Caliper pin clip types

There seems to be three types of caliper pin clips: the hair pin type, a bent hair pin type and a wire type that connects the upper and lower pins. Which is the latest design and which is best?
Also the W shape clip that keeps the pads off the rotor, any advantage to using a second one at the upper caliper pin too? Thanks in advance for your wisdom.

 

On my 2015 I have the “w” type on both upper and lower pins.

 

On my 06 the W clip is only on the top pin. In the box that the new front pads came in there were only two W replacement clips in the factory sealed parts bag which serviced two front calipers.

 

I’m going to try answering your question OP but there’s a good chance I’m completely wrong too so take this with a big grain of salt…

I have a ‘15 TRD that had the long clip that connects both upper and lower brake pad slider pins so I’d wager that’s the newest design on a 2nd gen. I also just swapped backwards to 03-09 4Runner for a “big brake” upgrade which in itself has debatable performance difference (but that’s another discussion). The old style 4Runner brakes use that hairpin style clip. I would guess from a pure engineering standpoint the new style clip has some advantages, but making that a quantitative/verified conclusion would likely be impossible to prove.

TLDR answer: nobody has an answer you can verify so it’s all opinions.

Regarding the W clips is basically the same thing. I put on double clips just to try it out. Is it any better? Not sure but it doesn’t hurt. I don’t think there is much difference to be honest and Toyota engineers are smarter than I am so that should say all you really need to know. Anyone saying anything else is just another opinion too.

 

The stock brakes are garbage

but sure, you can hang a million clips on it if it makes you feel good.

Normally what anybody does is they find another vehicle that is the same as theirs (not very hard given how common the Tacoma is), look at the part with a flashlight, and then copy it
Or, they google image search for a picture of what they're looking for showing how it's set up, and then copy it

W shape is probably their version of an anti-rattle clip which probably goes a certain way woven into a slide pin.
The slide pins have holes on the end for a cotter pin style of clip that go in, for extra retention besides being hammered in with a punch.

Toyota puts a ton of cotter pins and castle nuts all over everywhere while other vehicles do not, to make sure nothing comes loose (it never does) while the truck is out doing what it does best rusting apart

 

It doesn't matter......my 2015 came with the "W" wire. My brake kit came with "spring pins", which I used.
You just need to keep the caliper pin in place.

 

I did many searches and watched several YouTube videos and saw all three types of caliper pin clips used. Crawling under someones truck in this age of converter thefts doesn’t seem like a good idea.
The crux of the question remains which is the latest version and which is the best.

 

If those pins need a hammer to get into their holes the brakes aren't going to work smoothly. Should be able to push them in with a finger.

 

When I finally replaced my front pads, I put the new W clips at the top position and moved the old clips to the bottom so I have 2 sets of W clips on each caliper now. Figured it worked and couldn't hurt. Haven't had any issues.

 

On my 07, the OEM set up had a the "W" style clip on the botom only. When I replaced the rotors and pads a couple of years I bought new clips for the top and bottom. All has been good since and so far no pad slap.

 

Paul's Travel Pics to the rescue once again. My '15 has what is shown below. They serve 2 different purposes.


This one keeps the pins from backing out.


This one keeps the pads from clanking around (but don't do much to prevent "Tacoma brake thud").




Is this pic showing what you guys call the "hair pin"? (individual clips on each pin)

 

No need to over complicate things.
Any pin clip style will work.
As for the “W” spring. Mine has alway had 1. 2 won’t won’t hurt. But there isn’t a need unless you are getting excessive brake rattle. Again, running 2 won’t hurt anything.

The important part is that the guide pins are CLEAN & SMOOTH. I used as very light coat of brake parts lube on the pins.