Brake caliper sliding pin grease

[DemoFly]

?
https://www.amazon.com/AGS-SIL-Glyde-Multi-Purpose-All-Weather-Lubricating/dp/B000KXLR5E/
Is sil-glyde the best.. no does it work fine.. sure.
View attachment 261796


Sometimes the lubes with "extras" turn gritty, or interact(swell) with the rubber on the guide pin.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0..._US-GHS-SDS-FINAL_09_07_2018.pdf?v=1652967544

I'm not saying it's bad. It was great decades ago. There's no reason to buy a biodegradable base silicone substitute when silicone grease is cheap and everywhere, and won't be gelled up the next time you use it.

 

[Carmudgeon]

The question that hasn't been asked is whether the FSM even calls for the pins to be greased?

Or not (as with many BMWs with Ate calipers).

 

[shortyb]

The question that hasn't been asked is whether the FSM even calls for the pins to be greased?

Or not (as with many BMWs with Ate calipers).

Car has Ate calipers front and rear. Rears (the ones I'm replacing the pads on) have conventional slider pins with rubber boots and must be greased. Fronts have the elastomer bushings and guide pins that don't get any lube. Ordered the stuff @Trav suggested. I'll never run out of silicone grease or need to order again. Ever.

 

[JHZR2]

Does it harden and build up crud?

Do you want to find out?

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Do you want to find out?

I did.

 

[shortyb]

I was going to say, in SC you can use pretty much whatever. No salt, no problem.

Pretty much, but we DO have salt (well, brine) use on the roads here in the Upstate. Maybe y'all got some too with that last storm.

 

[D1dad]

All I know is I used that purple ceramic stuff on slide pins in my 2018, and one with a rubber bushing swelled and wouldn’t come out. It was a still sliding enough to not cause an issue but I trash canned a $20 can of it. I replaced all the calipers and still haven’t got around to getting that pin out. I’ll use the sil glyde version, but never again with purple sludge.

 

[rijndael]

FlatRateMaster on YT has commented that he's had that happen to him with the purple stuff as well. I use it but haven't seen any issues, but I've only done 25 or so brake jobs with it over the past 2 years.

 

[KrisZ]

I got this silicone paste that Trav recommended and linked in this thread as well.
It has a nice, thick consistency and does the job.
I never used Mission silicone paste, but from looking at pictures these two look very similar.

 

[RaymondP]

The question that hasn't been asked is whether the FSM even calls for the pins to be greased?

Or not (as with many BMWs with Ate calipers).

So I am approaching the time for new pads (rotors are ok) on my 2016 BMW (F30) 3 series. Has BMW OE (Brembo blue caliper) brakes. Was going to use copper slip but have read it's a no no for brakes. Should I NOT use anything on the pins and back of pads?? Appreciate your advice. Thank you all and any.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

So I am approaching the time for new pads (rotors are ok) on my 2016 BMW (F30) 3 series. Has BMW OE (Brembo blue caliper) brakes. Was going to use copper slip but have read it's a no no for brakes. Should I NOT use anything on the pins and back of pads?? Appreciate your advice. Thank you all and any.

Do you have fixed caliper ?
Do you have a regular caliper with slider pins?
Do you have a regular caliper with slider pins and rubber sleeves ?

 

[RaymondP]

I believe yes to all...see link below...
https://www.oemeuroparts.com/parts/...MIjcGr9OqniwMVg3d_AB1gqhdEEAQYAyABEgIVPPD_BwE

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

I believe yes to all...see link below...
https://www.oemeuroparts.com/parts/...MIjcGr9OqniwMVg3d_AB1gqhdEEAQYAyABEgIVPPD_BwE

That appears to be a "fixed" caliper. Best you can do is take it apart and clean it, keep the pins clean. Do. Make sure the guide pins in good condition and LIGHTLY grease them.

 

[mfewtrail]

All I know is I used that purple ceramic stuff on slide pins in my 2018, and one with a rubber bushing swelled and wouldn’t come out. It was a still sliding enough to not cause an issue but I trash canned a $20 can of it. I replaced all the calipers and still haven’t got around to getting that pin out. I’ll use the sil glyde version, but never again with purple sludge.

How long ago and how old was the product? It's been discussed a few times here lately that the Permatex brake lubricants have had a formulation change and are now rubber safe. I'm not sure when it was actually reformulated, but recall posts about a year or two ago discussing that it was glycol based now and wouldn't harm rubber.

 

[Rust_Belt_Pete]

Pointless discussion i think at this point as he has a fixed caliper.
Fixed calipers that I deal with were a lot more sensitive to dirt and rust jacking due to design and clearances but they had GREAT pedal feel and response.

 

[D1dad]

How long ago and how old was the product? It's been discussed a few times here lately that the Permatex brake lubricants have had a formulation change and are now rubber safe. I'm not sure when it was actually reformulated, but recall posts about a year or two ago discussing that it was glycol based now and wouldn't harm rubber.

Coming up on 2 yrs ago this spring.

 

[Carmudgeon]

So I am approaching the time for new pads (rotors are ok) on my 2016 BMW (F30) 3 series. Has BMW OE (Brembo blue caliper) brakes. Was going to use copper slip but have read it's a no no for brakes. Should I NOT use anything on the pins and back of pads?? Appreciate your advice. Thank you all and any.

I'm not versed in the F30, so it's best to consult the BMW FSM, or a forum with people who have access to the TIS/ISTA documentation.

Here's a topic addressing the front brakes, and the rear brakes are likely to be similar.

Another, from a DIYer perspective.

FCP Euro's guide.

However, it must be said that not everyone pays attention to the details, particularly when it comes to chemicals, so it's wise to be wary, even from what appear to be credible sources. The FSM is the ultimate authority, but can also leave out some details itself, when it pertains to specifying the chemicals in the procedural sections. It assumes the techs will consult the relevant section that does have that information.

As an example, Ate Plastilube is the paste meant to lubricate the hard metal contact points, but has also been suggested as an assembly lube in sales materials, when it is in fact not rubber safe, as clearly labeled on the back of the tube. Ate makes a different product for assembly purposes, though it is much harder to source, particularly in the U.S.

 

[Patrick0525]

Why the silicone shortage? Mission is great stuff.

 

[boom10ful]

This is what I use on my brake jobs. Works well and haven't had any issues with it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009XE8L28

 

[KrisZ]

I believe yes to all...see link below...
https://www.oemeuroparts.com/parts/...MIjcGr9OqniwMVg3d_AB1gqhdEEAQYAyABEgIVPPD_BwE

These calipers do not need any lubricant. The stainless steel pins should be installed clean and dry. This style of caliper needs good cleaning, especially the pistons and the boots before you push them back in.
Not sure about the car, but on my BMW motorcycle, the piston is exposed when in an extended position. If you don’t clean it well, all that dirt will be pushed back into the bore.