Do I Need Shims / Metal Plates Between Brake Pads & Pistons? - Carbotech 1521 Brake Pads

Replacing my brake pads with Carbotech 1521 Pads. Different Youtube videos with similar years (2008) show some using and some not. Does it depend on the pad, should it always be used, doesn't matter...?

 

If the pads came with them, use them.

 

They didn't come with any, not very clear whether or not it's still required however.

 

One of my fronts were damaged so I have been 1 with and 1 without for at least 10K miles with no squeak or issues, right or wrong. Anti squeal plates are a relative new addition to disk pads. Use a good synthetic brake lube and you should be fine.

As an aside, my 55 year old German car with front disks has never had them and stops way better than my Tacoma.

 

Yeah I have a decently annoying rattle. After taking apart I cleaned, re-applied some brake grease, and added a second anti rattle clip. It's definitely an improvement, but there is still some rattle/clank when there is a bigger bump in the road, and often when I first apply my brake.

Curious if the shims might fix this or if I'm not applying enough grease, or something else..

 

But that has absolutely nothing to do with shim plates.