I replaced brake pads on all 4 wheels for the first time a few days ago and noticed I didn't have the brake pad returning/anti-rattle springs. They are pictured and described in both FSM and Haynes but I don't have them. I've had the car for over 2 years now and never had any problems. I was just wondering - can not having those springs cause any damage to the rotors or anything else?

 

I have the same problem, my fronts i never found them and my back when i took them off were as soft as cardboard and i smash them in my hand. I dont have any :P i just use alot of break cleaner and a wire brush. I dont feel a problem.

 

Are we talking about the same thing? I am talking about the wire-like clips that go over the brake pads and the rotor.

 

They're not going to cause any problems. They only keep your pads from rattling in the housing when you go over rough roads and bumps. If you don't notice or mind that rattling, I wouldn't even worry about it. You can pick up the anti-rattle kit at autozone. It comes with the clips and springs for both the front and back.

 

Those wire springs were actually discontinued from Nissan. You really don't need them, they were installed during manufacturing and were never made available after the fact. Most aftermarket brake pads don't even have the tiny holes for the wire spring to go into. I don't think replacement Nissan pads even have those holes anymore. I know for a fact the replacement hardware kit from Nissan doesn't come with those wire's either.