2500Ram

The tin clips that hold brake the pads in place, are they necessary? Mine were mangled and damaged and made such a racket I threw them away about 1 month ago. Quietest brakes I've ever had. Today after about 500 miles I hit a few bumps and can only describe what I think would be the pads rattling, and then the brakes started to squeal again but not grind for 2 stops. I tried to hit more bumps after that and the brakes are quiet again and no rattle.

Ideas? Dealer wants $20 for 4 new clips.

vzdude

Yup...they are anti-rattle clips. You can go without them, but you'll have more noise.Squealling is usually from the pads vibrating and having squared edges. You can try to taper the edges to prevent the angles and it may help the squealling, but you'll still have the rattle over bumps.

JPR Ram

Yes they kinda are necessary. They are what keeps the pads in place and what the pads slide on. Without the spring clips, the pads will rattle around and could possibly get held up. Use the proper clips and apply some "anti-rattle" goop stuff on the caliper bracket and then on the clips themself. That way all of the "loose" items are coated with it. I use "goop" made by ZEP, but for the life of me, I can't remember the product name right now (I'm at work).

EDIT: By using this goop stuff, my brakes are quiet. Well, that is, they are quiet intil I need new pads.

2500Ram

Thanks. Looks like a trip to the dealer for me.

vzdude

You can get them at NAPA and places like that. Ask for caliper hardware. Should be cheaper than the dealer.

2500Ram

I did just that. $13 at Napa and new rubber boots as well.

Tonight or tomorrow I'll put them on. I just hope my brakes don't squeak after the clip replacement. That has been my biggest pet peeve with this truck, noisy brakes for the last 2 years until I got rid of the clips.