How to Grease Brake Pads
by Justin Cupler
Greasing is a given when it comes to suspension components and bearings, but it is typically ignored when replacing brake pads. Sometimes brake pads develop a horrifying squeal that cannot be pinpointed nor repaired. A lot of times, this squeal is due to the friction caused by the vibration of the brake pad against the caliper. The brake grease leaves a coating behind to dull the high frequency squeal altogether. Greasing the brake pads is a relatively easy way to stop a brake squeal.
Step 1
Loosen, but do not remove, the lug nuts with a tire iron.
Step 2
Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and secure it on jack stands.
Step 3
Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheels off the vehicle.
Step 4
Look on the rear of the brake caliper. Locate the two caliper bolts; there will be one upper bolt and one lower bolt.
Step 5
Loosen and remove the lower caliper bolt and just loosen the upper bolt with a ratchet and socket.
Step 6
Pivot the caliper upwards and away from the brake pads using the upper bolt as an axle.
Step 7
Place a thin coat of brake pad grease onto the rear of both pads using your fingers. Make certain the entire rear of the pad is covered.
Step 8
Push the caliper back down and over the brake pads.
Step 9
Tighten the brake caliper bolts to the manufacturer's torque specifications. Refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual for these specifications.
Step 10
Remount the wheels on the vehicle and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Step 11
Lower the vehicle to the ground with the jack.
Step 12
Tighten the lug nuts to manufacturer's specifications with a torque wrench and socket. The torque specifications are located in the repair manual.
References
Things You'll Need
- Tire iron
- Ratchet
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Repair manual (Chilton's or Haynes)
Writer Bio
Justin Cupler is a professional writer who has been published on several websites including CarsDirect and Autos.com. Cupler has worked in the professional automotive repair field as a technician and a manager since 2000. He has a certificate in broadcast journalism from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. Cupler is currently studying mechanical engineering at Saint Petersburg College.
