While driving down the highway the other day, I heard a "Clang" in my driver side wheel well. When I got home I popped off the tire and saw that the two wire spring clips are now MIA, but the pins are ok on the caliper. Are these important? Also, this isnt the first time this has happend to me. The first time i was lucky enough to be very close to home and they were still hanging in there. Does this happen a lot? Has anyone else had any problem like this before?

 

you talking about the 2 wire pins that fasten into the brake pad slides? If so they just help keep the brake pads away from the rotor when the brakes aren't applied. It's not a high urgency but when you get around to it, just get another set and replace them. The most you might hear is your pads slapping around ever so often ( does that make sense?)
I hope this helped if not, sorry.

 

Yes those are the ones, any idea where I can find some?

 

junk yard or buy a hardware kit at a auto parts store. good luck!