The brake caliper is an actuator of a system that provides a smooth or emergency stop of the vehicle. A little earlier we have already considered the device, various modifications of this element, as well as the replacement process.
Now let’s focus on a subtlety that is sometimes overlooked when replacing the brake pad on each wheel. This is the grease for the guide pins and the floating bracket. Let’s consider what kind of material is needed for this and why to do it.
WHY LUBRICATE THE CALIPER
Most economy cars are equipped with a combined braking system. In such vehicles, drums are installed in the rear and a disc version with calipers in the front. Basically, they are of the same type, except for small differences (mainly in the shape of the structure or its individual parts).
Most parts of the machine move when the brake system is activated, so they need to be lubricated. In addition to extraneous sounds, non-lubricated elements will simply be blocked at the most inopportune moment. If this mechanism is faulty, movement on such a machine becomes impossible. If only because this is a requirement specified in the traffic rules.
Best Brake Caliper Grease
If you know all about the brake Caliper Grease & wanted to pick the best one, just see the table & reviews below, if you want to learn more about Brake caliper crease, read our detailed guide below.
Also Read: Best Brake Silicone Paste & Grease
Best Brake Caliper Grease | Comparison Table 2022
| Image | Title | Brand | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRC 05359 Brake Caliper Synthetic Grease - 8 Wt Oz | CRC | Buy Now | |
| Permatex 85188 Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube, 0.5 oz. | Permatex | Buy Now | |
| Super Lube 92016 Silicone Grease with Syncolon (PTFE), Translucent White | Super Lube | Buy Now | |
| AGS New SIL-Glyde 12 oz Tub Silicone Based Brake Assembly Lubricant for Eliminating Disc Brake Squeal - Moisture Proof, Heat Resistant, Rust and Corrosion Protector | AGS | Buy Now | |
| Mission Automotive Dielectric Grease/Silicone Paste/Waterproof Marine Grease (8 Oz.) Made in USA- Excellent Silicone Grease | Mission Automotive | Buy Now | |
| Sta-Lube SL3303 Brake Caliper Synthetic Grease - 12 Wt Oz. | CRC | Buy Now | |
| Napa 7651346 SIL Glyde Silicone Lubricating Compound Tube, 8 oz. | Napa | Buy Now | |
| Loctite 40300 Disc Brake Quiet Stick - 19 g | Loctite | Buy Now | |
| Genuine Ford Fluid XG-3-A Silicone Brake Caliper Grease and Dielectric Compound - 3 oz. | Ford | Buy Now |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Brake Caliper Grease | 2022 Products Overview
1. CRC 05359 Brake Caliper Synthetic Grease – 8 Wt Oz
- Synthetic grease prevents caliper binding, vibration and corrosion.
- Contains molybdenum, PTFE and graphite for an extreme temperature range of -40°F to 400°F.
- Resists moisture and will not washout.
- Plastic & rubber safe.
- Use on metal to metal contact points and sliding surfaces.
- Brake Caliper Grease, Size 8 oz, Dark Gray, Bottle, Flash Point (F) Greater Than 350, 0.89 Specific Gravity
- Backing Plates, Brake Pad Contact Points, Caliper O Rings, Calipers, Disc Brake Pads, Drum Brake Systems, Grommets, Parking Brake areas of Lubrication, Pivot Points, Self Adjusters, -, Dropping Point 600 Degrees F, Timken OK Load 50 lb
2. Permatex 85188-6PK Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube, 0.5 oz.
- Green, non-melting, synthetic lubricant
- Formulated to lubricate under the most adverse brake conditions
- Assures critical caliper pins, sleeves, bushings and pistons remain lubricated throughout brake pad life
- Suggested Applications: Caliper pins, sleeves, bushings and pistons
- Permatex Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube is a green, non-melting, synthetic lubricant formulated to lubricate under the most adverse brake conditions
- From special-mission, job-specific lubricants, protectants and dressings, to the rigors of heavy-duty needs, count on Permatex to bring you reliability and problem-solving solutions that extend the life of your equipment.
- Caliper pins sleeves bushings and pistons
3. Super Lube 92016 Silicone Grease with Syncolon (PTFE), Translucent White
- Patented synthetic NLGI grade 2 heavy-duty, multipurpose lubricant
- Applicable materials wood, rubber, leather, plastic, fabric
- Applications multi-purpose
- Resistance wear, corrosive process, dirt, dust, saltwater, water
- Patented synthetic NLGI grade 2 heavy-duty, multipurpose lubricant
- Dielectric, Food Grade, Clean
- NSF Rating H-1, safe for incidental food contact
- Will not drip, run or evaporate
- Impervious to salt water, safe in potable water
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4. AGS New SIL-Glyde 12
- Sil-Glyde Brake Lubricant is compatible with plastic and rubber
- Dampens vibrations between contact points
- Moister-proof and heat resistant to over 425°F (218°C)
- Provides protection against resistance and wear
- Silicone based - 1, 12 oz tub
- Eliminates disc brake squeal and protecting parts from corrosion and rust, and dampens vibrations between contact points
- Non-asbestos, semi-metallic disc brake pads tend to squeal, but adding a thin layer of Sil-Glyde can stop the squeal
- Comes in a convenient 12 ounce tub
- Recommended for the entire brake assembly
5. Mission Automotive Dielectric Grease
- Seals And Protects: Our dielectric grease is a thick, long lasting waterproof synthetic silicone lubricant (lube) that prevents oxidation, inhibits corrosion & seals out contaminants such as salt & dirt; non-melting, stable consistency from -55-570 F
- Multitude Of Uses: Silicone paste / silicone grease is perfect for a variety of automotive, electrical and marine uses and compatible with a variety of materials, including metal, rubber and plastic; prevents voltage leaks around electrical connections
- Great For Many Common Tasks: Most common uses of marine grease including changing spark plugs, lubricating brake caliper pins, lubricating and preserving rubber gaskets, O-rings, hoses, weatherstripping, etc., and fixing sluggish car windows
- Applicator Brush For Ease Of Application: Applicator brush attached inside lid at an angle; product will be clear/transparent/translucent to slightly milky-white. Please Note: Applicator brush intentionally bent to maximize reach to jar edges
- Top Quality: Produced to the highest industry standards
6. Sta-Lube SL3303 Brake Caliper
- A specially developed synthetic grease with a Molybdenum Disulfide, extreme pressure Agents, Anti Seize Polymers and PTFE, for use in disc & drum brake systems. High temperature grease is plastic & rubber safe.
- Not VOC Compliant for California & OTC
- Synthetic grease prevents caliper binding, vibration and corrosion
- Contains molybdenum, PTFE and graphite for an extreme temperature range of -30F to 600F
- Use on every brake job
- Use on metal to metal contact points and sliding surfaces. Resists moisture and will not washout.
- Non-Flammable Synthetic, 12 oz, Tub, 12 oz Net Weight, Semi-Solid Grease, Black, Faint/Mild, 842 deg F Boiling, 450 deg F Flash, 0.9 Specific Gravity, 14 g/L VOC, Composition: Synthetic Oil Blend, Amorphous Silica, Graphite, Molybdenum Disulfide, Polytetrafluoroethylene
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7. Napa 7651346 SIL Glyde Silicone
- high film strength, stays put and water repellent
- Applications: brake pads, calipers, rubber boots, fan belts, v-belts, weather stripping, trunk seals and bumpers
- This is a Napa private branding of american grease stick company (ags) sil-glyde sg-8
- Chemical Working Temperatures: -20 To 500 Deg. F.
- Item Weight 8.5 ounces, Product Dimensions: 8 x 2 x 2 inches
- Lubricating Compound Tube, 8 oz.
8. Loctite 40300 Disc Brake Quiet Stick
- Wax-like stick is specially formulated to dampen brake pad vibrations and eliminate associated squeaking and noise
- Forms a water-resistant, high temperature film that will absorb vibration and quiet disc braking
- Apply to disc brake pads at point of contact with caliper
- No sticky smelly mess of traditional solvent and water-based products
- Revolutionary applicator
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- Advanced formula prevents loosening of metal fasteners caused by vibrations
9. Genuine Ford Fluid XG-3-A
- Lubricates disc brake caliper slide pins. High resistance to water and heat. Compatible with EPDM rubber.
- High resistance to water and heat
- Provides high voltage seal to secondary ignition wires
- Suppresses voltage leaks by coating inner distributor cap surface
- Compatible with EPDM rubber
- Ignition system applications: Provides high voltage seal to secondary ignition wires.
- Suppresses voltage leaks by coating inner distributor cap surface.
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Detailed Guide on Best Brake Caliper Grease 2022
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE CALIPERS DURING OPERATION
Among the elements that carry the highest loads are the brake calipers. When the driver applies the brake, the temperature of the pad and disc can rise up to 600 degrees. Obviously, this depends on the speed of the vehicle.
The device of this mechanism is mainly in that it cools quickly even with strong heating. However, when activating the system, the finger is always exposed to strong heat.
In addition to this element, in some cases, the floating bracket can also overheat. True, this happens more often when descending winding mountain roads. But if the driver often accelerates and brakes sharply, he can expose the caliper to such overheating.
No matter how high-quality the cooling of the mechanism was, no manufacturer was able to develop such a system that would protect the part from moisture and small abrasive particles in the dirt. To maintain the efficiency of the device in such situations, an important condition is the lubrication of the moving elements.
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HOW TO LUBRICATE THE BRAKE CALIPERS
It should be noted that not all lubricants are suitable for this procedure. For example, if after changing the engine oil some of the fluid remains, in this case, it cannot be used.
For this, the manufacturers have developed a special pasta. In auto parts and supply stores, you can find both inexpensive and more expensive caliper lubricants. Here is a small list of the most common ones:
- One of the cheaper options is the MC1600. The pasta is sold in tubes of 5-100 grams. Convenient if you do not need to buy material with a margin;
- For vehicles operating in difficult conditions, there is a more effective lubricant than Liqui Moli. The material withstands high temperatures and high humidity well;
- If the car often moves on winding roads, TRW is a good option for such transportation;
- There is Permatex material for the braking system installed on off-road vehicles;
- The most expensive, but at the same time, is distinguished by its reliable lubricant – from the automobile manufacturer VAG;
- If the brakes make a specific noise during operation, regardless of what they are lubricated, an excellent option for such cases is Bosch paste.
What to rely on when choosing a lubricant? You should not start with the cost of the material, because each of the pastes is designed for its own type of transport and will show efficiency in the very conditions for which it was created. But you definitely shouldn’t buy the cheapest one.
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How to Inspect and Lube Your Brakes | Video Explanation
HOW TO LUBRICATE THE CALIPERS
There is nothing complicated about the lubrication procedure. If the driver is able to disassemble the caliper and then mount it correctly, he will take care of the lubrication. Here is a quick guide on how to do the procedure:
- We disassemble the caliper (for how to remove it and then put it back in place,
- We remove dirt and rust;
- If rust is present (and it will be in the vast majority of cars), the removal of the plaque must be done using a mechanical treatment and not some means;
- Degrease the treated surface;
- Lubricate the caliper pins, rear pads, and bracket plates;
- Usually, if a lot of greases is applied, its excess will be eliminated during the installation of the part;
- It is even easier to lubricate the piston: for this, a paste is not used, but a liquid is used. It is applied using a conventional syringe;
- We reassemble the mechanism and install it on the steering knuckle.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LUBRICATION OF THE CALIPERS
So, not all lubricants will work with the pliers. These are the requirements for the material:
- It must withstand at least heating up to two hundred degrees;
- If the temperature on the mechanism reaches about five hundred degrees Celsius, the material should not melt and come out of the gripper. Otherwise, the parts will be “treated” with dirt instead of paste;
- It must not be washed with water and be resistant to the effects of car chemicals, which can be used when washing or processing wheels, as well as in the brake system itself (TZ);
- It is impossible for the material to react with rubber and plastic elements, destroying their structure.
Considering all these factors, it becomes clear why a special paste or liquid has been developed to lubricate these elements. For these reasons, it is not possible to use lithium or graphite grease: they will come out immediately after the first pressure of the brake pedal when the car is stationary.
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TYPES OF BRAKE CALIPER LUBRICANTS
There are two types of caliper lubricants. The first category is universal. They are used to process various parts. The second type has a narrow focus. They belong to the category of professional lubricants and are applied to each part separately.
In the arsenal of some companies you can find the following types of lubricants:
- For the brake cylinder (placed under the boot);
- Anti-squeak paste, whose purpose is to eliminate the noise for the parts that have the function of guiding the bracket during its movement;
- The material that is applied to the anti-squeak plate and the non-working part of the brake pad.
These lubricants are used by the world’s leading car manufacturers. In addition to these pastes, the companies also sell rust cleaning solutions and brake fluids.
A good option for an inexpensive analog is American-made paste, Slipkote 220-RDBC, as well as domestic MC1600 products. Both materials have good properties in contact with water and many chemicals, and the price is affordable for most motorists.
WHAT IS THE BEST CALIPER LUBRICANT?
First of all, you should pay attention to the lubricants that the manufacturer recommends using. If unsuitable material is used, it can sinter during braking and block the device.
The most important condition is thermal stability. In this case, the lubricant will not lose its properties even in active mode. If you use materials that do not withstand high temperatures, they quickly lose their properties due to drying.
Often, the pad material is not designed to lubricate anti-squeak parts or fingers. This will definitely be indicated on the pasta packaging.
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WHEN THE LUBRICANT IS INEFFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED
It often happens that motorists are trying to repair the breakage of some elements of the caliper by lubricating them. It is worth considering that lubrication provides only smooth movement of the elements, but does not eliminate their development.
For this reason, if the parts began to beat due to severe wear, it would be correct not to apply a thick layer of paste, but to replace the mechanism. Some parts are repaired using a repair kit.
And in conclusion, we propose to see what the procedure looks like on the example of a specific car:
Conclusion:
Well, This was all about Best Brake Caliper Grease, If you want to send us feedback on this guide feel free to contact me in the comment below.
Hi, I am David Bailey a dedicated writer from Linden Bridge School with a degree in mechanical engineering and a degree in marketing. I strive to simplify complex subjects and like to explain complex and technical matters in an easy-to-understand manner. Read More Here
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