Front brake pad spring - 80 GS1100

[GoFast]

NOTE: I can't change the title of this thread, but it's not the brake pad spring I'm having the issue with...

I had a new tire put on my front rim, and after reassembing and getting ready to put the brakes back on, a small piece fell out of the left brake caliper and I can't seem to figure out where it goes!

Any thoughts? See image below (same part, 2 different angles). It's not on the diagram in my manual.

Thanks,
Graeme

[GoFast]

[GoFast]

Well I figured out where this goes...and also found out that my left brake only has one of these pieces. Not even sure what its real purpose is besides acting as a small spacer. It's thinner than a dime.

Should I worry about there only being one of these on this brake? The brakes have been flawless for the 2000 miles or so that I've put on it this year.

[Guest]

Mine are so brittle and old I don't think they do much of anything anymore. No issues with the brakes.

[Killer2600]

From my take on it, that piece serves as a slide for the pads to slide on...If you didn't have two before I doubt not having both will affect the brakes.

[denydog]

From my take on it, that piece serves as a slide for the pads to slide on...

That's kind of what I figured also. Provides a harder, smoother surface for the pads to move on.

I rode for a while with one of a pair missing. I put the one that was left on the caliper surface that the pad is pushed towards by the wheel rotation when the brake is applied.