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· Updated Aug 4, 2026
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When fine-tuning a performance braking system, many enthusiasts focus solely on pad compounds and rotor metallurgy, often overlooking the critical role of rear slotted shims. These precision-engineered components are not merely spacers. They are functional elements designed to manage heat, dampen high-frequency vibrations, and ensure consistent contact between the brake pad backing plate and the caliper piston. For those working with performance kits, selecting the right shim set can be the difference between a smooth, silent stop and a system plagued by brake squeal or uneven pad wear. This guide explores the nuances of rear slotted shims to help you select a kit that optimizes your vehicle's stopping dynamics.
Editor's Choice
Our Top Picks for Rear Slotted Shims
The three standouts our editors recommend first — ranked by performance, value, and real-world reviews.
Heavy-duty haulers and mountain-climbing 4x4 owners demand much more stopping power than a standard factory brake setup can provide. This Power Stop kit is specifically engineered to tackle the massive thermal stress caused by towing heavy trailers or navigating steep, winding descents. The combination of drilled and slotted rotors ensures your brakes stay cool under extreme pressure, while the Z36 carbon-fiber ceramic pads deliver the aggressive bite your truck needs. I particularly like how they addressed the common annoyance of brake squeal. The premium stainless steel shims dissipate heat effectively to keep things quiet. Plus, you get a much cleaner look because the formula is designed to be dust-free, so you aren't constantly scrubbing grime off your wheels after a long trip.
What We Like
Carbon-fiber ceramic pads
Drilled and slotted rotors
Dust-free braking
Stainless steel shims
Extreme heat dissipation
#2
R1 Concepts Front Rear Brakes and Rotors Kit |Front Rear Brake Pads| Brake Rotors and Pads| Ceramic Brake Pads and Rotors |Hardware Kit|fits 2012-2016...
R1 Concepts eLine Series Brake Kit for Subaru Impreza
All-in-One Complete Brake Kit Replacement: eLine Series Front & Rear Brake Kit comes with (4) high performance brake rotors and (8) low-dust ceramic brake pads and hardware kit.
High Performance Brake Rotors: Made of G3000 grade cast iron with zinc finish for ultimate rust protection. Built with O.E.M specifications in mind, no modification required.
Ultimate Stopping Power: Precision-drilled holes and countersunk design prevents cracking and build up, enhances ventilation and dissipates heat. Designed for smoother and quieter stopping, built for longer lasting, consistent braking performance.
Low Dust & Noise: Brake pads come with shims to eliminate noise. Low dust, asbestos free special ceramic formulation provides excellent fade resistance. Top choice for front and rear brake pads replacement.
Reliable Street Performance: Diamond slotted design increase brake pad bite, extends brake pad life and serves as a rotor wear indicator giving you a heads up before your next replacement.
Why settle for mediocre stopping power when a complete overhaul is within reach? This R1 Concepts eLine Series kit is a total game-changer for 2012-2016 Subaru Impreza owners looking for a seamless replacement. You get everything in one box: four high-performance G3000 cast iron rotors and eight low-dust ceramic pads. The precision-drilled holes and diamond slotted design aren't just for show. They actively dissipate heat and prevent cracking while acting as a handy wear indicator. I love that the zinc finish offers serious rust protection right out of the box. Between the noise-eliminating shims and the asbestos-free ceramic formula, you get a much quieter, smoother ride without that annoying black dust coating your wheels.
What We Like
Zinc rust protection
Low-dust ceramic pads
Precision-drilled rotors
Diamond slotted design
Complete hardware kit
#3
NEW WILWOOD REAR DISC BRAKE KIT, 13" DRILLED ROTORS, PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, RED 4 PISTON SUPERLITE CALIPERS, FOR REAR ENDS WITH GM 10/12 BOLT AXLE...
Brand New Wilwood Big Brake Rear Parking Brake, Superlite, Bolt-On 12.88" Disc Brake Kit (Part # 140-12964-DR) for Both Rear Wheels | * Only one side pictured | * See the list, the diagram, and the assembly booklet for a detail of the parts included | Features Drilled/Slotted Rotors and Powder-Coated Red Superlite Calipers
Fits: | * GM Rear Ends with the "GM/CHEVY" Axle Flanges and with a 2.75" Flange Offset (see diagrams shown in the images) | * This was the main rear end that GM used on almost all A-Body and F-Body cars from 1964-1978, among many others | * Make sure to check the diagrams shown to confirm the fitment with your rear end
Wilwood brake kits consist of specifically engineered and matched groups of components designed to provide superior brake system performance and custom appeal over a wide range of applications
Superlite 4 Piston rear disc kits provide the ultimate Big Brake solution for popular muscle car rear axles that require a parking brake | * Superlite calipers, 13” two-piece rotors, and high performance | * BP-10 compound pads provide optimized and balanced braking to compliment front big brake upgrades on all types of custom, show and high performance street machines | * The neatly hidden internal shoe system provides a clean installation with superior static holding power for parking | *** These Big Brake kits require at least 17" diameter wheels ***
Brake kit includes parts for both rear wheels: > Drilled/Slotted, 1.10" Thick x 12.88" O.D. Rotors > Superlite 4 Pistons Calipers - Red > Drum Parking Brake Assemblies with Caliper Mounting Brackets > BP-10 Smart Compound Brake Pads > Brake Hats > All bolts, washers, nuts, and shims necessary to install the complete braking system on both rear wheels > Complete kit weighs approximately 67 lbs
Muscle car enthusiasts building high-performance A-Body or F-Body street machines absolutely require this Wilwood Superlite kit to bridge the gap between massive stopping power and functional parking brake reliability. This isn't just a cosmetic upgrade. It is a complete performance overhaul featuring 12.88-inch drilled and slotted two-piece rotors paired with striking red 4-piston calipers. I love how the internal shoe system remains neatly hidden, providing serious static holding power without cluttering the aesthetic of your rear end. The BP-10 Smart Compound pads ensure your rear braking perfectly complements upgraded fronts for a balanced feel. Just keep in mind that you will need at least 17-inch wheels to clear these massive assemblies, but for a serious custom build, the 67-pound kit delivers everything necessary for a professional-grade installation.
Brand New Currie Enterprises Rear End with 31 Spline Axles with Wilwood Disc Brake Kit including Drilled Rotors and Red Calipers, Parking Brake Cable Kit, and Brake Line Kit for the applications below (Part # FDM6466X-K7) > Currie Crate Rear Ends are designed to be a bolt-in upgrade
Includes: > Currie 9-Plus Notch-Back Rear End with 31 Spline Axles ( # CE-FDM6466X) > 9-Plus notchback heavy duty housing > 31 Spline performance axle package > Built to the stock width (57 3/8") and pinion offset specs > 57 3/8" is measured outside-of-axle-flange to outside-of-axle-flange, in other words, where the wheel bolts on to where the wheel bolts on > Heavy-duty 2 1/4" wide leaf spring pads are installed in the stock location > Housing includes all 3rd member studs installed
Wilwood 11" Disc Brake Kit with Drilled Rotors and Red Calipers (Part # 140-11389-DR) > Dynapro Low-Profile Pro-Series rear disc brake kits provide a complete solution for popular muscle car rear axle > Forged billet Dynapro Low-Profile four-piston calipers, 11" one-piece hat and rotor assemblies, and high friction pads > The neatly hidden internal shoe system provides a clean installation with superior static holding power for parking
Brake Kit includes: > Drilled /Slotted, .810" Thick x 11.00" O.D. Rotors with Hats > Featuring 5 x 4 1/2", 5 x 4 3/4", and 5 x 5" bolt patterns > Low-Profile 4 Piston Dynapro Calipers - Red > Drum Parking Brake Assemblies with Caliper Mounting Brackets > Bearing Retainers > BP-10 Smart Compound Brake Pads > All Bolts, Washers, and Shims necessary to install the complete braking system on both rear wheels
Parking Brake Cable Kit: > Connects to the Wilwood Parking Brake Assemblies, to join the stock cable behind the transmission | Flexline Kit: > Steel braided brake lines, caliper fittings, and chassis fittings to connect the calipers to the hard lines > Also includes weld-on line tabs to install on your rear end | Hard Line Kit: > Steel hard brake line tubing to connect the chassis fittings to the included rubber hose > Rubber hose connects those hard lines to the lines on the frame
Most restorers assume that upgrading a classic Mustang's drivetrain requires a massive headache of custom fabrication, but this Currie Crate assembly proves that high-performance bolt-in upgrades are actually possible. This isn't just a basic axle replacement. It is a complete overhaul featuring a heavy-duty 9-Plus notchback housing and 31-spline performance axles that maintain your factory width for a seamless fit. The real showstopper is the integrated Wilwood Dynapro kit, which swaps old drums for striking red four-piston calipers and drilled rotors. Because it includes everything from the steel braided flexlines to the parking brake cable kit, you aren't left hunting for small hardware mid-build. It transforms a vintage rear end into a modern, aggressive braking powerhouse without the typical custom shop struggle.
The primary function of a shim is to act as a thermal and acoustic barrier. When browsing kits, look closely at the material composition. High-quality kits typically utilize multi-layer constructions, often combining stainless steel with specialized coatings or composite layers. Stainless steel provides the structural integrity needed to resist deformation under high clamping forces, while the composite layers—often containing ceramic or specialized polymers—are responsible for absorbing the microscopic vibrations that cause audible squeal. Avoid kits that use thin, single-layer steel without any dampening properties, as these often fail to mitigate the 'chatter' common in high-performance rear braking setups.
Slot Geometry and Thermal Management
The 'slotted' aspect of these shims is a specific design choice intended to manage the interface between the pad and the piston. In rear braking systems, which often handle different pressure profiles than the fronts, the slot geometry plays a vital role in dissipating heat and allowing for the expansion of materials. Look for kits where the slots are precision-machined rather than stamped. Precision-cut slots ensure that air and gases can escape the interface more effectively, preventing the 'cushion' effect that can lead to a spongy pedal feel. Furthermore, well-designed slots help in distributing the clamping force more evenly across the surface area of the pad, reducing the likelihood of hot spots and uneven material depletion.
Kit Completeness and Fitment Precision
Since you are looking for kits rather than individual shims, the value lies in the completeness of the package. A professional-grade kit should include a full set for both rear wheels, ensuring perfect symmetry in braking performance. Beyond the shims themselves, check if the kit includes necessary hardware such as anti-squeal grease or specialized clips. Precision is paramount. Even a fraction of a millimeter of deviation in thickness can alter the piston's travel and the overall modulation of your brake pedal. Ensure the kit is specifically designed for high-performance applications where thermal cycling is frequent, as standard OEM-style shims often lack the resilience required for aggressive driving.
Decision Logic: Performance vs. Daily Comfort
Your final decision should be driven by your primary use case. If you are building a dedicated track car, prioritize shims with high-grade stainless steel and aggressive slotting designed for maximum heat dissipation, even if they offer less acoustic dampening. For a street-driven performance car, look for 'hybrid' kits that balance thermal management with advanced composite layers to ensure a quiet, refined driving experience. Always prioritize kits that emphasize material stability under extreme temperature ranges, as rear brakes can become surprisingly hot during heavy deceleration or when utilizing an electronic parking brake system that interacts with the caliper geometry.
Ready to choose?
Jump back to our ranked picks or compare the shortlist side by side.
Quick answers about Rear Slotted Shims before you buy.
Slotted shims are designed to provide precise spacing and tension between braking components, reducing unwanted vibration and preventing brake squeal by stabilizing the pad against the caliper.
While many kits are designed for universal fitment, specific vehicle geometries often require vehicle-specific thickness and slot patterns. Always verify compatibility with your specific caliper type before purchasing.
Slotted shims feature grooves that help dissipate heat and channel brake dust away from the contact surface, whereas smooth shims are primarily used for basic spacing and noise dampening.
You should consider replacing them if you notice increased brake noise, uneven pad wear, or if the current shims show signs of heavy corrosion or warping.
Most high-quality shim kits are compatible with both semi-metallic and ceramic pads, though you should ensure the shim material is rated for the heat levels generated by your specific pad compound.
Yes, if you are comfortable performing a standard brake service, installing shims is a straightforward part of the process. However, ensuring they are seated perfectly is critical to preventing noise.
Look for kits utilizing stainless steel or multi-layer composite materials, as these offer superior resistance to rust and better thermal stability than standard steel.
While shims primarily focus on noise reduction and stability, the improved heat dissipation and dust management can contribute to more consistent braking feel over long periods of use.
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Our Analysis of Rear Slotted Shims
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Side by Side
Comparison Table
Compare the top 4 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.
Power Stop Z36 Truck and Tow Rear Caliper Kit
R1 Concepts eLine Series Brake Kit for Subaru Impreza
Southwest Speed Wilwood Superlite Rear Disc Brake Kit
Southwest Speed Currie Mustang Rear End with Wilwood Brakes