I've never really understood why these thrust washers have the tangs on them anyway, it's not like they are in contact with any rotating surfaces. The tang on one of mine has long since disappeared, but I've not noticed any issues with it, there isn't a trace of any rotation.
The tag locates in the groove in the wheel spindle and is meant to stop the washer rotating. I can see evidence of rotation on mine on the spindle that had the dodgy washer. If it was allowed to rotate for any length of time it would presumably get pretty hot.
