Clips to help separate rear brake pads

[brianhuntRVA]

So I replaced my rear pads following this write up:

Replacing the Rear Brake Pads - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum

There was nothing about the little wire clips that hold the pads off the rotors when the brake are not engaged. The pads that were on there previously did not have them either. But my new centric pads came with said wire clips but it didn't look like there was anywhere to put them. Is it correct to leave them without?

 

[MarkinWMich]

There are no wire "spring" clips like there are on the fronts. Take another look at the mechanism, it will become obvious how they work without them.

Do a YouTube search for "floating brake caliper".

 

[brianhuntRVA]

Thanks for the reply. I've done pads on one other vehicle with floating calipers and I could have sworn they had these spring clips. I must be mistaken though. Either way I'm glad to know it's back together correctly...

 

[TechWrench]

Thanks for the reply. I've done pads on one other vehicle with floating calipers and I could have sworn they had these spring clips. I must be mistaken though. Either way I'm glad to know it's back together correctly...

The rear brakes do not have the spring wire retainers like the fronts do. but they do have the small stainless clips that fit in the notches in the caliper frame that the pads slide in and out on. These clips are important, and should be replaced when the pads are replaced. Also, make sure there isn't any rust scale build-up underneath these clips. Otherwise they will restrict the movement of the pads and cause premature pad failure.