So today, I took my calipers off to check the pads, the pads were decent, but the metal clip-type things on the back of the pads, that can come off, were rusted straight through, like not really there at all.

My only question is, is it a safety hazard if I drive without those little clip-type spacer things on? As I see it, the condition they were in was not leaving any room for safety in the first place.

Below is an image of what I'm talking about. You'll see one with a ring rusted through, that was on the brake piston side.

 

The shim that you are refeering to is not safety related. It's purpose is to keep the pad from creating noise when you step on the brakes.

 

Awesome! Thanks for the quick response.

 

Some Brands of brake pads come with new ones to actually replace them

 

i just ordered the brake hardware kit from mazdatrix... they arent squealing right now, lets hope they dont start after i put it on.

mine were in about the same condition as yours...