How To Apply Brake Lube? DIY Guide for Smoother Brakes
If you’re a car owner, maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is essential to ensure safety on the road. One crucial part of brake maintenance is applying brake lube. Brake lube helps prevent squeaks and corrosion, prolonging the life of your brake components.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to apply brake lube properly. Before we dive into the application process, it’s important to understand what type of brake lubricant to use and where and when to apply it. Using the wrong lubricant or applying it in the wrong location can cause more harm than good.
By following our instructions, you’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes that could lead to expensive repairs or even accidents on the road. With our guidance, you can ensure that your brakes are functioning correctly and keep yourself safe while driving.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the appropriate brake lubricant for the area and check the label for compatibility and high temperature resistance.
- Clean the area before applying brake lubricant to prevent attracting dirt and dust, and apply the minimum amount necessary.
- Lubricate moving and sliding components, avoiding friction surfaces, and apply brake lubricant whenever replacing brake pads or performing maintenance.
- Benefits of using brake lubricant include smoother and quieter rides, preventing corrosion, improving performance, extending lifespan, and saving money, while neglecting to do so can lead to expensive repairs or accidents.
What Type of Brake Lubricant to Use
If you want to ensure optimal performance and safety for your braking system, it’s crucial to use the right type of brake lubricant – make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s recommendations!
As mentioned earlier, there are two basic types of brake lubricants: those that are designed for hardware and mechanical components, and those that are designed for internal parts such as seals and boots.
When selecting a brake lubricant, you should consider several factors. First, check the product label to see if it is compatible with your vehicle’s braking system. It should also be able to withstand high temperatures without breaking down or evaporating.
Additionally, choose a product that provides long-lasting protection against corrosion and wear. By using the proper brake lubricant, you can help ensure that your brakes work effectively and safely while reducing the risk of costly repairs in the future.
How to Lubricate Your Brakes: Step-By-Step Guide
Follow these steps to apply brake lube to your brakes:
- Clean the brake system. Use a soft cloth and brake cleaner to remove any loose dirt, dust or grease from the brake parts. Spray the brake cleaner generously and wipe the area dry with another cloth.
- Remove any rust or corrosion. Use a file or a small grinding tool to smooth out any rough or rusty spots on the brake parts. Be careful not to damage the brake pads or rotors.
- Apply brake lube sparingly. Use a silicone-based brake lube for rubber or plastic parts, such as piston seals, caliper boots or bushings. Use a dry film brake lube for metal parts, such as caliper pins, clips, pad tabs or back plates. Do not apply brake lube to the friction surface of the brake pads or rotors, as this will reduce their stopping power.
- Lubricate the caliper pins. Remove the caliper pins from the caliper bracket and clean them with a cloth. Apply a thin layer of dry film brake lube to the pins and slide them back into the bracket. Make sure they move freely and smoothly.
- Lubricate the caliper pistons. For floating calipers, remove the pistons from the side of the caliper and clean them with a cloth. Apply a thin layer of silicone-based brake lube to the pistons and insert them back into the caliper. For fixed calipers, apply a thin layer of silicone-based brake lube to the piston face where it contacts the back of the brake pad.
- Lubricate the pad tabs and clips. Apply a thin layer of dry film brake lube to the edges of the pad tabs where they slide into the caliper bracket slots. Also apply some lube to the clips that hold the pads in place.
- Reassemble the brake system. Install the brake pads into the caliper bracket and secure them with the clips. Install the caliper over the rotor and tighten the bolts. Repeat these steps for the other wheels.
By following these steps carefully while applying brake lube, you can help ensure a noise-free and smooth-operating braking system in your vehicle. With proper care like this, you can enjoy freedom on the road without worrying about unnecessary repairs or maintenance issues due to neglecting simple tasks like cleaning and lubrication.
Also read:
Where Do The Clips Go On Brake Pads? DIY Guide For Auto Enthusiasts
Where and When to Apply Brake Lube
For a quiet and smooth ride, it’s important to know exactly where and when to lubricate your vehicle’s braking system.
First, make sure to apply brake lubricant on all caliper bushings and slide pins. This will ensure noise-free braking and proper system operation. You should also place lubricant on the abutment clips after they’re installed on the caliper, as well as apply lubricant on the edges of the pad mounting tabs. Keep in mind that these tabs vary widely for each vehicle model.
Secondly, brake lubricant should be applied whenever you replace your brake pads or perform any other maintenance on your braking system. It is also a good idea to apply brake lubricant if you notice any noise or vibration coming from your brakes.
Applying a thin layer of lubricant to the backside of the brake pads is optional but can be beneficial in reducing friction between the pad and caliper piston. Just be careful not to apply lube to the friction side of the pad.
By taking care of your brakes with proper lubrication, you’ll not only enjoy smoother and quieter rides but also prolong their lifespan and save money down the road.
Benefits of Using Brake Lubricant
Using brake lubricant can provide a smoother and quieter ride while also protecting your braking system from corrosion and ensuring proper operation. Here are some benefits of using brake lubricant:
- Reduces noise: Brake lubricant helps to reduce noise by reducing vibrations and preventing metal-to-metal contact, resulting in a smoother and quieter ride.
- Prevents corrosion: Moisture and other contaminants can cause corrosion in the metal components of your braking system, but using brake lubricant can protect them from these harmful elements.
- Improves performance: By keeping your brakes properly lubricated, they’ll work more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that you have maximum stopping power when you need it.
- Extends lifespan: Regularly applying brake lubricant can help extend the lifespan of your braking system by preventing wear and tear on its components.
- Saves money: By prolonging the life of your braking system, you’ll be able to save money on repairs and replacements in the long run.
By using brake lubricant, you can enjoy a safer, more comfortable driving experience while also saving money on costly repairs. So make sure to apply it regularly to keep your brakes working at their best.
Safety Precautions When Applying Brake Lubricant
To ensure safe application, it’s imperative to take necessary precautions when lubricating your brakes.
First and foremost, it’s important to wear gloves to protect your skin from the lubricant. Brake lubricants can contain harmful chemicals that can irritate or burn your skin upon contact.
Additionally, avoid getting any lubricant on your clothing as it can stain and may not come off easily.
Another crucial safety precaution is to avoid getting lubricant in your eyes. If you accidentally get some brake lubricant in your eyes, rinse them out with water immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.
It’s also essential to use a synthetic non-petroleum or silicone-based lubricant when working on areas with plastic or rubber components. This will prevent any damage or deterioration of these materials due to chemical reactions with other types of brake lubes.
By following these simple but essential safety tips, you can ensure a successful and safe brake lube application every time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Brake Lubricant
Avoid making these common mistakes when lubricating your brakes: using the wrong type of lubricant, applying too much, or neglecting to clean the area beforehand. It’s important to use a high-temperature brake lubricant that’s specifically designed for this purpose. Using the wrong type of lubricant can cause brake noise or even reduce stopping power.
Applying too much lubricant can also lead to problems, such as contamination of brake pads and rotors, reducing their effectiveness. Before applying any brake lube, make sure you’ve cleaned the area properly. To ensure that your brakes are working correctly, avoid applying brake lube to the friction side of the pad where it comes into contact with the rotor.
Brake lube should only be applied on certain areas such as caliper slide pins and piston boot lips. Apply a small amount of grease with a brush or finger in thin layers to prevent over-application. Also, don’t mix different types of lubricants as they may not be compatible with each other, causing further damage to your braking system.
Avoid these common mistakes and enjoy smooth and efficient braking performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Brake Lubricant Be Applied to All Types of Brakes?
Yes, brake lubricant can be applied to all types of brakes. It helps reduce friction and noise, prolonging the life of your braking system. However, always consult your manufacturer’s recommendations before applying any lubricant. Keep safety in mind at all times.
What Is the Recommended Frequency for Applying Brake Lubricant?
To ensure optimal brake performance, it’s recommended to apply brake lubricant every 12,000 miles or at least once a year. Neglecting this maintenance can result in noisy brakes and reduced stopping power.
Is It Safe To Apply Brake Lubricant on Hot Brakes?
Applying brake lubricant on hot brakes can be dangerous as it may cause the lubricant to evaporate rapidly, leaving the brakes unprotected. Wait for the brakes to cool down before applying any lubricant to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.
Can Brake Lubricant Be Used as a Substitute for Brake Fluid?
No, brake lubricant cannot be used as a substitute for brake fluid. Brake fluid is responsible for transmitting pressure from the brake pedal to the brakes while lubricant reduces friction between moving parts. Mixing them up could be dangerous.
