Guys today I did my first maintenance item for the new 4th gen. I had to replace the brakes. Now on teh brakes that I took off, assuming they were stock replacement ones, there was a clip that connected the 2 pads together. It just slid down into the holes. On the new pads there was no place to put that clip in. Is this ok? I drove around for about 10 minutes and everything feels great. No more noise or grinding feel in the pedal... Also while having the wheel off I think I now know where my leak is(Axle bearing)

 

I'm not sure what those clips do but I havent used them (due to no holes as in your case) for the last few sets of pads with no problems. I assume that is the norm, so I wouldnt worry about it.

 

yea, dont worry about it. depends on the manufacturer of the pad. the idea behind them is to help spread the pads apart so they dont rub the rotor as much and wear as fast. how well it works is questionable to me. I know my 2 4th gens dont have em, neither did my 3rd gen IIRC

 

You don't need the clips, but save them. If the next pads have the hole to install the clip, you can use them again.

 

the clips are there to protect your rotor when the break pad is low the clip hits the roter and makes a clicking sound leting you know that the pad is low and its time to change them.

 

you don't really need them. They're basically like silencer's so you don't really hear the brake pads rub against the rotors.

 

different clip.
you are referring to a wear sensor (it's mechanical not electrical)
he is referring to a spring clip that goes on top of the pads to keep them spread off the rotor.

 

Thanks for all of the replies fellas. I really appreciate it. Great forum....