Caliper shim missing - XJ11 L front - UhOh?

[KA1J]

Starting to remove the piston from the stuck caliper and it looks pretty rusty inside. To make it more interesting there's no diagonal shim on the back of the brake pad.

I might have to get a new piston & rebuild, won't know till I get it out & polish the piston & look for pitting.

What's the shim for, there is none with the EBC brake pads I bought so I don't have one to replace that with. Is it essential?

Love, just love the PO on this bike...

[natemoen]

Not essential. Lots are missing.

[KA1J]

Thanks for the reply. I was surprised there wasn't one that came with the new brakes but nope, not present. I wonder what its purpose is if it's not always being used.

Funny how the other caliper looked almost new mechanics-wise & this one looks nasty with rust. I'll have it out tonight & will see what's the damage.

[petejw]

as nate said, there not essential,
they're basically there to help prevent
the brakes from squealing,
if u want, u can make 1 up using an old
soft drink can, cut and bent to size.
these sintered pads come with the shims.

[KA1J]

Thanks for the replies.

As Pete suggested I think I'll make one. I need to check on my XJ650 Maxim too, to see if there's one missing. when I stop, that bike squeals like a 5 year old with their hand caught in the cookie jar.