If you already know that you need to replace your brake pad clips you may be wondering how to install those clips or where they actually go. Generally, the clips fit between the brake pads and the rotor. They push the pads away from the rotor which is their main purpose.
These little anti-rattle clips are what prevent your brake pads from becoming loose in the caliper. They reduce the wear and tear that excessive driving puts on your brake pads and improve your safety and performance capabilities.
Remember that it is very possible to install brake pads incorrectly. This is why it’s important to know how to properly install your brake pads and brake pad clips and how to recognize if you’ve made a mistake so that you don’t have any problems in the future. It’s also important to know that whenever you buy new brake pads they will often come with new retaining clips.
How Do You Install Brake Pad Clips?
This may sound like a complicated task but don’t worry the job isn’t that tough. Remember that there are usually left-handed and right-handed clips and brake pads will go on one side or the other so it will be best to change one at a time. Do this to make sure that everything matches up exactly how they’re supposed to and to eliminate the need to backtrack through your work at the end. If you want to know how to install brake clips on your brake pads click here.
If you’re more of a visual person, think about this: at the back of the caliber you’ll see 2 different shape twisting spring clips. Those springs are what holds the retaining pins in place and they also hold the brake pads Ian as well.
Keep in mind that brake pad quote clips easily snapping plays too when installed correctly. Using graphite-based grease the clips will also keep the brakes from squeaking. Each caliber will have a set of metal clips in the removable area of the caliper and those clips will push into the sides of the caliper and the brake pads will essentially slide into them.
If you are more of a reader when it comes to learning check out the steps below:
- Raise your car and remove the wheels
- Remove the existing retaining clips and pads
- Remove the retaining pins
- Inspect your new pads against the old ones
- Compress the piston back into the caliper
- Test fit your pads and replace pad shims
- Prepare and install your new pads
- Install your new retainer pins and retaining spring clips
- Reinstall your wheels and lower your car
- Take your car out for a test drive to make sure everything is in tip-top shape
Those clips are often associated with either the left or right side of the vehicle so always read your packaging and stay aware so that you know if you’re using the appropriate clip for the appropriate side or not.
After completing the above steps, you have basically saved yourself hundreds of dollars, gained a new experience, or enhanced your current mechanical skills and hopefully, you had a little bit of fun. Throw out any of the old brake materials that you used properly and call it a day. If you aren’t sure how to dispose of your brake materials and any automotive chemicals click here to find out.
Where Can I Find The Correct Clips For Brake Pads?
The most important thing here is to know that brake pads and brake pad clips are not universal. Every size and type of car will have its own particular size and shape requirements associated with brake pads. You can find brake clips at any automotive store or from any seller that has an inventory of automotive parts.
A few examples of these could be NAPA, AutoZone, or Advance Auto Parts. When shopping around for your brake clips always make sure that you are buying quality brake parts for your vehicle and that you are obtaining the proper hardware for what you are trying to achieve.
If you don’t install brake clips when you install your brake pads, the pads are probably no longer moving within the brake and causing a drag on the rotors or wearing down the pads prematurely. Your brakes will not have any assistance staying cool. The noises that you hear coming from your brakes are often caused by excessive vibration of any loose or missing components that could damage your brake pads.
With that being said you may want to go out and buy yourself any clips that you need or better yet just order some online. Just keep in mind that although brake pad clips are not completely necessary to safely drive your car, they are however necessary to maintain the lifespan of your brake pads and two ensure a noise-free ride or at least as far as your brakes are concerned.
Final Thoughts
Since you’ve come this far you now know where the clips go on your brake pads. You may recall that the anti-rattle clips are actually between the pad and caliper bracket. These clips are what reduces unwanted pad contact with your brake rotors and can be removed or attached pretty easily.
As a general rule remember that an indicator clip will often be on the inside or middle of the car, the caliper would be on the piston side and the clip can often be found at the top of the caliper. If you are able to locate your brake pad clips you may also be able to remove them or install them on your own. If you don’t want to do it yourself you can now at least say that you’re more knowledgeable on how to make sure your mechanic does everything right or at least in the general sense.
Keep in mind the actual point of brake pad clips; to push the pad away from the rotor. Damaged rotors or even pads that have worn down quickly can mean potentially high price tags for drivers and no one wants that.
