1971 dragging brakes

[Richard L.]

While surveying the general condition and doing maintenance of my newly acquired '71 coupe this weekend, I noticed the brakes seem to be dragging. I had the left front wheel off and the rotor is glaced and shinny. Upon closer inspection I saw that all four calipers had beeen replaced (along with the flexible lines) and that the brake pads were new and thick as well, as expected, but I also found that each pad had a thin piece of metal attached with four tabs, fitting between the tab and the pucks. Are these two metal pieces to stop brake squealing? While I suppose that everything will wear in and the tight fit will eventually become freer, I wonder if I shouldn't just remove these pieces now and the squealing be dammed. Or are they for another purpose--I dont recall ever seeing them before. Any opinions to put my mind at ease?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 dragging brakes

Rick, The calipers 4 pistons are spring loaded so there will be some drag, when you turn the wheel by hand. glazed rotors happens only after a few hundred miles of driving- NORMAL. The piece of thin metal sounds like a pad anti squeak shim, there generally black in color.

[Richard L.]

Re: 1971 dragging brakes

Ed, thanks. I will check all the wheels to make sure they all feel with about the same resistance. As I said, the pads are very thick and look brand new. I must say that I dont care for the antisqueak/squeal shims. In my opinion, brakes should be kept mechanically as simple and direct as possible. For now I'll monitor things and see how they behave as they wear in.
Ric

[Richard L.]

Re: 1971 dragging brakes

Any other thoughts? Leave the shims? Remove the shims? Do all aftermarket brake suppliers and/or manufacturers include them in their kits?

[Joseph K.]

Re: 1971 dragging brakes

There were no shims on my 69 and there is no squealing when the brakes are applied. It seems to be personal preference or it may be the pads that were purchased needed anti-squeal shims.

[Edward J.]

Re: 1971 dragging brakes

Rick, In my automotive business I perfer the shims its a guard for squeeling brakes. there should be no issues with shims installed, I have a set of Delco pads w/shims in my 72.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1971 dragging brakes

If in doubt as to residual drag, open a bleeder while rotating the wheel. If the resistance decreases, investigate.