QuestionQUESTION: got a 2005 mg tf.one of my shims broke off the bottom of my rear caliper,tried everywhere to get a replacement but cant get one unless i purchase pads, went to an mg main dealer and they said the same. where could i purchase the shims without having to pay for pads aswell?
ANSWER: Hi Craig
I presume you are in the UK? Here are a few suggestions:
1) There are specialist breakers such as Andy Jennings
Have a look at http://www.mgcars.org.uk/andyjennings/
2) I believe www.breakeryard.com has a WANTED facility . You tell the system what you want, and breakers then contact you with offers.
3) Most car part factors sell universal anti-squeal sets which consist of self-adhesive pads that you stick to the back of your pads in stead of the metal shims.
4) Failing that, why not buy a set of pads, take the shims out, and then sell the pads on eBay?
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QUESTION: my rear passenger brake is squeaking and the pad has worn down to the bare, but it is only this brake that has the problem, do you have any thoughts on what the problem could be and what i could do to fix it?
AnswerHello again Craig. See previous answer.
I note that your car is a 2005 MG TF. The rear brakes regularly give trouble. It is usually the sliding carrier for the calliper. They can rust and jam solid. You need to free it, clean it, lubricate it and put it all back together. You will also need another set of pads, and they cannot be fitted without retracting the piston in the calliper, which requires a special tool.
You previously asked about the shim attached to the pad. This is known in the trade as a `squealer'. When the pad gets very thin the squealer makes contact with the disc and emits a squealing noise, telling you to replace the pads before they wear down to the metal and damage the disc. They are not essential, so you could fit your pads without a squealer, but just keep an eye on them for wear.
