Looking at the above pics it appears the spring just keeps the caliper pulled together more than keep the pads held to the caliper. Dumb question, but are the fingers pulling tight against the caliper mount?

 

I agree, it looks like the function of this clip is just to keep the caliper more or less pushed against the caliper bracket, which in turn probably helps the pads avoid vibration.

The fingers are tight against the caliper mount. I actually removed the clip just to make sure it wasn't bent out of shape or anything and it is not.

I have ordered new Textar pads and new caliper guides and bushings. FYI, the dealer told me there are two sizes of caliper guide pins listed for the same part number. I apparently ordered the wrong one last time as they had a 7mm head instead of a 9mm like existing. I don't think I will need them, but I just want to have them on hand in case it's apparent they are bent.

I also ordered new caliper guide bushings. Any idea how to remove/install these? I imagine I'll just have to dig them out with a knife or needle nose pliers.

 

By the way, I am already a little bit suspect of these caliper guides, because of the condition of the heads. It looks like someone may have zapped them with an impact gun, or used the wrong size head to try to remove them.

 

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I've seen your tag line for a long time now, and I will finally state;
NO cats roar while hunting, it would scare their prey.

 

I've heard that Jaguar has used Textar, Mintex, Pagid and Jurid as OEM pads at various times. However, I'm not sure what the difference is between the brand pads and the OEM pads, if any.

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-strut-182537/

See this thread for resolution. Turns out the problem was a bent anti-rattle clip..