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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Jurgen on November 21, 2016, 12:43:34 PM

Title: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: Jurgen on November 21, 2016, 12:43:34 PM
The Guzzi content is that I own a Breva 750.  And I have no problem with it.  Wonderful ride, does everything I require. 

My problem is with rebuilding the brake calipers on my (over 50 years old) 356 Porsche which I am restoring. The calipers are apart, cleaned and re-plated.  The rebuild instructions from ATE require a caliper assembly grease (or lube) during assembly.  Since it is a No-No to use petroleum products on brake systems or most rubber products, I have been trying to locate this specific caliper grease.  ATE in the US has been unresponsive, Dave Richardson mentions this assembly lube in the Guzziology chapter on brakes, but he also has been unresponsive.  Does anyone out there have information? 

I don't want to use brake fluid to assemble the parts (dry on dry doesn't work) since I won't be using the calipers for a couple of years.

Any ideas?  Jürgen
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: sib on November 21, 2016, 01:02:25 PM
SRAM PitStop DOT Disc Brake Assembly Grease, 1oz  www.amazon.com/SRAM-PitStop-brake-assembly-grease/dp/B002SQZ1H6

You can probably find something similar in any auto parts store
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: pete mcgee on November 21, 2016, 01:11:02 PM
Over here its called rubber grease and is available at auto parts stores.
Usually in 1lb tubs.
Also seems to come with the seal kit most of the time in a small sachet.
A little goes a looooooong way so Sib's suggestion would be sufficient.

Cheers
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: guzzinka on November 21, 2016, 07:43:44 PM
I was taught by a very reputable mechanic to use silicone grease on the seals , inside the bore and on the piston, used it for many rebuilds since then, all good. 
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: o1marc on November 23, 2016, 09:36:18 AM
I've built and assembled thousands of race calipers and never use anything but brake fluid for lubing seals/pistons. The only grease we use is for the sliders if there are any.
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: cookiemech on November 23, 2016, 11:50:22 AM
Recently I rebuilt a number of Brembo calipers on my and a friend's BMW motorcycles. The "genuine" kits from Brembo contained packets of assembly lube for the quad rings (piston rings) inside the calipers. I did not do a chemical analysis of the lube, but it looked and felt for all the world to be the same as the silicone grease I have in a can for other purposes. All calipers are working well.
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: guzzinka on November 23, 2016, 02:38:17 PM
I don't think you "need" grease on most calipers, but it can keep trapped moisture away from the metal and keep corrosion from starting, making things last longer.  Race calipers probably get disassembled frequently (at least I'd hope!)
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: Rusnak_322 on November 23, 2016, 02:59:18 PM
I've built and assembled thousands of race calipers and never use anything but brake fluid for lubing seals/pistons. The only grease we use is for the sliders if there are any.

+1
but I have only done maybe 6 calipers...
Title: Re: Brake caliper rebuild
Post by: Jurgen on November 24, 2016, 09:15:00 AM
Thanks everyone for your replies!  These are the answers I needed.  Jurgen