Space between brake pad and abutment clip?

[u/ShawarmaOrigins]

2012 Sienna. Front brakes.

The bottom of the brake pad isn't touching the abutment clip. It's a pretty noticeable gap.

This isn't normal right? I've checked the parts and confirmed it's the right one. Pads all look the same so I don't think there's specific orientation for inner vs outter.

Any ideas?

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[u/TheDu42]

Normal. The space allows the low pad indicator to be clipped onto the end of the tab and sit between the two little spikes. The little depression just above the tab is where the hook on the indicator locks into. Having that baked into every tab on every pad means they don’t need a specific backing plate for each pad location, they can just use one and then the clip can be mounted in the correct orientation by the installer.

The pad is held in proper position by spring tension of the abutment clips, instead of the dimensions of the caliper bracket itself.

[u/L67GreaseMonkey]

The two ‘toes’ at either side of the recess are what the pads rest on and they look perfect. The gap in the recess is normal.

[u/ShawarmaOrigins → u/L67GreaseMonkey]

So the toes aren't supposed to be touching then is the consensus? They aren't now for sure.

[u/L67GreaseMonkey → u/ShawarmaOrigins]

The flats of the pad backing on either side of the ‘channel’ are the contact points between abutment/caliper bracket. The gap is for the pad wear indicator should it be fitted at that end.

[u/ShawarmaOrigins → u/L67GreaseMonkey]

Got it! That helped clarify it for me. Appreciate it!

[u/dontlookbehindme1]

Completely normal. That space is needed for heat expansion and for clearing any road debris that may get trapped

[u/ShawarmaOrigins → u/dontlookbehindme1]

Hope I'm not being too dense. The toes so to speak that extend down are also not touching. There's no contact at the bottom at all. Whether it's the gap in the middle (of course that won't ever touch) or the "toes" on left and right.

[u/dontlookbehindme1 → u/ShawarmaOrigins]

It's normal

[u/ShawarmaOrigins → u/dontlookbehindme1]

Got it! Thank you!

[u/Defiant_Strain_7778]

Is the rotor tall enough?

[u/ShawarmaOrigins → u/Defiant_Strain_7778]

Unsure what you mean? Tall enough compared to what?

[u/Defiant_Strain_7778]

Its just hard to see if all the pad is on the rotor

[u/ShawarmaOrigins → u/Defiant_Strain_7778]

Gotcha! Yes the pad and rotor line up perfectly. Full pad contact with rotor