Brake lubricants, sometimes referred to as brake grease, are specialty lubricants designed for application to the various friction points of a vehicle’s brake system.
Proper lubrication of these components is critical to ensure safe, consistent, and reliable braking performance.
Brake lubricants serve several important functions:
- Reduce friction and prevent brake noises like squeaking and squealing
- Protect metal components from corrosion
- Allow parts to move smoothly without binding or sticking
- Seal out water, dirt, and contaminants
- Dissipate heat and prevent overheating
Without proper lubrication, brake components can wear out prematurely, suffer damage, or even fail unexpectedly. This compromises braking ability and poses a serious safety risk.
While lubricating oil has some similar properties, dedicated brake lubricants are specially formulated to withstand the extreme pressures and temperatures brakes generate during operation.
Using the proper high-quality brake lubricant is vital for the safe performance of your vehicle’s brakes.
Types of Brake Lubricants
When it comes to brake lubricants, the two main types are greases and oils.
Greases are thicker and have a buttery, pasty texture that adheres well to brake components. Oils are thinner and more liquid in form.
Braking Grease
Greases are the most common type of brake lubricant. They are designed to stay in place on the brake contact points and withstand high temperatures generated during braking.
Brake greases are formulated with thickeners like lithium, calcium, sodium, or aluminum complexes that give them their thick, buttery texture.
They may also contain solid lubricants like graphite or molybdenum disulfide to enhance lubricity.
The base oil is usually mineral oil or synthetic oil like polyalphaolefins. Good brake greases maintain their consistency, offer corrosion and water resistance, and have a high dropping point.
Popular brake grease choices are molybdenum disulfide grease or silicone grease.
Braking Oils
While less common, brake oils can also be used in some applications. These are made from base oils like mineral oils, polyglycols, silicones, or esters.
Brake oils have lower viscosity and thinner consistency than greases. They are more prone to run or drip off brake components.
Oils allow good surface wetting and penetration. However, they may lack the staying power of greases.
Light brake oils are sometimes used during brake maintenance to flush old grease residue before reapplying fresh grease.
Heavier special brake oils have limited niche uses in certain brake mechanisms.
How Brake Lubricants Work?
Brake lubricants play a vital role in ensuring smooth and safe braking. They work by reducing friction and heat in the brake system.
When you press the brake pedal, it activates the hydraulic brake fluid which pushes the brake pads against the brake rotor.
This friction is what slows and stops your vehicle. However, this also generates significant heat.
Brake lubricants are specially formulated greases that are applied to key contact points in the brake system. This includes areas like:
- The back of the brake pads where they touch the caliper bracket
- The caliper slides and pins that allow the caliper to operate smoothly
- The abutment points between the caliper and brake rotor
The lubricants help reduce friction and prevent metal-on-metal contact in these areas. This has three key benefits:
1. Lower brake temperatures – Less friction means less heat is generated during braking. This reduces strain on brake components.
2. Smoother operation – Lubricants allow the caliper, pads and pins to move freely without binding or sticking. This gives more consistent braking power.
3. Reduced wear and corrosion – Friction wears down brake parts over time. Lubricants minimize this abrasive wear. They also inhibit corrosion that could cause parts to seize up.
Overall, proper lubrication is essential for the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle’s brakes. The lubricants keep temperatures down, while allowing the system to operate smoothly for thousands of miles.
When to Apply Brake Lubricants?
Applying brake lubricant should be part of routine brake maintenance. The friction from brake pads rubbing against caliper guide pins and caliper brackets causes wear.
Lubricating these components reduces friction, preventing premature wear.
Here are some of the main times when applying brake lubricant is recommended:
Installing new brake pads and/or rotors – Anytime you replace brake pads or rotors, you should also lubricate the caliper slides and guides. This ensures the new components move smoothly.
Scheduled brake service intervals – Lubricating caliper components should be part of routine brake maintenance every 30,000 miles or 2 years, whichever comes first. This helps maintain optimal braking performance.
Brake noises or vibration – If you notice grinding, squeaking or vibration when braking, lubricating the calipers can help resolve these issues by reducing sticking and friction.
Wheel removal – Whenever a wheel is removed and the caliper is dismounted, it presents a good opportunity to lubricate the caliper mounting points. This prevents seizing.
Regularly applying a high quality brake lubricant is essential to protect caliper components from premature wear. Don’t just lubricate when brake problems arise – be proactive with routine lubrication to maintain safe, reliable braking.
How to Apply Braking Grease (Brake Lubricants)?
Applying brake lubricants involves several steps. Here is a general guide to help you, though certain details might differ as per the specific model of your vehicle.
Identify the lubrication points – Consider whether you have drum brakes or disc brakes, as this can affect the lubrication points. In all cars – old or new – these are areas that absolutely need lubrication.
Apply lubricant to caliper bushings and slide pins – Put lubricant on all caliper bushings and slide pins.
Apply lubricant to abutment clips – Ensure to apply the lubricant on the abutment clips after they’re installed on the caliper.
Apply lubricant to pad mounting tabs edges – Each vehicle model has specific pad mounting tabs. Carefully lubricate the edges of these mounting tabs.
Tighten bolts with a torque wrench – A torque wrench is used to apply a specific amount of force to fasteners such as nuts or bolts. It is a crucial tool when tightening the bolts on your vehicle’s brake system to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Remember, the application of lubricant to the back of the brake pads is not usually required. The explicit need for this might be mentioned in the vehicle’s manual if so required. It is recommended to double-check the specific instructions and settings for your vehicle.
In addition, there might be instructional videos online that visually guide you on how to apply brake lubricants. This kind of guide can be helpful if you’re more of a visual learner.
Application Methods
When applying brake lubricant, you generally have two options – brushing or spraying. Both techniques have their pros and cons.
Brushing
Applying brake lubricant with a brush gives you more control and precision.
You can target the lubricant exactly where you want it.
Brushing also allows you to apply an even coat without overspray.
However, brushing can be more time consuming and it may be difficult to reach some brake components.
Spraying
Spraying brake lubricant is much faster and can easily coat all brake parts.
Spray cans allow the lubricant to penetrate tight spaces.
However, spraying can result in uneven application and wasted lubricant from overspray.
Proper masking is required to avoid getting lubricant where you don’t want it.
In most cases, a combination approach is best – spray larger components and then brush lubricant precisely where needed.
Proper preparation like cleaning the brakes first will also improve application.
Follow the product instructions for best practices with brushing vs spraying.
Recommended Lubricants
Choosing the right brake lubricant is crucial for safe and effective braking performance. Here are some top options to consider:
DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids – These are glycol-based fluids that meet Department of Transportation standards for braking systems. DOT 3 has a lower boiling point than DOT 4, making it suitable for less demanding conditions. DOT 4 is recommended for performance driving. Popular brands include Valvoline, Castrol, and Motul DOT fluids.
Silicone brake fluid – Silicone has a higher boiling point than DOT fluid, so it resists fluid fade. However, it can absorb moisture over time and is not compatible with glycol-based fluids. Common silicone fluids are Castrol SRF and Motul RBF600.
Molybdenum disulfide (moly) grease – This provides lubrication, prevents corrosion, and dampens vibrations in brake caliper pins, slides, shims etc. Brands like Permatex and Lucas Oil offer moly brake greases fortified with graphite or other additives.
Caliper slide grease – Designed specifically for lubricating caliper bolt pins and bushings to prevent sticking. Popular options are Motul Brake Grease, Lucas Slick Mist, and Permatex Ceramic Extreme Brake Lubricant.
Brake pad anti-squeal compounds – These coatings stop brake squealing by damping vibrations between pad/rotor surfaces. Available as sprays or applied pad shims from Brands like Permatex, Bosch, CRC.
When selecting a brake lubricant, always consult your vehicle owner’s manual for recommended types and change intervals. Proper lubrication is vital for safe, quiet, and responsive braking.
Signs You Need New Lubricant
Brake lubricants play a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective braking.
Over time and use, brake lubricants can degrade and lose effectiveness.
Being aware of signs that your brake lubricant needs replacing is important to maintain proper braking function.
Here are some key signs it’s time for new brake lubricant:
Noise
One of the first signs of degraded brake lubricant is increased noise when braking.
This can range from high-pitched squealing to loud grinding noises.
As lubricant wears away, metal brake components rub directly against each other, causing vibrations that lead to noise.
Replacing worn lubricant with fresh, high-quality grease will dampen vibrations and restore quiet operation.
Fading Brakes
Brake fade occurs when brakes lose stopping power after repeated or sustained application.
Heat builds up in the braking system, thinning lubricant.
Thinned lubricant fails to dampen vibrations, accelerating wear and reducing friction between pads and rotors.
This causes fading braking power. Fresh lubricant designed to withstand high temperatures will prevent fade.
Vibration
If you feel strong vibration through the brake pedal, steering wheel or chassis when braking, inadequate lubrication may be the culprit.
Vibrations are caused by metal components rubbing rather than sliding smoothly. Effective lubricant minimizes metal on metal contact, eliminating vibrations.
Renewing worn, sparse lubricant will restore smooth operation and braking feel.
In summary, noise, fade and vibration are clear signs lubricant needs to be replaced in your vehicle’s brake system.
Addressing these symptoms promptly with fresh, high-quality brake grease will restore optimal braking function and safety.
Safety Tips
When working with brake lubricants, it’s important to follow proper safety procedures. Here are some tips for staying safe:
Use proper storage – Keep brake lubricant containers sealed tightly and stored away from heat, sparks, open flames, and oxidizing agents. Store lubricants in a cool, dry place and avoid temperature extremes.
Wear protective equipment – Always wear appropriate PPE when handling brake lubricants. This includes safety glasses, gloves, and work clothes to protect your eyes and skin. A respirator may be needed if working in an enclosed area.
Work in a ventilated area – Use brake lubricants in a well-ventilated area to avoid concentrated fumes. Work outdoors if possible or use fans for air circulation.
Clean up spills properly – Use absorbent materials like rags, sand, or kitty litter to soak up any spilled lubricant. Properly dispose of soiled materials. Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water.
Practice good hygiene – Wash hands thoroughly after handling brake lubricants. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Shower and launder work clothes separately.
Read product labels – Carefully review all warning labels and instructions on lubricant packaging. Follow usage and safety directions.
Dispose of products properly – Never dump used brake lubricant down the drain or on the ground. Check local regulations for proper disposal methods. Recycle containers when possible.
Following basic precautionary measures will help ensure safe handling of brake lubricants. Pay close attention when working near hot braking components.
Conclusion
Proper brake lubrication is a vital part of vehicle maintenance that should not be overlooked. As we’ve discussed, there are several types of brake lubricants available, each with their own applications and benefits. These lubricants serve the important purpose of reducing friction, noise, and wear on brake system components.
By applying brake lubricants at the recommended intervals and using the proper application methods, you can extend the life of your brake pads, rotors, calipers and other parts. This prevents premature wear, keeps your brakes operating safely and quietly, and saves you money on repairs in the long run.
Remember, brakes are a safety-critical system, so never ignore signs you need new lubricant, such as brake squealing or vibration. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubricant types and change intervals. With proper lubrication and care, your vehicle’s brakes will provide you with many miles of dependable, quiet service.
FAQ
How often should I lubricate my brakes?
Most brake experts recommend inspecting and lubricating your brake hardware every 3,000 miles or 3-6 months. This helps prevent parts from seizing up or causing damage from lack of lubrication.
Do I need special tools to apply brake lubricant?
No special tools are required. Common items like a small brush, cotton swab, or even a chopstick can be used to apply lubricant to brake parts. The key is using a tool that lets you precisely apply lubricant to contact points.
What areas need lubricating?
Key parts needing lubricant are brake pad pins, caliper guide pins, caliper bolts, pad retaining clips or springs, and points where metal contacts metal. Avoid getting lube on friction surfaces like brake pads or rotors.
Will brake lubricant damage my brakes?
When applied properly, quality brake lubricants designed for brakes will not harm rubber seals or other components. Always use a brake-specific lubricant and never use greases like wheel bearing grease.
How do I know if my brakes need new lubricant?
Signs of inadequate lube are squeaking, sticking, or sluggish brake parts. Severe lack of lube can cause hardware damage. Inspecting hardware during periodic brake service checks will reveal if fresh lubricant is needed.
Can I just use any lubricant?
No, lubricants like WD-40 or multi-purpose grease can damage brake components over time. Always use a lubricant designed specifically for brake systems to ensure proper lubrication without harming parts.
