Do I need to use those clips? Because on my new pads they came with the clip attached to the center of the pad facing the piston, but the pads I took off didn't have them, so I took them off the new pads before installing them. Are they necessary? If so I'll search my garage floor for them and put them on.

 

You need them

 

Yup.

 

I think I threw them out, can't find them. What are they for exactly? Just to stop rattling/noise? Or to help hold them in place / safety issue? And do auto parts stores sell the clips?

 

Yes you should use them.

That kind of brakes can be REAL noisy without them.

Note also, that the other (outboard) pad, can also make lots of noise; they give you all sorts of goo, pads, this that and the other to stop it, but it often doesn't work. Best thing to do is to simply set them on edge on the ground and tap the little "ears" with a hammer to bend them inward, so the pad grips the caliper.

No idea whether you can buy just the clips without also buying pads. Never seen em sold that way but you know how that is.

 

They help to hold them in place. probably, or take them from a junkyard.

 

Damm, I'll look again when I get home. Bad thing is today is trash day so if I did throw them out then they'll be gone by the time I'll get home.

 

Yeah, they will rattle like a son of a gun if you don't put them in. They're available at your local parts store for a few bucks if you can't find them.