All vehicle systems must be in good working condition. But special attention must be paid to the brakes. Indeed, often the life of the driver, passengers, other road users and pedestrians depends on the state of the braking system of the car. It needs to be serviced periodically. This consists in replacing brake pads, discs, fluids, as well as calipers. For example, lubrication for brake cylinders is a must when servicing and replacing them. We’ll talk about all this.
Caliper Guide Lubrication
Before proceeding directly to the cylinder, it is necessary to deal with its guides. The brake system generates a large amount of heat during operation. This leads to the fact that often connections stick to tight. This also applies to guides that begin to wedge. This is not good, as this can lead to serious consequences. The wedging ensures that the pads are constantly pressed to the disk. This leads to a significant overheating of the system. As a result, the pads burn, the discs become crooked. And the tire in such conditions can easily catch fire. That is why when servicing the caliper, it is necessary to treat the guides with special grease. Which one, we will understand in this article.
Lubricant properties for cylinders and guides
Since the unit belongs to the heavily loaded and during operation it heats up to 300 degrees Celsius, and with aggressive driving and above, the approach should be appropriate. Lubrication for brake cylinders should have the following characteristics:
- operating temperature - from 150 degrees Celsius and above;
- resistance to aggressive environment (salt, reagents);
- minimum viscosity change with increasing temperature.
Based on the above parameters, lubricant for brake cylinders and guides should be selected. Fortunately, at the present time the assortment is simply huge, so there should not be a choice with labor.
Copper grease for brake cylinders and calipers
She is the most common and popular among motorists. She is not afraid of high temperatures and is inexpensive, which makes her so popular. It is most often used for processing discs, brake pads, as well as for brackets and other elements of the brake system. It is worth noting that copper grease is applied to the back of the product. If these are pads, then their front side should not be covered with any grease, this also applies to discs.
The paste process is also extremely simple. To do this, the treated surface is cleaned of dirt and corrosion. Further, with a brush, grease is applied and evenly distributed over the entire surface. It is worth noting that it is sold in cans, in which case it must be sprayed after reading the instructions for use.
Base for high temperature lubrication
On the shelves of car dealerships, there is now simply a huge selection. But if you look, there are only 3 large groups:
- on a mineral basis;
- synthetic basis;
- mineral or synthetic base containing a small amount of metals.
If you understand what lubrication should be used under the boot of the brake cylinder, the one that is made on a synthetic basis is best suited. This is due to the fact that it is neutral to rubber and plastic products. Consequently, the anther does not corrode and is ideal for machining the brake piston or caliper guides. The base used provides a number of advantages, such as low volatility, high temperature threshold, insolubility in water and other liquids. In general, an excellent choice, though not always budgetary.
Much cheaper is the lubricant for the pistons of the brake cylinders on a mineral basis. But nevertheless, it is better suited for guides, as it is able to withstand temperatures from -45 to +180 degrees Celsius.
Ceramic Grease
A relatively new development, which has already managed to gain popularity. It is not cheap, but the claimed benefits are very encouraging. Improving the performance of the lubricant is achieved due to the presence of a fine fraction in the composition of the ceramics. At the moment, this is one of the best methods for protecting brake cylinders and their seat from corrosion. In addition, the processed units exclude the possibility of sudden changes in temperature, the formation of dirt and dust on the surface.
Despite the high cost of such products, it is extremely popular among motorists. It can be used to lubricate the rear brake cylinders, which are less stressed than the front ones. Among the most popular manufacturers of high quality company “Liqui Moli" boasts. Well, now let's move on and consider some more extremely important points.
How is the brake system serviced?
Often, complex lubrication is recommended when replacing brake pads or discs. There is nothing complicated here. First of all, we inspect the condition of the guides. We clean the fingers and seats from rust and process with a certain amount of lubricant. Copper, graphite, etc. are suitable. As for the piston, then grease is needed to reduce friction and protect against corrosion. The surface of the part is preferably treated with a small amount of ceramic grease. It will effectively protect the surface from rust.
An extremely important detail is that it is worth checking the condition of the anther regularly. If it is torn, then no lubrication will help. First you need to replace the rubber seal and then lay the lubricant. In addition, it should not be too much, since it will begin to squeeze through anthers and cuffs, which is not good.
Professional Tips
Many experts recommend not saving on caliper lubricants and only buy proven products. For example, the optimum lubricant for brake pistons on a silicone base. It is completely safe for anthers and at the same time is high temperature. Therefore, it works effectively both in winter and in summer.
Car service specialists often do not fulfill their direct duties. For example, when replacing pads, calipers and guides should be cleaned, but no one does this. Therefore, it is better to do this on your own, especially since there is nothing complicated in it and even a beginner can handle it. Do not neglect the maintenance of the brake system, but also to look there every 500 kilometers does not make sense either. Inspect everything while replacing brake pads.
Which lubricant is better to take?
It is advisable to use different types of grease depending on the workpiece. For example, graphite grease is excellent for caliper guides . It is inexpensive and can withstand high temperatures. Protects metal products from corrosion and prevents sticking. One of the most affordable options is TRW products.
Optimum lubrication for the pistons of the brake cylinders should be on a silicone or ceramic basis. The best manufacturer in this regard is Febi. Cheap and cheerful. But the anti-creaky Liqui Moly is not recommended for laying under the piston boot, as it can cause the destruction of the rubber seal.
Anti-squeak paste is great for treating brake pad plate and holding bracket. Usually this ends its use. Remember that lubrication of the brake cylinder liners must not be carried out with pastes that corrode the rubber seals. This can lead to complete destruction of the piston and caliper.
To summarize
As you can see, there is nothing complicated in servicing the brake system of a car. But at the same time, it is extremely important to regularly lubricate all the elements of the caliper, which each time operate at high temperatures. Pay attention to the anthers of the guide fingers. They also wear out, resulting in a rather nasty knock on bumps. This happens due to the fact that the finger dangles freely in the seat and is not held by a plastic sleeve.
As for lubricants, now there are just a huge number of them. Any paste for lubricating brake cylinders, if it is designed for this, is suitable for use. It is not recommended to lubricate the parts of the brake system with simple engine oil or solid oil, etc. All this will not lead to anything good.
Many parts of the brake system, with proper maintenance, can serve 200-300 thousand kilometers or more, this applies to calipers, guides, pistons, etc. Pads and discs are more of a consumable, but it is also advisable to watch them. All this will allow you to feel more confident behind the wheel and know for sure that the brakes will not fail, because everything is lubricated and checked there. Often, the problem is precisely with jamming of the guides and the tight running of the brake cylinder, which occurs in 90% of cases due to insufficient lubrication. If grease for the anthers of the brake cylinders will be used at each replacement of the pads, then you will not know the problems with the brake system of the car.