Brake caliper Q and A

[glenn]

Attached pix shows the brake caliper clip(and pad pins).  What is(are) its, the clip, function(s)?

[SteveK]

As far as I can tell, all it does is keep the pins from working their way out by keeping a little tension on them.  When I got my car, one of the clips was missing and everything seemed to work fine; I suspect it had been like that for years.   I found new clips and pins on the net and replaced both sides just to be safe, brakes are one thing you want to keep perfect!

[glenn]

Steve, You score a partial.  Brakes are important.  (A)The PO of this '70 4 dr. 280SE had replaced a rear brake hose with metal brake line-which rubbed on the chassis with every bump.  Slow death. ..  Will wait for more answers.

[glenn]

The spring clip effects/performs an important safety function.  It is wider than the rotor is thick, thus limiting the travel of the piston/pad toward the rotor. i. e. NO brakes!!  Pins are held in by spring collars.  The spring clip also loads the pad into place. 

[ja17]

Good post Glenn!