommends confirming shim construction before sampling. If a buyer only sends a model number, the supplier may identify the general pad shape but still need more detail about material, rubber layer, adhesive, thickness and package quantity.
1. Why shim material details matter
Different markets use different shim structures. Some programs require a simple steel shim, while others need rubber coated, multi-layer or adhesive-backed options. The selected construction should match the brake pad design, production route and target market expectation.
- Noise reduction: material and coating help manage vibration between the pad, piston and caliper area.
- Assembly fit: holes, ears, tabs and clip positions must match the backing plate and pad set.
- Production handling: adhesive-backed shims may simplify assembly when the adhesive layer is specified correctly.
- Repeat order control: thickness, coating and visual standard should be agreed before mass production.
2. RFQ checklist for brake pad shims
| RFQ item | What to provide | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Reference numbers | OE, FMSI, WVA, GDB, FDB, MDB or local market number. | Identifies the pad shape and helps check existing shim coverage. |
| Drawing or sample photos | Front view, back view, tabs, holes, adhesive side and any marked dimensions. | Reduces confusion where several shim versions fit one similar pad outline. |
| Material structure | Steel, rubber coated steel, multi-layer type or approved sample standard. | Controls cost, performance expectation and manufacturing route. |
| Thickness and coating | Total thickness, rubber layer notes, color or visual sample if required. | Helps match the buyer’s assembly and packaging requirement. |
| Adhesive layer | Required or not; full surface or selected area; liner requirement if used. | Prevents mismatch between shim supply and pad assembly process. |
| Packing and quantity | Pieces per set, inner bag, carton label, model grouping and shipment quantity. | Supports export packing and warehouse handling. |
3. Adhesive-backed shim questions to confirm
When a buyer needs adhesive-backed shims, the RFQ should not only say “with glue.” Confirm whether the adhesive should cover the whole surface or selected areas, whether a release liner is required, and whether the shim is applied by the supplier, by the brake pad factory or during final kit packing.
If the buyer already has an accepted shim sample, the best route is to send clear photos and a sample for comparison. This helps Fuxin Brake check shape, thickness, coating and adhesive layout together.
4. Matching shims with backing plates and kits
Many buyers source shims together with backing plates, truck and bus hardware kits or tooling. This is useful when developing a new brake pad line because the component set can be checked as one package. A combined RFQ also helps confirm whether the shim outline matches the backing plate and whether related clips or fitting kit parts are needed.
5. Recommended RFQ wording
- “We need brake pad shims for the attached OE/FMSI/WVA/GDB/FDB references.”
- “Please check according to the attached sample photos and marked dimensions.”
- “Required shim structure: [steel / rubber coated / multi-layer / adhesive-backed].”
- “Please confirm thickness, coating, adhesive layer, sample cost, MOQ, lead time and packing method.”
- “If matching backing plates or hardware kits are available, please quote them together.”
FAQ
Can I request rubber coated brake pad shims?
Yes. Buyers can request rubber coated shims, but the coating type, thickness, color or accepted sample should be confirmed before mass production.
Do all shims need adhesive?
No. Adhesive depends on the buyer’s assembly process and product design. The RFQ should clearly state whether adhesive is required and where it should be applied.
Can Fuxin Brake quote shims with backing plates?
Yes. Fuxin Brake can review shims, backing plates, truck and bus hardware kits, molds and backing plate dies as a complete brake pad component package.
Need shim samples checked?
Send your model list, drawing or sample photos, shim material request, thickness, adhesive requirement, quantity and packing needs. Fuxin Brake will review the best quotation route for your brake pad shim program.
Send RFQ now