What do the springs do on brake pads?

Brake pad spring clips (worn out example shown above) have two main functions when fitted, the first being to apply a light spring pressure between the caliper carrier and the brake pads – eliminating vibration which is the main cause of brake squeal.

Do brake pads need clips?

The clips are designed to push the pad away from the rotor. This can keep the brakes cooler, reduce noise and extend the life of the pad. The clips fit between the pads and rotor and push the pads away from the rotor.

Are brake pad shims important?

Brake Pad Shims: Pad shims on everyday passenger cars help reduce noise by providing a barrier between the brake pad and the caliper. The shim prevents small vibrations that build up to annoying noises when the brakes are applied.

Is brake hardware necessary?

A fresh set of hardware can gain horsepower and fuel economy by reducing brake drag. The constant heating and cooling of even normal driving will weaken your springs and anti-rattle clips over time. Weak hardware can result in excessive movement, binding, pulling, warping, uneven wear, noise, or other problems.

What happens if you don’t put the clips on brake pads?

They know it does. The study, in an independent automotive testing lab in Sweden, found that reusing old clips wears out new pads prematurely and leads to more noise, costing customers extra money and causing a lot of potential comebacks.

What happens if you dont use brake hardware?

As hardware becomes deformed, pads no longer move within the brake as intended. The pads will drag on the rotors and you’ll get premature wear and reduced pad life. Out of spec hardware will diminish braking performance.

Can I install brake pads without shims?

Not all brake pads come with shims as they aren’t required and function perfectly without needing them. It’s also recommended to apply a thin layer between the backing plate and the shim even if the shim is present, as it will prevent any further noise from the pad rattling against the shim.

Do new brake pads come with shims?

A lot of newer brake pads come with the shims already attached to them. So, if you are trying to replace your brake parts, there are brake kits available which contain both the pads and shims together.

Is it OK to reuse brake hardware?

A 2016 study of brake clips and hardware reveals that reusing old clips can wear out your new brake pads prematurely, costing you extra $$ in auto repairs. Well that’s what happens to your brakes when you replace your brake pads but reuse old clips. Brake clips are the shoelaces of your brakes.