Honda VFR Caliper Mounting Boot Seal

I have been replacing my brake pads on my 2001 Honda VFR 800. When attempting to remove the front right caliber I mistakingly removed the Mounting Boot Seal. How important is this part in ensuring the brakes function correctly? Can I replace it?

 

you do have to replace it

 

The seal or the whole caliper?

 

Replace the seal or the slider pins will rust and impede caliper movement. When replacing pads it's proper to clean and regrease the 2 slider pins on each caliper or they'll surely come a cropper and have you howling at the moon !

 

what squirrelman said ^^^

 

Thanks. How do I install it correctly? Not knowing was how I damaged the original one.

 

I lube it with dish soap and work it into place with a small screwdriver

 

It should be easy to install back (look at the other caliper for a comparison), but if it's too hardened you can get another one cheaply.