2013 XLT Caliper Slide Pins

[Rocketman11706]

Gotta stop losing sleep over this one, but can't find a definitive answer anywhere. I just installed new front rotors and pads on my 2013 Explorer XLT. The driver's side upper caliper slide pin and passenger side lower pin has a rotating plastic or rubber collar/bushing at the end. It's only on 2 of the 4 pins, and the other 2 that don't have one physically couldn't as they're completely smooth to the end; and the 2 that do, have a chamfer cut into the pin to accommodate this bushing.
What is the bushing for, why is it on only 2 pins and not 4, and does it really matter if they go into the holes they came out of, or if they're reversed (I didn't try switching them, so I don't know if they'd even fit)?
I asked the local Ford service manager and he said "I only fix them, I don't build them". He suggested I call Ford Engineering and ask but I see that getting me nowhere. Also this is NOT a rubber boot like I've read about. It's actually a small rotating collar.
Much thanks!
Larry

 

[Odrapnew]

I can confirm on the rear of my Sport, each side had 1 pin with the bushing and 1 without.
I don't remember which one went in which slide (top or bottom).

My guess is that it's for dampening vibration/sound, but that's just a guess.

I made a post in the below thread about the bushing causing removal/installation issues of one of the pins.

Ford Explorer: Are Your Rear Brakes Dragging... Most Likely Yes!

I watched several videos from YouTubers with large numbers of views that said it was totally fine to spray brake pads down with wd40. It also stops them from squealing. You should embrace the "influencers"... YouTube is like everywhere else. Couple winners, whole lotta losers. I see no...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[Rocketman11706]

Very interesting. So I guess it is what it is, and shall remain a mystery for a while longer. I did lube my pins with synthetic brake grease. Not because folks said the bushings would swell, just because its what I had on the shelf and always use. A little tap on the head and it slid in just fine.

 

[Odrapnew]

Very interesting. So I guess it is what it is, and shall remain a mystery for a while longer. I did lube my pins with synthetic brake grease. Not because folks said the bushings would swell, just because its what I had on the shelf and always use. A little tap on the head and it slid in just fine.

I picked up some synthetic brake grease as well.
I'm not sure what I used when I replaced my rear brakes almost 30k miles ago, but they were still lubed and it was just 1 pin that was stuck.

What's odd is the full bushing wasn't swelled up, just one end. So, depending on which way I slid the bushing on, it would either not install at all, or slide almost to the end of the bushing and stop. I didn't want to force it since those pins need to slide.

Oh, and I could still spin the pin, but could not easily slide it. I had to grab a pliers and pull hard and it slowly slid out.

I was lucky that the pin didn't completely lock up and just wear down the pad.