What Is a Brake Shim and Why It Matters for Quiet Braking

When it comes to vehicle safety and comfort, brake pads often take the spotlight. However, there's an unsung hero in the braking system that plays a crucial role behind every smooth, quiet stop — the brake shim. At Annatbrake, we understand the significant role high-quality shims play in enhancing overall braking performance, especially in popular Southeast Asian models like Toyota Vios, Honda City, and Mitsubishi Xpander.

🔧 What Is a Brake Shim?

A brake shim is a thin layer of material placed between the brake pad and the caliper, designed to optimize brake system efficiency. It serves several essential purposes:

Noise reduction: Minimizes squealing and vibrations during braking.

Heat insulation: Helps manage heat transfer between brake components.

Even pressure distribution: Promotes consistent wear of the brake pad.

🔇 Why Shims Are Crucial for Noise Reduction

Brake noise is one of the most common complaints among drivers, and poor-quality shims or the absence of one can lead to frustrating squeaks, especially in high-traffic or humid environments like Southeast Asia. To combat this, Annatbrake uses multi-layered shims made from stainless steel and noise-absorbing materials to ensure a quiet, comfortable ride.

🚗 OE-Grade Shims for Popular Models

Our brake pads are equipped with OE-compliant shims, rigorously tested for:

Durability under heat.

Effective noise suppression across different speeds.

Perfect fit for popular vehicles like Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and Honda CR-V.

🔧 Reducing Brake Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)

Research highlights that brake noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) are major issues in the automotive industry. In fact, studies have shown that a damping layer added to the brake pad significantly reduces these effects. A study by Suwantaroj and Lakkam (2022) found that by incorporating a damping layer into the brake pad design, vibrations and noise could be reduced by at least 10% during braking at speeds of 50, 100, and 130 km/h.

The study also demonstrated that this damping layer technique can be easily applied to enhance the brake pad's performance while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

📉 Results and Benefits of Brake Shims

Brake pads with damping layers and shims can significantly improve:

Reduction in noise levels — A noticeable decrease in decibel levels (dB A) was observed in brake systems fitted with damping materials.

Vibration dampening — Tests revealed that the damping layer could reduce out-of-plane vibrations and minimize vibrations at various braking speeds.

Improved comfort and safety — By addressing NVH, these innovations contribute to a smoother, quieter braking experience, which ultimately enhances driving comfort and safety.

Conclusion: OE-Grade Shims for Superior Performance

At Annatbrake, we prioritize safety and performance by offering OE-grade brake shims that help reduce brake noise, vibration, and harshness. Whether you're driving a Toyota Vios, Honda City, or Mitsubishi Xpander, our brake pads with advanced shims ensure optimal braking performance for a smooth and quiet ride.

If you're looking to upgrade your braking system or want to learn more about how brake shims enhance your vehicle’s performance, contact Annatbrake today.