What is this for? Rear disc brake clip?

[Ayune]

Replaced my rear disc pads today and this clip came flying out of somewhere near the caliper when I was compressing the piston. I looked and looked for the other three (I'm guessing) but I couldn't find them anywhere in the existing assembly. I saw they are included in some replacement hardware kits.

Anyways, I've reassembled everything else and she seems to stop fine without it... any thoughts on where it goes? Is it 'necessary' with regard to safety? Thanks.

 

[nissanh]

From the look of it, I think it is the brake wear indicator (shows it is fully worn out). This clip mounts on to the brake pad.

 

[Ayune]

From the look of it, I think it is the brake wear indicator (shows it is fully worn out). This clip mounts on to the brake pad.

Ahhh, so it's the noise maker that contacts the disc when the pads get low? That makes sense. Thanks!