What Is The Clip On A Brake Pad For?

Brake pad clips aren't just there for show. Also known as anti-rattle clips or retainer clips, they play an important part in your vehicle's braking system. They're designed to keep the brake pads aligned properly, stop brakes from squealing, and help extend the life of the brake pads themselves. When installed properly, they also give you smoother, more consistent contact between the brake pad and the rotor.

You'll typically find these clips within the brake caliper assembly. They hold the pads in place as the caliper squeezes them against the rotor to bring the car to a stop. Without these clips, the pads would be more likely to shift and rattle around — giving you uneven pad wear, tons of unwanted noise, and even reduced braking performance.

To locate yours, you'll need to remove the wheel and look at the caliper assembly. Depending on your vehicle's design, the clips may be positioned at the top, bottom, or sides of the brake pads. In most systems, two screws secure the clip between the pad and the rotor so that the clip can push the pad slightly away from the rotor when the brakes aren't being applied.

When you hit the brakes, the clips hold the pads securely so they can evenly press against the rotor. The more even the contact, the better your stopping power. The result is smoother, more stable braking, no matter if you're gently pressing or slamming them down.

Ideally, brake pad clips also help you get better fuel efficiency and enjoy a quieter ride overall. By cutting down on the friction between the brake pads and the rotor, these clips give you more gas mileage and less unnecessary wear on the braking components. In turn, this also keeps the brake noise down.

The clips can also serve as shock absorbers of sorts, cutting down on the tiny vibrations that go on when moving parts come into contact under pressure. Without them, those vibrations could transfer through the brake pedal and steering wheel and create a pulsing or shaking steering wheel (almost like you'd get with warped or failing brake rotors). Replacing the clips during routine maintenance can prevent these symptoms and keep your brakes smooth.

No matter if you call them anti-rattle clips, retainer clips, shim clips, or pad retention clips, their purpose remains more or less the same: to stabilize the brake pads and help give you more consistent wear. Those of you who replace brake pads on your own should take care to match the new clips to their specific make and model, as not all vehicles use the same size or configuration. Clips are typically sold with new brake pads, but they can also be purchased separately from auto parts stores or online.

And remember, taking a few extra minutes to replace these clips pays off in the long run: You'll enjoy longer-lasting brake pads, quieter braking, and improved safety during those times when you need to come to a sudden stop. And although they aren't legally required for driving, brake pad clips are still a great idea for more efficient brakes.