front brakes 'anti-squeal' ?

[gazzab]

My front brakes need new anti squeal 'sping plates' ie the bits of metal that sit between the ede of the disk and the retaining bolt. They are bent and battered, one is rubbing on the disk (really annoying). Raving Queen didnt have any replacements in stock. Can you do without (ie just copper grease) ? Hope this isnt a numpty question!!
Gary

[Julian64]

Nope, you cant do without them as they aren't really to do with antisqueal. They stop movement of the pad in the OTHER direction, to that which you'd want for antisqueal.

Although having said that I've taken off a few fair wheels where one had seemingly gone missing and not been noticed

[Extra 300 Driver]

My car didnt have the shims on the front, never had a problem.