[BAMxi]

Hello again. So I was driving home from the store tonight, and I pulled out and started to get up to speed. When I did, I heard a really loud scraping/tapping noise that got louder and quicker with acceleration, coming from the back driver's side. At first, I thought it was the POS van behind me, and then was slightly embarrassed to find out it was me! So I pulled over and checked it out, and couldn't see anything wrong, so I continued home, noise still happening. So I got home, jacked it up, pulled the back wheel off, and the rusty metal brake clip fell onto the ground. I inspected all around and everything else seemed ok. Both bolts were still there, and nothing was leaking or looking like it was beat up or scraping, and the pads still have tons of life in them. So, my two questions are:
1. What's up with that metal brake clip? What exactly does it do, and has anyone had it come loose while driving?
2. I noticed the brake pads seemed to be touching or very close to touching the rotor when the car was in park and jacked up. Is this normal? I took it for a drive after putting the clip back in place, and everything seemed perfect, but I just wanted to check.

Let me know what you guys think.

Thanks!

[mid-corner fun]

1. that's the anti-rattle clip, put it back if you want the noise to stop. No, these typically don't fall off unless someone tries really hard to pull them off. You'll understand how difficult it is for these to fall off when you try to put it back on.

2. normal

[Glim]

2nd picture in the brake DIY

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613337