Question RE: Brake Pads - Metal Backing?

[Foozle]

Guys (and gals):

Sorry if I overlooked this somewhere in the tech archives, but my search turned up nil.

I have a complete rear brake caliper that I picked up some years back from a Valkyrie standard that was triked after only very few miles; as a result, the piece is virtually like new.

Given the condition, I assume (but don't know for sure) that it's still wearing the original (OEM) brake pads - which each sit in a thin metal plate or bracket facing the outer sides (where the pistons and caliper body contact the backs of the pads).  In all honesty, this is something I've never noticed on Valkyrie brake pads before.

Having just cleaned and replaced the caliper seals on two sets of front brakes, I can say with certainty these pads DID NOT have this metal backing.  Rather, the pistons directly contacted the backs of the "bare" pads themselves.

Question:  Is this metal bracket on the backs of the pads unique to the rear brakes - or am I dealing with aftermarket pads?

Since Mother Honda lists different part numbers for the front and rear pads, I'm guessing perhaps the former?  Comparing them to new OEM front pads, these rear pads also appear thicker.

In advance, many thanks.

Terry

[mello dude]

Can you post a photo? Typically all friction materials are bonded in some process to a steel backing plate that guides the movement of the assembly within the caliper.

[sandy]

Those are anti rattle plates. The rear pads are thicker than fronts.

[Foozle]

Those are anti rattle plates. The rear pads are thicker than fronts.

Should the anti-rattle plates also be on the front pads - or are they only on the rear?

[sandy]

I don't see any plates on the parts fische.

https://www.partzilla.com/catalog/honda/motorcycle/1997/gl1500ct-ac-valkyrie-tourer/front-brake-caliper

[Ricky-D]

Those stainless plates are only on the rear brakes for a specific purpose.

The rear brakes take a more severe beating while in use and the stainless plates are for extra protection from heat.

The fronts are twin calipers and do not heat up like the rear, you could almost say "by one half".

The rears will definitely work without the stainless plates but that is the reason they are there and it's best they remain.

Just keep them and switch them to the new pads when you change the pads out.

***

[Foozle]

Thank you, everyone - I've learned something today.

It's never wise (for me, anyway) to try and out think the Honda engineers, so my intent was never to remove these brackets from the rear pads.  My only concern was that perhaps they were missing from the front brakes.  This has now been clarified.

Terry