I am replacing slide pin boots on every brake pad change

[wlk]

My old boots were worn out. They weren't sealing anymore either. One poster said I can just run without the boots as they were only for noise reduction. I disagree. You're going to wallow out the hole and wear out the pins.

He said the inner bushings not the outer boot.

Are we talking about pin bushings? To me the "boot" is the bellows part that keeps the elements out of the pin bore.

You can run without the rubber pin bushing. They're more of a noise reduction device.

 

[Lubener]

Where do you get new slide pin boots?

I get them for my Mercury at Rock Auto.

 

[KrisZ]

Pin boots can be easily torn when removing them as rust can hold them in place, and I suspect that’s what caused the damage. Someone being careless during removal.

 

[webfors]

The seal between the glider pins and the boots is critical to avoid having to replace a caliper bracket. I've replaced several due to water infiltration and rotting of the sleeves.

I now get a bit aggressive on removing the rust/oxidation around the lip of the sleeve to ensure the boot gets a really good seal. I also ensure the Silicone brake grease I use extends over the lip to ensure an airtight seal and to prevent corrosion for the rest of the interval.

I don't always replace the boots if they inspect ok. But definitely if there's any deformation or swelling or compromise/tear.

 

[webfors]

Pin boots can be easily torn when removing them as rust can hold them in place, and I suspect that’s what caused the damage. Someone being careless during removal.

Yep, that rust around the sleeve lip needs to be managed. I used to add anti seize around the base of the sleeve lip, where the boot attaches, but I use that Silicone brake grease and just extend it over the lip and give the boot a good few rotations after installing it to seat the grease around the base of the sleeve. Since I've been doing that my boots slide right off every time.

 

[nthach]

Why is Mission Automotive not available anymore? This is my goto caliper pin grease.

Molykote 111. Find it on Amazon. Grainger can also order it, your local dive shop also has it as Trident Silicone Grease.

Personally, I would use Sil-Glyde or Toyota rubber grease. Anything that isn’t Permatex or CRC brake grease.

 

[Donald]

Slide pins should be replaced if they don't look pristine after wiping them off. Don't use a wire brush or emery cloth, rather replace if any rust or putting.

Some disc brake lube can swell or damage the slide pin boots. I only use Syl-Glide.I may not always replace but good to have spares on hand if needed.