Brake pad replacement question
 

Hi all,

Following the Pelican Parts replacement guide to replace the pads. Forgot about the vibration dampers, so when I was trying to get the first pad out, one of the dampers separated from the dampening plate and got stuck inside the piston, while the other one unglued itself with the pad, so I was able to get the pad out. Had to remove the caliper to get the other pad out. This is absolutely ridiculous. Couple of questions:

1) is there any easy way to get the stupid sprocket type thing out of the caliper? I did reassemble the entire brake assembly without the vibration dampers for the moment, as I had to free up the garage spot that I was using to work on this, but I'm wondering if this is bad.
2) how do you actually glue the dampers onto the pads? Looking at the setup, I think there's exactly zero leeway for error - glue them wrong, and the pad will not align in the caliper. What's the trick here?

I'm considering reusing the remaining dampers, but I am wondering if they're even necessary, especially on brand new, fat pads / discs.

Some people reuse the dampers, some just leave them out, and some replace them. I don't think it makes a big difference from what I've read. I replaced mine. If I remember correctly, I inserted them into the caliper first then inserted the brake pad.

Many people run without the dampeners, without any problem. The dampeners are adhesive backed so if you re-use them they won't stick to the pad backing like they were designed to...I would think this negates their benefit completely.