I'm doing my first brake job on a 2002 911 C4S. When I removed the front pads each pad has two metal studs/pins facing inward towards the caliper. The pads I ordered do not have the pins.

When I looked online, I noticed that some manufacture the pads with the pins and some do not. Am I missing something.

Question:

1. Do I need the pad with the pins?

2. Is one style superior/recommended to the other?

 

Those pins aren't part of the pads themselves, they are part of the vibration dampers. Once you open up the calipers, you can use a plastic spatula to pry the dampers from the pads. They are stuck together with adhesive. I'm not sure if it's possible to remove/install the pads with the dampers already attached.
You can order new dampers here (note, there are different part numbers for front/rear)
http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg3.htm#item8

 

Got em' done. Thank you guys.

 

I would hold off before ordering those dampers. MilMascaras, from the attached thumbnail, are you talking about the black circle parts on the outer edge of the red brake pads? Look like mickey mouse ears?
If so, you will be ordering incorrect parts.
The black circles are vibration dampers. They aid in preventing brake noises. Its not the end of the world if the pads you have dont have them but maybe next go round source a set with them.

 

Thot this was a pretty straight forward job on these cars on brake pads? anything in particular besides this issue? Also did you change rotors?