My first brake job...did I do it right?

[waveoff]

I installed new pads and rotors the other day but I'm not sure if I did the pads right. I put the anti-squeal goop everywhere I was supposed to but I installed the new pads WITHOUT the outer shims that were on the old pads. The reason why is because I couldn't get the caliper to go over top of the pads with the shim in place even with the piston pressed all the way in. It was still a tight fit without the shim in place. When I drive the car I can stop fine. However, when I'm at highway speed (70 MPH+) the car handles like I have a tire going flat. I think it's handling like this because of the brakes. Is this something that will go away as the pads and rotors break-in or could it be related to the lack of shims on the pads? Thanks.

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Fred G.
'97 Civic EX supercharged http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/track/4059
Beech 1900D driver...2,558 shp, 10,000+ ft./lbs. tq., top speed 331 mph

[12SecGSR]

whatever the problem is, it will not go away on its own... the shim should have fit (dont the pistons have to screw into the caliper to get them to go in, or is that just the rear?) however the shim shouldnt cause any problems other than a possible squeel when braking... did you turn/replace the rotors?

does the problem only occur when braking? is it just vibrating on the highway? maybe your tires are imbalanced, and it was just a coincidence...

if I were you, I would try to go somewhere like National Tire and Battery, or Sears Tire center if they are in your area, because they will check it out for free, and tell you what the problem is, and if you want to fix it yourself, just tell them you cant afford it/will bring it back next week, etc.. and go fix it yourself...

hth
-Dan

[waveoff]

The rotors are brand new. Right now, I don't get any squealing without the shims in. The pulling problem occurs while driving normally and there's no vibration when it's happening. When I go to stop I stop fine without any problems. I just bled my brakes and alot of air came out of the front rotors but none out of the drums in the rear. Perhaps that had something to do with it? I'm going for a long drive tonite and will see how it handles now after bleeding. Thanks for the feedback.

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Fred G.
'97 Civic EX supercharged http://www.geocities.com/motorcity/track/4059
Beech 1900D driver...2,558 shp, 10,000+ ft./lbs. tq., top speed 331 mph

[BlownAway]

There may not be enough clearance between the new brake pads and new rotors - especially if you couldn't even fit the shim in. What pads and rotors did you get? Did you notice that there is an inside and an outside pad?