What grease is best for brake calipers?
Eleanor Gray
Updated on February 24, 2026
What grease is best for brake calipers?
Our pick for the best brake caliper grease is the Mission Automotive Dielectric Grease/Silicone Paste/Waterproof Marine Grease. It’s waterproof and seals and protects various components, including brake caliper pins. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Permatex Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube.
Should you grease brake caliper piston?
You should not have to lubricate the brake pistons. If you are replacing pads you should clean & lube the pistons.
What kind of grease is caliper grease?
Silicone-based brake grease is designed for caliper and wheel cylinder assembly work because silicone is an excellent lubricant for rubber and plastic. It is compatible with all rubber compounds including nitrile, teflon, nylon and other synthetic rubbers.
What kind of grease do you put on the back of brake pads?
Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Brake Grease can also be used to dampen vibrations between disc brake pads and caliper pistons. It should NOT be applied between the pads and any noise suppression shims. Use it sparingly on the back of a bare pad or between the pad shim and caliper.
Is silicone paste the same as silicone grease?
Silicone grease and paste are frequently meant the same thing. They are used for lubrication and because they wrap the area of application they protect the parts from rust and elements.
What happens if you don’t grease brakes?
This lack of lubrication causes a few things to happen. First, because the brakes don’t contact the rotor properly, your brake pads can wear unevenly. Second, the slide pins may stick, causing the brake pad to continually contact the rotor, resulting in a buildup of heat, which wears your brake pads down faster.
Can I use grease on brake pistons?
Don’t use grease, as molgrips posts above hydraulic brakes work by the seals deforming under pressure then returning to their original shape once you release the lever. The pistons are an extremely tight fit in the seals and only slide through microscopically as the pads wear.
Can you use anti seize as brake grease?
If you use it on caliper slides they will seize up and become frozen in place. If you use it to lubricate the pads they will also become stuck and not move properly. It won’t take long either, just a couple of thousand miles before it will harden up.
Can I use silicone spray instead of silicone grease?
Silicone lubricant can be used in the forms of an oil, which is non-reactive to most substances, maintains it’s greasiness in extreme temperature conditions and does not oxidize, or a silicone spray which is not only water resistant, but also allows you to lubricate those hard to reach places like mechanisms or …
Is silicone grease good for brake caliper pins?
Silicone is good in the presence of rubber seals on calipers & the high temps but doesn’t have the load characteristics required which the PTFE content provides.
What happens if you don’t grease caliper pins?
Can Vaseline be used as grease?
If the only lubricant during assembly is Vaseline, go ahead and use it. Petroleum jelly comes from the same oil base as regular grease. It is always advisable to go for bike grease or regular automobile grease if it’s not an emergency.