09 R3 front brake shim orientation...
 

Ok. So I've looked up on mazdaspeed parts catalogue and searched around. I'm having trouble knowing which way to install one of the shims on the front brake pads. Below is the front set of shims for one side from mazda.

Attachment 200320


The one in question is this one. One side is "mesh"

Attachment 200321

The same shim as above but flipped over is metal.

Attachment 200322

Can someone assist me on which way or where this shim is installed? I installed this unknown shim mesh side facing outwards between 3 and 4 on the next photo.


Attachment 200324

Also the vented shim on 4 has an arrow. I assume this arrow points up or in the way of forward motion of the rotor. Is this correct as well? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I can hook you right up with that. That pad mates to the outside shim, and the textured side points in. I drew a diagram the first time I took my pads out and realized the shop manual does not show that as part of the shim stack.

The arrow on the inside shim does indeed show the direction of rotation.

So the mesh shim mounts on the very outside of (#4)? The caliper is touching the metal side of the mesh shim in other words?

I left off the black shims when I did my brakes, but I would assume the mesh shim goes between the metal shim with the dog ears and the pad backing plate similar to the vented shim on the inside pad.

It is sandwiched between 3 and 4 on your diagram. The mesh side is oriented toward the brake pad.

Here is the page from the 2011 service manual showing the location of the shim in question.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...74c4ad548f.png

Good eye. Thank you. That's where I ended up putting it but can't remember which way that mesh shim went. No noise so I guess I got it right lol! Thanks for the clarification.

Are the shims necessary as a functional item? or are they there to reduce squeal?

The rear brake calipers were a b*tch to get back on after replacing the pads - i was thinking if the shims aren't NEEDED, then I could just do away with the rear shims...

Brake shims:

1. Reduce squeal
2. Provide a torquing surface to help keep the pads from twisting
3. Draw heat away from the pads

They are not strictly necessary, but it is a very good idea to use them. The clearance at the rear caliper is small, but with the proper use of a brake caliper tool, they can be closed properly with the shims installed.

OP, I thought the layout in your 4th image of the manual is pretty clear.
Yes you must use them, failing to will create rattles and alignment issues of Pad to Disk over time with aggressive wear angle on pad face.
And rattling/noisy pads.

Please do use the shims. They are very important. See how I found out.
https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...s-pads-258378/