Right lets see how this pans out - caliper guide/slide pins which option?

1, Clean and re-grease and if so what grease?

2, Clean and leave un-greased?

Does grease attract dirt and therefore cause it to bind, thoughts.

Over to you.......

If the callipers are alloy I'd grease them but also I'd also use a new set of pins which will be plated and reduce galvanic corrosion. If you don't have brake specific grease I'd not grease them as you don't want grease migrating onto the disks or pads. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

On the 2011 4.4, caliper sliders are only on the rear. Red rubber grease.

Sorry yes if it’s a floating calliper on sliding pins it needs grease. My answer refers to retaining pins on fixed calipers. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Rambles wrote:

On the 2011 4.4, caliper sliders are only on the rear. Red rubber grease.

Out of interest- why not copperslip? 2009 (2010 MY) 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography
2007 TDV8 Vogue SE
2005 BMW E63 645ci
2024 Porsche Macan

Because the lubricant that is the 'carrier' for the copper won't withstand even moderate braking temperatures and separates from the copper, leaving a thick metal paste, which causes the slides to bind.

Most brake slide pins are lubricated with silicone based lubricant that has a high melting point.

The days of slathering every braking component in copperslip firmly belong in the last century - the technology used is very different now, most brake pads or pad slides have specific coatings or overlays to avoid the need for any lubricants, which tend to collect brake dust and turn into a binding paste anyway.

Interesting, thanks for that, I never really thought of it like that 2009 (2010 MY) 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography
2007 TDV8 Vogue SE
2005 BMW E63 645ci
2024 Porsche Macan

Phoenix wrote:

Because the lubricant that is the 'carrier' for the copper won't withstand even moderate braking temperatures and separates from the copper, leaving a thick metal paste, which causes the slides to bind.

Most brake slide pins are lubricated with silicone based lubricant that has a high melting point.

The days of slathering every braking component in copperslip firmly belong in the last century - the technology used is very different now, most brake pads or pad slides have specific coatings or overlays to avoid the need for any lubricants, which tend to collect brake dust and turn into a binding paste anyway.

Copper grease also reacts with rubber, damaging the pin/piston boots, which then allows moisture in, and causes the very problem you were trying to prevent

Ceramic grease for the pad contact surfaces, and silicone/rubber for the slide pins. We don't use copper grease in the workshop at all anymore

Thanks all, some interesting points here.

looks like I'm outside at some point in the very near future firstly giving everything a good clean then applying various slippery substances

as per normal on this forum ask and you shall receive words of wisdom

Any thoughts on teflon grease for slide pins? John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Well, I must admit, I thought that would be an easy one to answer....
A quick look suggests there are many different types, high viscosity, high temperature, 'marine' etc. etc.
The first one that came up on Amazon has this in the description

Quote:

Prevents wear and distortion of bearings even when steering and bearings are brutally beaten;
A unique thickener of the finish line prevents separation of oils and repels water even when the fat is immersed;
The exceptional strength of the synthetic oil film does not give in under high pressure;

I have some that I used on the boat to grease the tracks for the sail hoist. Thought that would be a similar use to slide pins though not a high temperature situation.

The link you supplied does specify high temperature.👍

I think it is a good option and doesn’t have a problem with incompatibility with seals etc

The other thing I have is aluminium based grease I used for Ham radio aerial connections but not sure about it as it metal based though aluminium as opposed to copper. John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold

Last edited by Weegie on 30th Dec 2022 7:14pm. Edited 1 time in total

I'd think a sail hoist takes a much higher load than the slide pins so viscosity is not a consideration - it'll probably be OK but personally I'd spend the £3.85... I realise you're Jockanese and I'm from North Yorkshire so we have similar spending concerns...

Aye yer reet there. Huv tae dig intae ma sporran.

Did you see the addition to my last post? John
2008 Stornoway Grey 3.6 Tdv8 Vogue
2005 TD6 Java Black Vogue - Written off!!
GAP iiD BT
2003 Discovery TD5 Auto, Nanocom Evolution - gone to a new home!
MasseyFerguson 152 - No electronics!! - Sold