I dont think there is any harm in doing this. I couldnt get them back on,and its the first time ive seen them on a car. Should I bother putting them back on? They work fine so far.
Any factual information on this, not just fear of leaving them off? Thanks

 

Aren't they on there for a purpose?

 

get ready for some massive break squeal, those are to prevent the pad from touching the rotor while moving

 

The brakes squealed like crazy when they were on anyway. Not that they caused it,but my other cars never used this and were quiet. I used blue goo on the pad backs to keep them tight. Is there an easy way to get back on? If its simple I'll do it,otherwise I will wait. Looks like you need tweezers,and 5 year old size hands.