When I opened up the caliper to change the brake pads on my 91 honda accord, the pads just fell out. They had no clips or anything to lock them in but they have been working for me so it must be ok. This seemed unusual because every other car I have worked on had these clips that you had to remove the pads from. Am I missing something?

 

I don't know exactly what cars you have had, but Accords (and many other cars) actually don't use "clips" or anything to hold them.

I know what you are talking about though. My friends Jetta GLI uses em and so does my friends Mazda 3.

 

Ok good just wanted that assurance. Most of the cars I have done are either newer or American cars and they have clips. Thanks!

 

Yeah, a surprising amount of newer cars I've done brake jobs on have em.

Hate those things, can be the biggest pain in the ace sometimes getting them to stay on.

 

there should have been metal shims or guides on the caliper bracket in the groove where the pads ride (see the pic #18). that usually does a good enough job of holding the pads in when you take the caliper off. do you remember seeing anything like this?

 

I know what your saying Hondamark35, thanks for the picture.

To clarify for anyone who doesn't know what aowpsycho is talking about, here's a picture.

http://www.wildweasel.ca/HowTo/Auto/...tors_sm_05.jpg

The thin metal piece that the person is using the flathead on to pry it out in the picture is what we are talking about. Thankfully we don't have these on our Accords.