Brake Pad Expanding Springs, same as 911? NLA?? Options

[7TPorsh]

Just started driving the car a bit and noticed the front brakes are a little sticky and one side drags a little bit.

After taking a look I realized and remembered that one of these star clips broke before when I removed the calipers the first time. But it was on the side that wasn't dragging. Dragging side has a clip.

I assume these are required to drive with? or uneven braking?

Car is a 1970. Are these the same for a 911? AA shows part number 901 351 916 16.
Are these used in the rear as well?

Also says NLA but repros going for $8-$10 a piece...seems really high and I need four.

[Cap'n Krusty]

IMO, they have nothing to do with pushing back the pad. They are loaded in the wrong direction. They hold the pad tight against the pin and probably lessen the possibility of chatter. The rubber boots actually function, along with slight runout of the rotor, to hold the pad away from the disc as you motor along with your foot off the brake pedal. As has been said earlier, internal swelling of the brake hoses, sticky pistons on the calipers, or damaged piston boots cause the brakes to drag. The clips also function as a stop to prevent the outer area of the pad from collapsing into the disc as the pad material wears away. Other manufacturers use a much simpler version of this part, without the folded short arms.

The Cap'n