In the Helm's it says that the "low pad" indicator should be on the top side of the brake pad when mounted in the caliper. I am referring to the metal strip that causes squeal when the pads are really low. Of course, I didn't have my Helms when I installed my front pads. Generally, I replace pads long before they get that worn, so I'm not too concerned.

My question is, does it really matter ?

 

first off, it shows that you know what you're doing if anyone else ever works on your car and you have your pads oriented correctly. asside from that, for the "squealer" to work as it was intended it should be on the leading edge of the pad. on the front of almost all hondas the inside pad should have the squealer on the top. some of the later models (i.e. 01-04 civics) have the caliper on the back of the rotor so the squealer should be on the bottom.