135i rear brake pads: what are those protuberances??

[annalisa_ferri]

OEM pads for the rear axle come with 2 big aluminum "ears" attached to the pads:



which can be seen easily even with the pads on the caliper.
Most aftermarket pads are provided without:



and I am not sure they can be removed so easily from the old pads (they seem somewhat forced in place).

Are you supposed to remove them from the old and reuse them?
What's the purpose of these items? Just ease the grabbing of the old pads when replacing them? Are them damping masses?

Any clue is welcome

[Dackelone]

Harmonic Dampers, to limit brake squeal.

[annalisa_ferri]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Harmonic Dampers, to limit brake squeal.

Can you reuse them from the old pads? Do they pop out easily?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by annalisa_ferri

Can you reuse them from the old pads? Do they pop out easily?

IDK.

[bNks334]

Originally Posted by annalisa_ferri

Can you reuse them from the old pads? Do they pop out easily?

They dampen noise and no they are welded to the pad. They do not come off. Many, but not all, aftermarket pads come with the ears. They are not necessary though and some aftermarket pads do not come with them.

[annalisa_ferri]

Originally Posted by bNks334

They dampen noise and no they are welded to the pad. They do not come off. Many, but not all, aftermarket pads come with the ears. They are not necessary though and some aftermarket pads do not come with them.

Thanks