Reddit mentions: The best automotive caliper greases

The biggest mistake I see mechanics do when changing the brake pads is how they deal with the brake caliper 'slide pins.' The slide pins being clean, rust free, and lubricated with the proper lubricant is very important to longevity of the pads.

What I see most mechanics do is either leave the slide pins alone or just use a petroleum-based 'brake grease' for the slide pins when they relube them. This will not do well, because the slide pins need a silicone-based caliper grease that will not eat the protective rubber boots that cover the slide pins. Many brake greases say "rubber safe" on the label when they actually are not (example Permatex Green Ultra brake grease). 3M's Silicone Paste is great for these pins, as well as Motorcraft XG3-A. Either one will do. Many times the boots will be swollen (due to petroleum grease eating away at it)

Also make sure he bleeds your brakes thoroughly to get that old dirty brake fluid out of the system. Many mechanics not do this when doing a cheap quick brake job because it means cracking open the bleeder screws (and possibly breaking them!) and dealing with that associated headache. Old fluid absorbs water and water rusts your brake lines from the inside out, as well as cause premature brake fade during heated stops.

It might be wise to also bring him the brake pad hardware (associated clips and shims) to go along with the pads and rotors.

Finally, find out what the pad manufacturer recommends for breaking in the brakes (bedding the brakes). Doing this is pretty important to proper smooth operation throughout its life.

>Apparently neither is supposed to be used if the brake pads have shims behind them; with those you're instead supposed to use high temperature grease, like wheel bearing grease made for disk brakes

Wow, didn't know that! Mine do have a shim behind them.

I have 12 oz bucket of Sta-Lube SL3303

https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Lube-SL3303-Caliper-Synthetic-Grease/dp/B000CPIOAG/ref=asc_df_B000CPIOAG/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312114638367&hvpos=1o5&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6425907756050616148&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032536&hvtargid=pla-570224867228&psc=1

It says "prevents brake noise" and says to coat all moving parts with a thin layer. So I guess I'm supposed to coat the back of the pads with this?

Make sure to clean the slide pins and their holes well. Then apply brake grease on the pins and in the hole. That should solve the issue.

This is what I use

Those are both the same?

The stuff i used is green in color and specifically says can be used on caliper slide pins.

This stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-85188-Ultra-Brake-Caliper/dp/B004WJPN2A/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1484436155&sr=1-3&keywords=permatex+caliper+lube

It does say on the packaging that its safe on gaskets, rubber, and plastics.

EDIT: well, looks like i'm buying some of the silicone based hi temp caliper lube.

I prefer synthetic brake and caliper lube made by crc. It comes in a 12 oz tub and it's the best.

[this stuff] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000M8IF48/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6.vrybSPR6ED3)

You talking about this stuff which I was told to put on the slide pins and "ears" of the brake pads? Or this other stuff which clearly advertises stopping squeaks but I've never used and really don't know where I'm supposed to apply it?

Also where am I supposed to apply it and what is the difference between them? Could I use both? Also can I use it on my motorcycle because the front brake squeaks constantly even tho the pads are fine?

WD40? You have to apply a nice thin even coat of hi-temp brake grease to the spinny things. Like this stuff

You could try pulling all the bolts that attach your caliper and rotor. Clean all mounting surfaces and retourqu all mounting bolts (put a little bit of grease or locktite on bolt threads). You might also put a tiny dab of grease on all mounting surfaces for the caliper, one dude suggested a tiny dab of this behind the pad (not sure I'm on board with this).



Here is a decent pinkbike article and a recent reddit thread with the aforementioned advice.

Make sure you are mounting the caliper so it is contacting the rotor squarely.

Lastly, if you are absolutely stymied, it may be a bad caliper.

If those slide pins end up seizing, you'll probably end up with uneven brake pad wear and random noises coming from your brakes (this is caused because the brake pads are still in contact with the rotor even if you release the brakes Those pins are what guides the pads to the rotor at the correct angle. If they're seized, you'll end up with stuck calipers that grind even if you're not braking. The grease is cheap, so there really isn't a reason not to do it. The bottle below will last a lifetime. Also, make sure those rubber boots are intact, if they're ripped, replace them.

https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-24110-Ultra-Brake-Caliper/dp/B000HBNV6W

This stuff:

http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-24110-Ultra-Brake-Caliper/dp/B000HBNV6W

I think you're thinking of the silver stuff? The permatex stuff for caliper pins I get is a green synthetic grease. Link: https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-24110-Ultra-Brake-Caliper/dp/B000HBNV6W/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=permatex+synthetic+brake+parts+lubricant&qid=1559278638&s=gateway&sprefix=permatex+sy&sr=8-2

[It's called lube, but is closer to a grease in consistency.] (http://www.amazon.com/Permatex-85188-Ultra-Brake-Caliper/dp/B004WJPN2A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462209755&sr=8-1&keywords=brake+caliper+grease)

This stuff expanded the rubber anti rattle sleeves on my pins and caused it to seize. Do not use. Spend the extra money and use silicone.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HBNV6W/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473264236&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=permatex+brake+grease&dpPl=1&dpID=51EWEeZ9GHL&ref=plSrch

Permatex 85188 Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004WJPN2A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

that is what I use

Guess I have to upgrade to Permatex 24125, after I just bought 8oz of the other stuff :(

If the rotor is rubbing against the caliper bracket it has a distinct metal on metal sound, however if the hub is walking out what you might be hearing is the inside of the tire rubbing against the rear shock absorber casing. Maybe it is more noticeable when wet? Look at the shocks absorber for rub marks and also look over the tire itself for rub marks. (If you see wear on the inside part of the tire tread, that is a clue that your hub is walking out and needs to be replaced).

The sound could also just be the bearings themselves being bad and grinding down, but not sure why moisture would affect it.

But since the noise goes away after touching the brake pedal, it is most likely a caliper not sliding correctly. This often happens after pads are replaced and people use the wrong lubricant on the caliper pins and/or the pads. The pads need a synthetic grease, the caliper pins need a silicon paste.