So I changed out my brake pads today (even though they were halfway worn down... damn you Expert Tire!). However, I have a question regarding the hardware on the Ranger's front calipers.

There are metal clips that clip into the tracks that the front pads slide on. There are actually 3 clips... one of the "top" of the pad, and one on each side of the pad. The question I have is with the two on the side. With these in place, I can't put in new brake pads unless I use a grinding wheel to "square up" the tabs on the pads (removing less then 1/32" total). Not having a grinder today, I decided to remove the metal clips, and the pads fit in perfectly.

Now, the question is: what do these little metal clips actually do? I assume it's to keep the pads from wearing out the caliper bracket over time, but with them in there the pads just don't fit (and yes, I'm 150% sure these are the correct pads for this truck).

I don't think I should be modifying my pads to make them fit, but those clips were in there for a reason. Anyone?

*edit* Here's an image of what I was doing for clarification. The red lines are where I "squared" up the tabs to make them fit in the brackets.

 

you shouldn't have had to do that... mine fit just fine without any modification

 

After fighting with it for 45 solid minutes the first time, I decided to take that approach. Didn't take me long this time to pull out the darn things.

Question remains, what are they for? I realize that question may prompt the question of how qualified I am to change out my brakes in the first place... but gotta learn sometime!

 

they basically hold the pads in the caliper... there are grooves that the metal spring clips sit in and hold the pads in... honestly I'm surprised they didn't fall out when you put them together

 

Those clips allow the pads to slide easier. Giving you even pad wear. They are also suppose to be lubed a bit.

I had to trim them (pads)a bit in the past, just used a file.

 

I think he's talking about the pad on the outside of the caliper, which is clipped in place and is actually stationary.

These clips are designed to hold the pad at a certain distance from the rotor when the brakes are not energized, to prevent it from rubbing on the rotor. If the clip is not there, it could allow the pad to settle on the rotor and constantly grind or rub. This would surely create some noticeable noise at slow speeds. Roll your window down and listen for it.

Did you compress the piston before trying to put the caliper with new pads back on the rotor? If you didn't do that, it explains why the pad wouldn't go in with the clips in place.

 

Yeah, I always push the old pad back with a C clamp to get the pistons back in. It's definitely a problem of the tab being too big for the slot.

 

I had to remove the excess paint on those tabs, the paint stopped me from getting them in.