Inner Brake Pad Clip

[TostitoBandito]

Stupid question. Is the metal three pronged clip on our inner brake pads vital for proper brake function?

I ask because while investigating what I thought was just some pad rattle that needed grease on my left rear, I found that the noise was actually pad rattle from the broken off clip in the piston rubbing against the pad as the pad slightly moved when the brakes were applied. I tried to epoxy it back on with no success (too brittle), so I just took it out and put the pad on without it. Best I can tell the inner pad is restrained from moving too much by the caliper and carrier same as the outer pad, so I figure it probably isn't a huge deal. After removing it I still get a bit of normal rattle as the pad slides slightly on brake application, but it's not as touchy or loud as before.

Anyways, these are new pads and I'll probably write Bimmerworld/PFC to try and get a replacement. I assume the pad rattling slightly due to the missing clip isn't a concern?

[LockDots]

I believe it's there so the pad pulls back with the piston when you let off the brake preventing it from constantly rubbing on the rotor.

[ThreeD]

It's not necessary it's only there to prevent pad rattle

It does not prevent brake rubbing / wear.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[LockDots]

It's not necessary it's only there to prevent pad rattle

It does not prevent brake rubbing / wear.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

Ah ok, I wasn't completely sure either.

[TostitoBandito]

Yeah, makes sense. Now it's basically in the same boat as the outer pad which freely floats in its space, except it has a piston to rub against so it clicks when light braking is engaged.

In any case, I emailed my contact at PFC and it sounds like they're gonna send me a replacement pad or whole rear set.

[LockDots]

If your outer pad is floating and rattling try adding some paste to the back of it.

[TostitoBandito]

The outer is fine, it isn't rattling. I meant that it theoretically has a small amount of space where it can move around since there's nothing holding it in a fixed position except the anti-rattle clip, just like the inner now. It just doesn't make noise like the inner does because it doesn't have a piston smack in the middle of its backing plate to scrape against. The only rattle I've gotten from any of my pads was from this inner which lost its clippy thingy. The rest are nice and quiet.

[NoLastName]

As others said, the clips keep the inner pad attached to the piston so it doesn't rattle around. The last time the same broken clip scenario happened to me it was because my rear wheel bearings were going out. With a little slop in the bearing the movement can be quite rough on the pads. Maybe something to check...

[TostitoBandito]

I'll check again tonight to be sure, but last I checked (on all wheels) I had no bearing play and I definitely don't have any of the characteristic "dying wheel bearing" noises or vibrations.