Rear caliper spring pad question

Hi Folks

I was replacing the pads on my bike this eve and decided to remove the caliper to have a look as the pads looked fairly poor/old . I noticed the Spring Pad that sits under the brake pads was broken and bent out of shape , so probably not doing anything at all . Is this part even necessary? I was about to order a new one and wait for it to be shipped before I put everything back together but then i was thinking god knows how long its been like this and brake pads replaced dozens of times over the years . Opinions ?

This is the part in question - https://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk/parts/by-part-number/hpart_45108MZ2016/ and i assume is supposed to just reduce vibration / rattle from the pads.

Cheers
Martin

 

Well me being I like to stop every now and then, brakes tend to be very important. I don't guess if, I'd get that part if I was in your spot.

 

Yip i reckon so , it doesn't serve any function to the braking performance but its there for a reason alright . Ordered ;-)

 

My sixth gen never had anything behind the pads.

I bought with 6,000 miles on it, factory pads.

 

its a pad locator, stabilizer, anti vibration

45108-MZ2-016 sping ...clear as a bell in the partsbooks, rear caliper used from '02 6th gen.

far as I can tell, that spring sure *should* be there