Caliper guide pin lubrication

[speedy_thrills]

I've been changing my own brake pads for many years, having learned how to do it by reading an old book (the book was probably from the 50s or 60s), and using copper grease to lubricate the guide pins without any issue in the intervening years. However I note on YouTube when I looked up the sequence for a car I've just purchased (2001 Toyota Camry CSi 2.2) it indicated that copper grease should not be used.

Can someone weigh in on what the pros and cons are of lubrication types? Also, having done this to my other vehicles, what cleaning do I need to use before using the recommended type of lubricant?

[Drezza]

It's always been my understanding that red-rubber (lithium?) grease should be used for brake slider pins as it doesn't deteriorate the rubber seals/boots and a bit of copper grease on the back of the pads to stop the squeeling, although that's to much controversy too.

[GreenV8S]

Coppaslip contains embedded particles which are intended to stop stationary parts from seizing - these are somewhat abrasive and not ideal for a moving bearing. Molybdenum based greases (Molyslip) are also not ideal since they plate the surfaces and can cause bearings to seize if there is not much movement. These sliders don't need anything fancy - ordinary grease will do, high temperature is no harm if you have it available.

[markyb_lcy]

I was always led to believe that silicon based grease should be used wherever there is rubber involved... such as is the case with slider pin boots.

I use copperslip on the calipers where they meet the pad holding brackets, where the pad holding brackets meet the pads, and a thin layer on the back of the pads. I use silicon “carlube” for the slider pins.

[SlimJim16v]

Yep, normal grease, inc copper, should not be used for rubber. Not sure if red rubber grease is OK for the heat in the brakes, but lithium grease is the latest thing to use.

A few years ago I had a brainwave, don't grease the pads, put the grease on the callipers, on the bits that make contact with the back of the pads. I use lithium grease here too.

[Sanchez89]

Silicone grease is the lube for slide pins. Red Rubber grease can be used in things like the piston boot but is mainly used when assembling the caliper, helps the rubber parts to fit without damaging them. Copper grease or something like the ceramic/hybrid style lubricants can be used as the anti-squeal on the piston face, pads ears, and where caliper meets outside pad