Brake Caliper Lubricant extends brake life by properly lubricating all components and preventing breakdowns caused by brake dust buildup, squeaking, and heavy wear.
Brake caliper lubricants have different characteristics such as viscosity, noise and vibration reduction, service life, and compatibility with rubber, plastic, and metal.
Silicone Brake Grease
There are many pitfalls in brake work. One that is often overlooked is the selection and application of the correct Silicone Brake Grease.
In this review, we’ve compiled a list of the best brake caliper lubricants available on Amazon, as well as everything you need to know about proper brake lubrication.
Silicone Brake Grease | Comparison Table 2022
Top Quality | 5- Star Pick | Great Prices
| Image | Title | Brand | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mission Automotive Dielectric Grease/Silicone Paste/Waterproof Marine Grease (8 Oz.) Made in USA- Excellent Silicone Grease | Mission Automotive | Buy Now | |
| Permatex 24110 Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube, 8 oz. | Permatex | Buy Now | |
| CRC 05359 Brake Caliper Synthetic Grease - 8 Wt Oz | CRC | Buy Now | |
| AGS SIL-Glyde 4 oz Tube Silicone Based Brake Assembly Lubricant for Eliminating Disc Brake Squeal - Moisture Proof, Heat Resistant, Rust and Corrosion Protector | AGS | Buy Now | |
| CRC 05361 Silaramic Brake System Grease - 5 oz. | CRC | Buy Now | |
| Tribology/Tech-Lube TSG Universal Auto Care Silicone Paste with Brush, 8 oz | Tribology/Tech-Lube | Buy Now | |
| Genuine Volvo 1161688, Silicone Brake Pad Grease | Volvo | 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 | |
| Slipkote 220-R Silicone DBC Grease | Slipkote | Buy Now |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Silicone Brake Grease | 2022 Products Overview
1. Mission Automotive Dielectric Grease/Silicone Paste
- 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
2. Permatex 24110 Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube
- Green, nonmelting, environmentally-friendly, 100% synthetic lubricant
- Formulated to lubricate under the most adverse brake conditions, preventing seizing and sticking of disc brake components
- Assures that critical metal-to-metal contact areas remain lubricated throughout the pad life
- Temperature Range: -40°F to 400°F (-40°C to 204°C)
- Suggested Applications: Caliper pins, hardware, and the back-side of brake pads
- Reduces the chance of brake chatter
- This stuff is excellent when properly applied
- Prevents sticking and uneven wear
3. CRC 05359 Brake Caliper Synthetic Grease
- 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.
- CRC Industries, Inc. commits to continually improve the value of products and services
- This high-temperature grease is plastic and rubber safe, The small diameter-sized nozzle gives you control over where you put the grease, Resists moisture and will not wash out
4. AGS SIL-Glyde 4 oz Tube Silicone
- Sil-Glyde Brake Lubricant is recommended for the entire brake assembly, compatible with plastic and rubber (EPDM & Nitrile)
- Provides a noise-free brake installation and easy disassembly
- Eliminates disc brake squeal and protecting parts from corrosion and rust, and dampens vibrations between contact points
- Moisture-proof and heat resistant to over 425°F (218°C)
- Silicone-based brake lubricant - 1, 4 oz Tube
- Sil-Glyde® Brake Lubricant is a silicone-based brake lubricant recommended for the entire brake assembly, is compatible with plastic and rubber (EPDM & Nitrile), and dampens vibrations between contact points.
- Using AGS brake lubricant is one of the keys to eliminating disc brake squeal and protecting parts from corrosion and rust.
5. CRC 05361 Silaramic Brake System Grease
- Protects all moving caliper hardware, mating surfaces and backing plates.
- Contains the latest rust, oxidation and anti-wear additives.
- Provides lasting protection against friction, wear and corrosion.
- Ideal for high performance or racing applications.
- Works in extreme temp ranges from -50 to 3000°F
- A synthetic, dry-film, ceramic lubricant formulated to reduce brake noise and vibrations by dampening all brake vibrating frequencies. Will not run off or wash out.
- Provides lasting protection against friction, wear and corrosion.
- Contains the latest rust, oxidation and anti-wear additives.
- Protects all moving caliper hardware, mating surfaces and backing plates
6. Tribology/Tech-Lube TSG Universal Auto Care Silicone Paste
- Typical uses: battery terminals, electric connectors, O-Rings, bulb bases, brake calipers, rubber bushings, Seat and window tracks, rubber hoses, window regulators, weather stripping, wire terminals, distributor cap terminals, all types of marine applications.
- Clear non-melting paste
- Protects against surface oxidation
- Reconditions rubber and plastic; eliminates squeaks
- Clear (invisible) coating will provide extended protection and lubrication on all types of plastic, rubber and metal surfaces throughout your vehicle.
- The permanently attached applicator brush has been purposefully extended to maximize total discharge of product.
- Multi-purpose lubricant and protectant with high dielectric strength
7. Genuine Volvo 1161688, Silicone Brake Pad Grease
- A high quality white silicone grease based on a special silicon oil which contains a highly effective combination of white solid lubricants which provides it with excellent EP properties and extremely low friction.
- The product has a wide temperature range, good water resistance and good resistance to oxidation and ageing.
- It is suitable for lubrication between all combinations of plastic, metal and rubber.
- Dripping point: >+250 °C
- Temperature range: -50 °C to +200 °C
- Density: 1 g/cm³
- Base: Silicone
8. AGS SIL-Glyde 12 oz Tub Silicone Based Brake
- 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
- Apply to rubber, metal, wood, glass, plastic. Harmless to rubber and car finishes
- Suggested applications include trunk seals, rubber bumpers, speedometer cables, brake parts, window channels, hood strips and pads, rubber gaskets, and belts
9. Slipkote 220-R Silicone DBC Grease
- Problem solving, anti-wear and anti-corrosion silicone lubricant for all moving caliper hardware, backing plates and seals of disc brake caliper assemblies.
- Incorporates a shear stable thickener to provide maximum protection at a wide temperature range from -50°F to 550°F (-45°C to 287.8°C).
- Non-melting, has a high dielectric strength, low volatility and is insoluble in water, methanol, ethanol, dilute acids, caustics, glycol, glycerine, mineral oils and brake fluids
- Compatible with most plastics and rubbers, especially ethylene propylene terpolymer (EPDM, EPT) commonly used in Disc Brake Caliper systems
- Prevents Rust and Corrosion, Waterproof, Will not washout, Reduces wear, High Dielectric Strength, Non-Melting, Chemical-resistant
Advantages of Brake Caliper Grease
Lubricants. Properly lubricated brake components work better. Calipers and wheel cylinders are a complex series of internal moving parts, including but not limited to caliper pins, bushings, and slides. All of these mechanisms must be lubricated for optimal sliding of the pads within the caliper housing.
Reduction of Vibration and Noise Brake caliper grease is effective in reducing vibration and noise generated by the caliper pistons and disc brake pads. Repeated hard braking can cause excessive friction and, over time, squeal. Lubricating the area where the caliper makes contact with the brake pads can eliminate these symptoms.
Types of Grease for Brake Calipers
Mineral oil-based grease
Mineral oil-based greasePetroleum-based products are the base for mineral oil-based formulations. They may or may not be mixed with additives to improve viscosity, consistency, and working temperature. In general, petroleum-based brake caliper greases perform poorly in high-temperature, high-torque applications. As a result, they are less safe for wheel bearings than silicone or synthetic greases.
Note: Mineral oil-based greases are noisier than standard/synthetic greases in high-speed applications.
Synthetic grease
Think of synthetic grease as the wild card in brake caliper grease. Synthetic greases come in a variety of formulations with different viscosities, additives, moisture resistance, and extreme operating temperature ranges. For example, some synthetic greases use lithium, calcium, or additives to improve working temperatures.
Many synthetic greases are also silicone-based, unlike conventional petroleum- or mineral oil-based greases.
Silicone Greases
Silicone GreasesSilicone grease is a highly versatile grease known for its high viscosity, consistency, and extremely wide operating temperature range. Unlike oil-based greases, it is safe for rubber, metal, wood, glass, and other braking materials.
Brake Caliper Grease Price
Under $30.00. Brake caliper grease under $30.00 is in the low price category. They are generally classified by size. Expect mineral oil-based grease, not synthetic or silicone-based grease, in containers of 250 ml or less.
$30 to $50 This price range provides improved extreme working temperatures, high viscosity, and synthetic/silicone grease compared to weaker mineral oil-based greases.
Note that mineral oil-based greases (composed of petroleum-based chemicals and additives) are less effective on rubber parts and wash out more easily, while silicone and synthetic greases are more expensive.
50 and up Brake caliper greases in this price range generally have larger container sizes; expect 20 oz. or larger containers with the same formulation as products in the $30 to $50 price range.
Key Features To Consider while choosing the Silicone Brake Grease
Here are some important features to look for when searching for brake caliper grease.
Viscosity
Viscosity refers to thickness. The higher the viscosity, the greater the protection against friction and the adhesive force that keeps the compound on the lubricated parts for a longer period of time. This concept applies to all parts, including O-rings, calipers, disc brake pads, and automatic adjusters.
Operating Temperature
The best caliper greases can withstand extreme operating temperatures due to the excessive heat generated by the friction caused by metal-to-metal contact between calipers and brake pads. Some lower quality brake caliper greases can break down under heat. We recommend caliper greases made of silicone and PFPE, which can withstand temperatures from -40 to 392°C (-40 to 392°F). Polyglycerol follows suit, effective at temperatures from -40 to 257 degrees Fahrenheit; avoid PAOIs and ester-based formulations.
Classification.
Please note the certification of brake caliper grease. There are two types of grease formulations, which are classified as all-purpose grease (AP grease) and multi-purpose grease. The difference between the two lies in stability and durability against large pressures. All-purpose grease has a higher operating temperature, higher viscosity, and better overall performance than lightweight multipurpose grease.
Compatibility
Please note that some components of brake caliper grease may not be compatible with your brake pads. For example, PAO and ester-based lubricants are known to attack plastics, while silicone and PFPE-based formulations are compatible with plastics. If in doubt, choose a silicone-based brake caliper grease.
Application Method
Application MethodMany brake caliper greases come with brushes. Look carefully to see if it is an angled brush or a straight brush. Some users choose one over the other because of comfort during application.
Water Resistance
Look carefully at the waterproof performance. Waterproof lubricants tend to keep out moisture, thus preventing rust and corrosion.
How to apply Silicone Brake Grease | Video Explanation
Silicone Brake Grease | Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I lubricate brake calipers?
First, remove rust from the caliper bracket with a wire brush or similar tool. Clean or replace hardware and lubricate all friction points between metal and rubber.
Q: Can I use regular brake grease?
A: No. Car brakes can get very hot, especially when braking hard or repeatedly. Some general-purpose lubricants are not designed to withstand these conditions. You need a high-temperature grease that can withstand the heat and not damage rubber or plastic parts.
Q: Can I use lithium grease on brake calipers?
A: No. White lithium can be used for drum brake fittings and backing plates, but it is a low-temperature grease and should not be used for front disc brakes.
Q: What grease should I use for brake calipers?
The best brake calipers we recommend vary in price, consistency, noise and vibration reduction, operating range, and compatibility with rubber, plastic, and metal. The best recommendation is Mission Automotive’s dielectric grease/silicone paste/waterproof marine grease, which is ideal for brake caliper pins, O-rings, rubber seals, steering rings, and all types of brake materials including attached brushes, silicone base, metal, rubber, and plastic It can be used safely.
Q: What happens if I don’t grease the caliper pins?
If caliper pins are not greased, they can become worn over time, causing uneven wear of brake pads, poor contact between brakes and rotors, and excessive heat generation due to sticking of sliding pins. Excessive brake dust can also build up.
It is strongly recommended that caliper sliding pins be lubricated at least twice a year or depending on driving conditions. Drivers who drive in cold weather may benefit from more frequent lubrication.
Final Thoughts
The best brake caliper grease we chose was Mission Automotive’s dielectric/silicone paste/waterproof marine grease. It is waterproof and seals and protects various components such as brake caliper pins.
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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