AJKS

Guys,

I recently bought a set of 2nd hand 4 pot calipers to fit to my MY98. The dust boots protecting the calipers were rather cracked, so I thought I might as well install new seals (internal ones as well) while the brakes were sitting on the work bench. I bought a seal kit (about AU$50 for the 2 calipers) and in there was a small sachet of pink thick liquid. I have not opened up the packet but it looks like and feels like (through the packaging) grease.

So this is my question(s):

1. Is it grease?
2. If not what is it?
3. Whats its purpose?

I can only assume it is grease and is meant for packing of the dust boot. It did look like there was a small residual amount of grease on the last few (outer) mm's of the pistons when removed. These last few mm's do come in contact with the dust boot and is post the inner seal - therefore there is NO brake fluid contact in this region and therefore it should be ok for grease to be present. The only other thing I could think it is would be a high temp grease for the 2 rails that the pads are located by - but why would they include that in the caliper seal kit...?

Anyway, if you have any experience (or even thougths) it would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Adam

Godspeed Brakes

iTrader: (259)

The grease is there to lubricate the pistons when fitting them, bit like KY jelly Fit the seals inside the calipers , put a small amount of grease around them , put more onto the piston and slip it in , push the piston most of the way down , fit the outer boot and clip , then push the piston all the way down , when fitting the piston go easy to start it past the seal , it is very easy to damage these so be carefull , Hope this helps , Ian

AJKS

Ian,

Thanks very much for your quick reply - much appreciated. I just have a couple of concerns though. I just checked the MY97 workshop manual and under "Lubricants/Grease" it lists:

"Niglube RX-2 - application: piston boot of disc brake and sliding pin"

So, prior to your reply, I had assumed that I was right - the grease was for packing the dust boot.

Hmm, but you’re sure that it is for INSTALLATION of the piston into the caliper? I would have assumed that applying the grease to the inner seal and the piston may lead to grease contamination in the brake fluid region (where it mates to the piston). But I guess as the piston slides past the seal during installation all the grease would be wiped from the piston – ensuring that no fluid/grease contamination occurs. Furthermore, I had always been under the opinion (when doing motorbike callipers) that the best ‘lubricant’ for piston installation was clean brake fluid.

Based on my above comments (confusion actually!) would you mind re-iterating (only if you have the time available) that it is;
1. fine to use the grease for coating the inner seal and piston prior to installation?
2. also, do you believe it is necessary to PACK THE BOOT SEAL?

Sorry to sound pedantic but Im an engineer and like to ensure that Im doing the right thing (especially when my money is involved)!!

PS - Is there any chance that you will ever export your brake kits to Australia? There is no where near the range of 'big brake' upgrades available in Oz as there in the UK. I spent 6 months trying to track down options and besides the standard brakes only the AP’s were available which were to much $$$ for myself at this stage. I had being hearing good reports from the guys on Scoobynet about your brakes for well over a year now and was hoping they may have been exported to OZ – unfortunately not. So, unfortunately I had to ‘settle’ for the MY99 4 pots…

Anyway, thanks again for your time and advice.

Adam

Mudchuka

Try TSL they export bits all over the world good price 6pot conversion out now ,cick on and have a look

Godspeed Brakes

iTrader: (259)

Adam , As long as you dont put lots of grease on the seal before fitting the pistons there wont be any grease going into the calipers , when you push the piston in the grease is squeezed up the piston by the seals , You dont need to pack the seal with grease , put a bit in there to keep it lubricated but as long as the seal ia intact ther road muck will not get in there ,
As regard to our kits we supply them all over the world , have done for over 10 years , but it is expensive for the delivery to Oz , My brothers emigrating to Oz in about 2 weeks , perhaps he could bring a kit out for you . Cheers Ian

AJKS

Ian,

Thankyou very much for your extra info - much appreciate. I did as you suggested. common sense always dictates but its nice to have confirmation!

Adam

AJKS

Mudchuka,

thanks for that - but obviously you havent seen the 'strength' of our dollar lately...!

Adam

Ian, if I had know about your brother a few weeks back I would have been very keen but I have just bought the 4-pot calipers, pads and DBA (Disc Brakes Australia) club spec rotors - so unfortunately I cant say yes. Thankyou very much for the offer though. Maybe you should contact MRT (www.mrtrally.com.au) about possible Oz distribution.