What is the best lubricant for the guide calipers
Content
Disc brake calipers should always be given great attention. This is the most complex and important unit in a car, which is made of high-tech materials. The safety of road traffic and the lives of many people depends on its condition.
Incorrect operation of the caliper mechanisms leads to their jamming and loss of control over the vehicle. This can lead to serious consequences for all road users.
The most common types of lubricants
Brake caliper slide lubricants play an important role in ensuring proper and trouble-free operation. They must meet the following requirements:
- no incompatibility with rubber, elastomeric and plastic parts;
- resistance to any aggressive substances;
- the ability to withstand heating up to 180 degrees;
- preservation of properties at any subzero temperatures.
Lubricants for cars are produced by manufacturing companies that specialize in this. They can be roughly divided into several different types. It depends on the characteristics and operating conditions of the main elements of the disc brake caliper:
- pastes that are made on a synthetic or mineral basis. They can be produced with the addition of metals. It can be molybdenum or copper. Also, this type of lubricant may not contain metals at all. Solid high temperature lubricating pastes are characterized by high extreme pressure properties. Most often they are used to process the back of the pads. Also, this type of grease can be used in hold-down springs and anti-squeak plates;
- lubricating pastes that have synthetic components. They are made from fatty acids, mineral oil, and metal. They may also contain a thickener with bentonite;
- lubricating pastes. They are designed for all moving parts of the disc brake caliper. These include guides. These greases are highly compatible with rubber-based materials. They are also distinguished by good compatibility with elastomers and plastics. For the manufacture of such lubricants, highly refined synthetic oils and special additives are used. They have pronounced antioxidant properties and perfectly fight all manifestations of corrosion. Also, this type of lubricant necessarily contains a thickener. They do not dissolve in any liquid. This applies to water, alkalis, brake fluid, acids. A feature of these greases is their high dielectric strength. They also differ in a rather low degree of volatility. This type of lubricating paste is recommended today by many machine manufacturers for the treatment of brake calipers.
The slideways must be lubricated with greases with high ductility. They are usually formulated with synthetic oils and thickeners. As a result, the substance becomes refractory and adheres well to the guides even after strong heating. Specialized lubricants can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees. They are not soluble in all types of liquids.
Advantages and disadvantages of lubricants
The most common multipurpose grease is Slipkote 220-R DBC, which is manufactured in the USA. The German manufacturer also has a similar paste called Anti-Quietsch-Paste. It is ideal for lubricating slideways. This lubricant has no effect on rubber and plastic components. At the same time, the grease can easily withstand heating up to 250 degrees.
Previously, the VAZ car repair manual recommended using UNIOL-1 for lubricating the guides. This grease was made from petroleum oils and was highly water resistant. Now, its analogue can be used as a substitute. This is CIATIM-221 grease, which is distinguished by a high degree of plasticity. Its use provides improved extreme pressure characteristics of the calipers and makes them resistant to wear. This lubricant is also inert to polymers and rubber. The grease can withstand heating up to 200 degrees well for a short period of time.
But you should be aware that with active use of the brakes, lubricant leakage can occur. Thus, it cannot be considered a full-fledged replacement for imported "branded" lubricants. For use on modern foreign cars, you should use only the last option.
How to choose the right lubricant
Our country does not currently produce lubricants for calipers, so only foreign manufacturers have to be selected. Now you can easily pick up a variety of good quality imported products. Molykote's caliper grease is very popular. It also produces brake fluids for all parts of the caliper. Car service technicians consider liqui moly lubricant to be the best option for any type of vehicle. Also well-known manufacturers of lubricants are Brembo, Automotive, Brakes.
The lubricant must be selected individually for each car, taking into account its technical characteristics. This choice also depends on the driving style of the car and its operating conditions.
By the way, earlier we have already considered the choice high temperature grease for slideways.
But when choosing a lubricant, it is advisable to consult a professional in this field. This will take into account all the design features of a particular machine. For maximum performance of the braking system and protection of the calipers from wear, you should choose only the most famous brands of grease. This will be a reliable guarantee of its high quality.
Video: caliper bulkhead and guide rail lubrication
Questions and answers:
What is the best way to lubricate the caliper guides? Before installing them, the guides must be lubricated with grease (Bremsen-Anti-Quietsch-Spray is suitable). The same grease can be used to lubricate the back of the pads and anti-creak plates.
How much grease is needed for the caliper guides? The principle "you can't spoil the porridge with butter" is not applicable in this case. Excessive grease can get onto surfaces that are not suitable for lubrication.
Can I use copper grease on the slideways? Copper grease is not suitable for calipers. It will fit the guide pads, but never the caliper guide pins.
