Brake Shims

Titanium brake pad shims (PARAGON, Elig) are pad-shaped plates that sit against the backing plate. They insulate the piston and fluid from pad heat. They are the choice for cars that see sustained high brake temperatures at track days and in time attack.

Anti-squeal shims and shim kits (Dixcel, PARAGON, Frenkit) are aimed at reducing pad vibration and noise. They are often used to replace worn factory shims during a pad change.

Shims are usually bought alongside new brake pads. You can browse other brands we carry on our brands page.

• Brake pads
• Brake calipers
• Big brake kits
• Caliper rebuild kits
• Brake cooling
• Brake lines
• Brake accessories
• All brake parts

Shims are cut to match a specific pad backing plate and piston layout. Two very different cars can share the same shim, so match by caliper and pad, not just make and model. Check these details before ordering:

• Front or rear: most vehicle applications are listed separately for front and rear calipers.
• Chassis code: for example Honda Civic Type R (FK8/FL5), BMW M2/M3/M4 (F8X) or M2 (G87)/M3 (G80)/M4 (G82/G83), Toyota GR Yaris (GXPA16)/GR Corolla (GZEA14), Toyota GR Supra (A90), Nissan GT-R (R35), Subaru WRX STI (GDB/GRB/VAB), Mercedes-AMG A45 S (W177) and Hyundai i30 N (PDe)/i30 Sedan N (CN7).
• Caliper model: aftermarket calipers are matched by part number. Examples include Alcon CAR89, CAR97 Mono6, CAR98 Mono4 and CAR70 RC6; AP Racing CP9660, CP8520, CP9560, CP9562 and CP3215D50; PARAGON PA015, PA025, PA026 and PA055; and Brembo GT 6-piston (GT6).
• Shim type: choose titanium for heat control or anti-squeal for noise. Some calipers are offered in both.

A shim that overhangs the backing plate can foul the caliper body. If in doubt, check your pad part number or measure the pad and piston diameter.

Shims go in as part of a normal pad change. The usual process is to clean the piston face, sit the shim on the back of the pad and apply a thin smear of high-temperature caliper grease to the contact points. You will need a piston wind-back tool or spreader and brake cleaner.

Some pads come with a factory shim already bonded on. In that case the titanium plate either replaces it or sits behind it, depending on clearance. Bed the pads in as the pad manufacturer directs.

Titanium shims are an insulator, not a cooling system. They slow heat soak but don't remove heat already in the rotor, so cars doing repeated hard laps still need proper brake cooling and fresh high-temperature fluid.

Installation by a professional is recommended.

Will a brake shim fit any pad?
No. Shims are cut to match specific pad backing plates and piston layouts. Check the listed fitment, or measure your pad and piston, before ordering.

Do I need shims with every pad?
Not always. Some pads come with a bonded shim already. Titanium shims are an upgrade for pads supplied bare, or for cars seeing sustained high brake temperatures.

Will titanium shims stop brake squeal?
Sometimes, but that's not their main job. Squeal is usually a vibration issue better addressed with anti-squeal shims. Titanium shims are chosen for heat control.

Can titanium shims be reused?
Yes, provided they're still flat and undamaged. Many owners carry them across several pad changes.