Freelander 1 Disc brake slide pins

So everyone knows about the lower slide pin on the front disc caliper... It has a rubber sleeve that, if you get it trapped, locks the slider completely. The top one is plain metal.
WHY is the bottom one rubber sleeved and, importantly, why are replacements that have the rubber sleeves sold as suitable for vented discs and the set of 4 metal ones sold as unsuitable for ventilated discs???

One of life's little mysteries.... Anyone know what this is about?? It will help me sleep better when known!!

andyfreelandy said:

WHY is the bottom one rubber sleeved

Click to expand...

I believe it's to reduce vibration.

andyfreelandy said:

and, importantly, why are replacements that have the rubber sleeves sold as suitable for vented discs and the set of 4 metal ones sold as unsuitable for ventilated discs???

Click to expand...

I fit normal steel pins in mine, top and bottom, and have had no issues so far.

Thanks John, that is where I was going!!

The vented and non vented is interesting but makes no sense.

andyfreelandy said:

Thanks John, that is where I was going!!

Click to expand...

I've replaced them several times, not had an issue yet.

andyfreelandy said:

The vented and non vented is interesting but makes no sense.

Click to expand...

I don't know really. What is odd, is the pretty much the same braking system is fitted to the MG ZS180, which uses steel pins top and bottom. I've actually never seen the rubber pins in anything else, except the bottom of the FL1. I've not checked the Honda Civic (basically the same system) but suspect that uses 2 steel pins.

That rubber sleeve on one of the caliper pin is a "anti-rattle".First check if your sleeve isn't deteriorate or oversized. Make sure the inside of the sleeve and the recessed area on the pin is not lubricated (dry) and use lubricant on the exterior of the sleeve/rubber assembly.
I was thinking to fit normal steel pins .
those rubber pins got me mad