I recently had the front brake pads and rotors on a 1996 Ford Contour 2.5L V6 replaced at a local shop (not a dealer). When I got the car back from the shop, the brake pedal went almost to the floor when applying the brakes (the shop said that I needed a new master cylinder). This did not happen prior to bringing the car into the shop.
Last night, on the way home from work, the retaining clip from the right front wheel fell off. The brakes feel great now.
I searched the forums and found a few threads that mentioned a few things about these clips, but I have a few questions.
1. Is it safe to drive w/o these clips?
2. What is the function of these retaining clips? I have the Haynes repair manual and they don't mention what the these clips are used for. One or two members seem to indicate that they are to prevent the brakes from rattling or shaking. If this is so, then why did they make the brake pedal travel much farther (almost to the floor) than normal?
3. Does anyone know where I can find a description of how to install these clips correctly? The Haynes manual only has a partial picture of the clip.
4. Does anyone know what the part # is for these clips (since I need to replace them)?
Thanks ahead of time for any and all help.
