Front brake calliper maintenance

[Steve68]

I've recently taken my front calliper off for a good clean. It was in a bit of a state if I'm honest. How often do 'people' generally do this?

The 'clip' (6 in this image) seems lose. I can't see how it would fall out as it's hooked around he split pins, but it was pretty solidly wedged in when I took the calliper off. Any ideas? Should it be rattling around? Maybe it was road gunk keeping it snug. What is it's actual purpose? If it's to keep dirt out, it didn't do a very good job, and I could probably design something better in my sleep. Obviously, it's a universal design, so I'm missing something.

Thanks for your insight!

Steve

[SJL]

In my opinion, the spring is for making sure the pads are not jumping around..... But that would just be guesswork! If it is rattling around, maybe take it to the dealers and compare it to a replacement one??

Cheers,
Ste

[stisma]

As SJL said it is to keep the pads from "rattling", vibrating, etc.
All can work without it, safely, it is there to minimize/null small-fast vibrations,
squiks and what not.
It comes as a kit on same pads or it can be ordered separate.
AP8113546 about US$20

This is from Brembo