Shims & lube for aftermarket brake pads?

[CokerRat]

My brakes are apart right now replacing rotors and pads. I see in the service manual and DIY guides (thanks to Dan's Garage for his great write-ups) that it talks about OEM shims and lubing the brake pad backing plate on the shim side. The Cobalt Friction GT Sport pads did not come with shims and the existing pads I just removed do not appear to have shims either.

My questions:

1. Do I need shims for aftermarket pads?

2. Do I need to apply lube (high temp brake lube) to the backing plates when installing the aftermarket pads?

Thanks in advance all.

Darren

 

[MarkB]

You don't absolutely need shims. Some pads use them and others don't.

Lube the backside of the pads to reduce brake squeal.