Brake Caliper parts: what do these do??

[kiwiz]

In the never ending mystery of my J's below average braking I have removed a plastic sleeve which is fitted to the waisted section of one of the two sliding pins which allow the caliper to float.

My decision to remove these was a concern that they might have been binding. Certainly those pins were very difficult to remove, having to resort to pliers. What I am concerned about is that they are there for a reason, perhaps to stop the calipers floating too freely whilst the brakes are not applied. In other words to reduce excess pad wear

Does anyone know how critical these parts are? They are numbered 92028 on the below parts diagram

[ Bugger cant seem to get this image any larger!!!

[dr.rod]

They're anti-rattle sleeves. Take 'em off and the brakes will squeal. Rod.

[Pigford]

Come on now,
Anti-rattle, must surely mean - won't RATTLE.
Only anti-squeal can stop it SQUEALLING
Kiwiz, just try it and see what happens, I'm sure it won't harm there efficiency
As Dr Rod says, they're only an after thought to prevent unwanted noise.

[kiwiz]

Guys,
thanks for the replies. I have been running without them and no problems have shown up but in any event I managed to get some new ones locally from the Kaw dealer and they didn't cost a fortune. Its a pretty simple job to put them on so we will see what happens. I think what was in there before was cut off plastic hose!