Datlore001

About a year ago I had my front brakes done on my ES330. About 15,000 miles and a year later, I was having issues with shaking when braking from any kind of speed, indicative of a warped rotor. Last weekend I put on brand new rotors and pads, and while that seems to have resolved the issue for now, I am experiencing the 'clunk' when braking at low speeds over holes, bumps, etc. at fairly low speeds. I believe this to be the pads. When I replaced the pads, only one of them had a single one of these retention/anti-rattle clips on one side of the pad. I did not put any back on, so I'm thinking that may be the cause of my problem. The front disc brake hardware kit sold at Autozone and the like only includes four of the small clips. Obviously that's not enough to put two clips on each pad. Are you supposed to only put one clip on each pad? I am concerned that the reason the last set of rotors had an issue was because of uneven wear attributable to the missing clips. Any help would be appreciated!

msekanha

Not installing those clips on the brake pads would most certainly cause a rattle\clunk\squeak.

Only one clip has to be installed on top of each brake pad.

When I bought my ES new, those retaining clips were absent on both front and rear brake pads, which caused all kinds of little annoying noises.

Datlore001

Thank you so much. I knew I wasn't crazy. So they go on the top? It doesn't seem that it would really matter which side, but I'll go with the top if that's where they should be.

PuReChaos

what he has pictured doesn't look like the retaining clips. to me they look like the wear indicators which wouldn't cause his problem as i have one wheel that doesn't have a set of them and theres been no issue thus far.

however the issue he is describing does sound like some retaining clips are missing. but just going by the picture, those aren't causing your problem as they look like wear indicators.

Datlore001

The wear indicator clip goes on the back of the pad, doesn't it? So when the pad gets worn down enough, the rotor contacts the pad and it squeals. These little clips actually clip onto the end of the pad and would appear to shim the pad ends so there is no play.

Datlore001

Added the clips today and my problem seems to be solved. Brakes are extremely quiet now. I would definitely recommend adding these clips if you go with new pads. The confusing part was that no one references them in any of the guides online. Thanks to all!