Brake Chemicals

Brake Chemicals

You don't see them working day to day, but brake chemicals work hard to clean, protect, and lubricate the components that keep your vehicle stopping safely. But DIYers often overlook brake chemicals during a brake job. Improper cleaning and lubrication are often behind contaminated rotors, seized caliper pins, and brake squeal.

Whether you're doing a full pad and rotor replacement or routine brake maintenance, using the right chemicals can make a big difference in your brake's performance and lifespan. Learn how to protect your brakes with the right brake chemicals for your vehicle.

What Are Brake Chemicals?

Brake chemicals include three main product types: brake parts cleaner, brake lubricants/grease, and brake fluid. Each chemical serves a distinct purpose and should be used at specific stages of brake service.

Brake Parts Cleaner

Brake parts cleaner is tough on grease, brake dust, old brake fluid, and road grime. As the name suggests, it removes build-up from rotors, calipers, drums, and pads. Use it before installation or during an inspection, because leaving build-up on your brake components can cause uneven wear, reduce friction, and increase brake noise. Always use it in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with painted surfaces.

How to Choose the Right Brake Parts Cleaner

Brake cleaner can be found as an aerosol for spot cleaning or in bulk formats for high-volume shops. Chlorine-free formulas are widely preferred for DIYers and are safe for ABS sensors and most brake materials.

What Can You Use to Clean New Brake Rotors?

New rotors come coated in a rust-preventive oil from the factory and must be cleaned before installation to avoid noisy brakes or reduced stopping power. Brake parts cleaner removes this coating and ensures clean contact between the rotor and brake pad.

Brake Lubricant and Caliper Grease

Unlike regular grease, brake lubricant and caliper grease are rated for extreme temperatures. This means they reduce squealing, prevent caliper binding and corrosion, and keep hardware moving freely even under the high heat generated during braking.

Apply these chemicals to caliper slide pins and bushings, metal backings of brake pads, self-adjuster mechanisms, and parking brake cables and linkages to keep them in working order. Do not apply lubricant and grease to any friction surface, like pads or rotors.

There are two different types of formulas:

• Silicone-based formulas: Safe for rubber and plastic, and ideal for caliper pins, sleeves, and pistons.
• Synthetic grease: Best for metal-to-metal contact points and has an extreme temperature range.

Alongside regular driving wear-and-tear, caliper pin corrosion can be sped up by road salt exposure. Make sure you maintain regular lubrication at every brake service to significantly extend the life of your calipers.

How to Properly Apply Brake Lubricant

Applying too much brake lubricant is just as problematic as using too little. Too much lubricant could cause grease to migrate onto the brake pad friction surface or rotor face, which can reduce braking power and cause a safety hazard. If you don't use enough lubricant, the excessive friction will quickly lead to damage.

To avoid seized caliper pins, apply brake lubricant at every brake pad replacement or whenever the caliper pins are removed for inspection.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is the hydraulic medium that transfers pressure from when you press the brake pedal to the brake calipers. It absorbs moisture over time and should be replaced every two to three years or as recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Always check your owner's manual for exact service intervals. But if you notice a soft or spongy brake pedal, dark brown brake fluid instead of clear or light yellow, or a noticeable drop in fluid level, then it's time for a brake fluid service.

What Kind of Brake Fluid Do I Need?

Keep an eye out for DOT 3 and DOT 4, which are the most common brake fluid types for passenger vehicles. Both are glycol-based and are compatible with most conventional braking systems. Consider using DOT 4 if you frequently tow or haul heavy loads, since it has a higher boiling point. DOT 5 is a silicone-based formula and isn't compatible with ABS-equipped vehicles, so it isn't recommended for modern vehicles.

Before, During, and After: Using Brake Chemicals Together

As you get ready for your next brake service, make sure you have all the necessary chemicals on hand. Before installing any parts, clean everything with brake parts cleaner. Next, lubricate the appropriate contact points with brake grease before reassembly.

To keep your brake system running smoothly, maintain your brake fluid on a separate schedule. Working together, these brake chemicals will protect your brake components from unnecessary wear and ensure smooth and responsive braking on the road.

How to Safely Handle Brake Chemicals

When handling brake chemicals, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Use brake chemicals in a well-ventilated space or outdoors.
• Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection when handling cleaner or brake fluid.
• Keep brake fluid away from body panels, because it's corrosive to paint.
• Dispose of used brake fluid at a recycling facility, like a municipal hazardous waste depot.

Whether you're doing a full brake job or simply topping up between services, you can browse NAPA Canada's complete selection online at NAPA Canada or get support from our automotive experts at your local NAPA Auto Parts store.