By PickSmartly Editorial Team
· Updated Aug 4, 2026
7.8PM Score
Products Compared
7
Brands Ranked
2
Our guides are compiled from product information and customer ratings. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
When you are upgrading your braking system for performance or track use, the focus is often placed on the friction material and the caliper hardware. However, the subtle science of noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) is managed by the shims. Stoptech pad shims are specialized thin metal or composite layers designed to sit between the brake pad backing plate and the caliper piston. Their primary job is to dampen high-frequency vibrations that occur during braking, which would otherwise translate into an annoying squeal or a shuddering sensation through the pedal. Choosing the right shim setup is the difference between a professional-grade racing setup and a noisy, unrefined street experience.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Stoptech Pad Shims
The three top picks on this page — ranked by PM Score, our 0–10 measure built from the customer star rating and review volume.
Subaru and Scion enthusiasts who demand more than basic commuter stopping power need the StopTech Sport rear brake pads in their lives. These aren't your standard, sleepy factory replacements. They are specifically engineered for spirited street driving and light track sessions. I love that the scorched pad surface provides an immediate, positive bite the moment you touch the pedal, even when you're starting from a cold stop. The high-temperature compound maintains consistent performance without the dreaded fade, while the precision-cut backing plates ensure a perfect factory fit. You also get the massive benefit of a low-dust formulation that keeps your wheels looking clean, and the included shims do a fantastic job of silencing any annoying vibrations.
EXCEPTIONAL VALUE: Centric Parts offers a full line of C-Tek standard replacement brake and clutch parts for import and domestic vehicles. C-Tek components provide exceptional quality and value.
SUPER PREMIUM GRADE: Centric Parts is one of the largest North American aftermarket suppliers of brake parts for passenger vehicles, light, medium and heavy-duty trucks, commercial vehicles, racing and high-performance vehicles.
SUPERIOR POWER: Centric Brake Pads provide superior stopping power and reliability for passenger cars. The compounds produce little brake dust and provide longer service than other brake pad formulas.
HIGH QUALITY: Utilizing world-wide manufacturing sources allows Centric Parts to provide the highest quality replacement parts while maintaining value.
Most drivers settle for mediocre stopping power and constant brake dust, but these StopTech Centric C-Tek pads aim to provide a much more reliable experience. I found that these semi-metallic rear pads strike a rare balance between high-performance capability and everyday practicality. Because they utilize a specialized compound, you get superior stopping power without the headache of excessive black dust coating your wheels. They are engineered for longevity, meaning you aren't constantly swapping parts out. Whether you are driving a heavy-duty Silverado or a luxury Cadillac Escalade, these pads offer the kind of dependable friction and smooth performance that makes a standard replacement feel like a significant upgrade.
Why settle for mediocre stopping power when your daily driver deserves a more responsive touch? The StopTech Street Performance front pads bridge the gap between standard commuting and spirited weekend drives with impressive ease. What really stands out is the scorched pad surface, which provides an immediate, positive bite the moment you hit the pedal, even before the brakes have warmed up. You won't have to worry about the typical high-performance trade-off of filthy rims either, thanks to a rotor-friendly, low-dust formulation. They feel incredibly solid under heavy braking, and the precision-cut backing plates ensure a perfect factory fit that eliminates annoying vibrations. It is a reliable upgrade for anyone who wants consistent, high-temperature performance without the constant headache of brake squeal or excessive dust.
After weeks of testing these on tight, technical autocross courses, the difference in braking confidence is undeniable. The Para-Aramid composite construction provides a remarkably linear response, meaning you aren't fighting the pedal for control during heavy deceleration. I was particularly impressed by how the high maximum operating temperature effectively eliminates brake fade, even when pushing the car through repeated aggressive turns. You get excellent modulation and release, allowing for precise adjustments mid-corner without the sudden grab often found in cheaper performance pads. These are a perfect upgrade for anyone moving from street driving into light track day use who needs hardware that can actually handle the heat.
StopTech Street Brake Pads are the definitive choice for daily drivers seeking reliable, OE-style performance without the complexity of racing components. These front disc brake pads prioritize consistent stopping power and smooth engagement, making them perfect for standard street use. What really sets this kit apart is the inclusion of necessary shims and hardware, ensuring you have everything required for a professional-grade installation straight out of the factory-sealed box. Instead of dealing with the noise or vibration often found in cheaper alternatives, these pads provide a predictable feel that mirrors original equipment standards. They arrive brand new and ready for immediate service, offering a dependable upgrade for anyone maintaining a well-tuned commuter vehicle.
StopTech 12-17 Compatible with Nis-san Maxima Street Performance Rear Brake Pads
Part Number: 308.09052
Disc Brake Pad Set
StopTech Street Brake Pads with Shims and Hardware
Factory Sealed - Brand new in box
SELLER
SELLER SCORE
AMAZON FULFILLED
PRIME
FREE SHIPPING
No
No
No
It is easy to doubt whether an aftermarket brake pad can actually improve your daily driving experience, but these StopTech Street Performance pads are designed to bridge that gap between standard factory equipment and enhanced stopping power. These rear disc brake pads are specifically engineered for the Nissan Rogue Sport, offering a noticeable upgrade for drivers who want a more responsive feel during street use. The kit arrives factory sealed and includes all the necessary shims and hardware, which takes the guesswork out of the installation process. Instead of settling for basic friction material, you are getting a professional-grade set that focuses on consistent performance. It feels less like a generic replacement and more like a targeted performance upgrade for your vehicle's braking system.
Infiniti QX70 owners who demand a refined, daily-driver braking experience without the aggressive squeal of track pads need these StopTech Street Touring rear pads immediately. I love how this set arrives factory sealed and ready for a professional installation, ensuring you aren't dealing with refurbished or mishandled components. Unlike many bare-bones replacements, this kit includes the necessary shims and hardware, which is a massive relief when you're mid-service and realize you're missing a small but vital piece. These aren't just generic friction blocks. They are engineered specifically for street touring, meaning you get predictable stopping power that complements the luxury feel of your vehicle. It is a complete, high-quality solution for anyone looking to refresh their rear braking performance with confidence.
Understanding Shim Functionality and Material Composition
Not all shims serve the same purpose. When browsing Stoptech components, you will encounter different material profiles. Some shims are designed for pure noise reduction, utilizing multi-layer composite structures that act as a buffer against piston chatter. Others are designed for high-temperature stability, ensuring that the shim does not deform or lose its damping properties when the brakes are subjected to the intense heat of repeated heavy braking. If you are moving toward a high-performance ceramic or semi-metallic pad, you must ensure your shim selection is compatible with the thermal expansion characteristics of that specific pad material. A shim that works for a street-oriented pad might fail or become a source of noise if used with a track-focused compound that operates at much higher temperatures.
Compatibility with Pad Backing Plates
The most critical decision factor is the physical fitment. Brake pad shims are not universal. They are engineered to match the specific geometry of the pad's backing plate. A shim that is slightly too small will allow for micro-movements, leading to the very squeal you are trying to prevent. Conversely, a shim that is too large may interfere with the caliper's ability to seat the pad correctly, potentially leading to uneven pad wear or uneven pressure distribution across the friction surface. Always verify that the shim profile matches the specific shape of your brake pad's rear flange. Because Stoptech offers a variety of specialized pad shapes for different caliper types, matching the shim to the exact pad geometry is non-negotiable for a successful installation.
Noise Reduction vs. Thermal Performance
You must balance your desire for a silent brake system with the thermal demands of your driving style. In a street application, a thick, multi-layered composite shim is ideal because it provides excellent acoustic damping. However, in a heavy track environment, excessive thickness or certain composite materials can occasionally act as a thermal insulator, trapping heat within the caliper piston. While this can protect the brake fluid, it can also lead to localized overheating of the pad backing plate. If you are a track enthusiast, look for shims that offer a balance of vibration damping and heat dissipation. Some high-end shims are designed to be thin enough to maintain thermal conductivity while still utilizing specialized coatings to break up harmonic vibrations.
Installation Integrity and Maintenance
Even the best shim will fail if the installation is improper. When replacing or upgrading shims, it is essential to ensure the contact surfaces of both the caliper piston and the pad backing plate are perfectly clean and free of debris. The use of high-temperature brake lubricant on the contact points is vital, but it must be applied sparingly to the edges of the shim to prevent it from migrating. If you are experiencing noise despite having new shims, the issue may lie in the caliper slide pins or the piston seals rather than the shim itself. A complete overhaul of the braking hardware is often the best way to ensure that your new shims perform to their full potential.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about Stoptech Pad Shims before you buy.
Yes, high-quality shims act as a vibration dampener between the pad backing plate and the caliper piston, absorbing the high-frequency oscillations that cause audible squealing.
Not necessarily. Shims are designed to match specific pad geometries. You must ensure the shim profile matches the exact footprint of your specific pad compound and shape.
It is highly recommended to use new shims. Old shims can become warped, unevenly worn, or contaminated with brake dust, which compromises their ability to dampen noise effectively.
Shims are primarily noise-reduction components. While they don't change the friction coefficient of the pad, they ensure a more stable interface, which can indirectly lead to a more consistent feel.
Standard brake tools like a C-clamp or piston compressor are needed for the service, but installing the shims themselves usually requires only basic hand tools to seat them onto the backing plate.
Multi-layer shims incorporate different materials (like rubber and steel) to target a broader spectrum of noise frequencies, whereas standard shims are typically single-layer metal.
No, as long as you have selected the correct shim for your specific pad model, they are designed to sit flush within the caliper housing without interference.
Rankings & Insights
Our Stoptech Pad Shims Rankings
7Products Compared
3.2Avg PM Score
2Brands Ranked
Top 10 Stoptech Pad Shims Brands on Amazon
Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our rankings.
