Wishbone-Shaped Spring on Front Brakes

[kmcleaster]

I went to replace the front pads on my 2004 Quest today. I discovered that the new pads (EBC Greenstuff 7000's) do not have the tiny holes on the edge of the backing plates for this wishbone-shaped spring.

The spring connects across the inside and outside brake pads.

Is this spring an essential component?

I didn't get a chance to find out for myself. I discovered the piston boots on both calipers were messed up.

On the left side, there was tear in one of the piston boots. On the right side, one of the boots would not collapse without balooning. I tried putting the old pads back in, remounting the caliper and easing the piston back out and retrying. Still messed up. So, I put the old pads back in and plan to order rebuilt calipers from Napa.

[mpe235]

The spring clip is not critical.

[kmcleaster]

^^^^
Thanks.