What does this brake clip do?

First post.

One side's clip broke. What does it actually do? Seems to spread the pads apart, but it's not very strong at all. Do I need it? Doesn't seem to be affecting anything.

 

Mostly just keeps pressure on the pads so they don't rattle around. It's very annoying when they rattle.

 

Can you buy it by itself? I know it comes with a pad set, but I won't need pads for a long time.

 

Something real funky is going on there. Those are not OEM style retention clips.


these are what should be there

 

Ohh sorry, forgot to mention. The brakes were upgraded to Tundra brakes.

 

Yes you'll want that part - 4774835010

These pads can be surprisingly rattly without them.