what is the thin metal on inside of brake pad

[bhawk]

Bought new pads last year, installed on 94 ranger. I took them off today to inspect the rotors for runout. I noticed on the inner pad that sits against the caliper piston, a thin metal strip that is riveted onto the pad is almost broken free of the rivets holding it to the pad. I think this is some kind of anti-squeak device, am I correct? Since it looks like it is coming free, can I just cut it off the pad and use some of that anti sqeak jelly on the pad where it sits against the caliper piston?

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Yes it is there to prevent brake squeal.

 

[bhawk]

Since it looks like it is going to come off the rivets soon, can I just remove it?

 

[martin]

Remove it.