Brake Sliders

kenmar · 11-12-2016, 09:24 PM

Anyone know if the brake sliders should be lubed? I find it strange that the Bentley specifically states to not lubricate the sliders. This is the exact text:

"Clean brake caliper guide bolts. Replace ones which are not in perfect condition. Do not grease"

Bentley is consistent with this recommendation because it dates back even to their E36 repair manual. Could it be the design of the sliders with the plastic covers eliminates the need to grease the sliders?

My last brake job was done by the dealer and there was absolutely no signs of grease on the sliders when I did my own brake pads last week. I'm confused. I've been doing my own BMW brake pad replacements for 15y. I initially started by following the Bentley recommendations. Then I did a few brake jobs on my E36 with grease. I did one E90 brake job with grease but I left out the grease on my last job. Can any BMW techs chime in?

Bamaben · 11-13-2016, 06:59 AM

None. BMW doesnt lube caliper slide pins. Why don't you believe the Bentley?

kenmar · 11-13-2016, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamaben

None. BMW doesnt lube caliper slide pins. Why don't you believe the Bentley?

Because the Bentley is not always correct. Notably, I followed the wheel torque recommendation of 75 ft-lbs for my E36 and almost lost my rear wheels twice; I was fortunate that I noticed loosening bolts before I lost a wheel on the road! The Bentley E9x wheel torque of 89 ft-lbs seems correct, however.

mweisdorfer · 11-13-2016, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenmar

Anyone know if the brake sliders should be lubed? I find it strange that the Bentley specifically states to not lubricate the sliders. This is the exact text:

"Clean brake caliper guide bolts. Replace ones which are not in perfect condition. Do not grease"

Bentley is consistent with this recommendation because it dates back even to their E36 repair manual. Could it be the design of the sliders with the plastic covers eliminates the need to grease the sliders?

My last brake job was done by the dealer and there was absolutely no signs of grease on the sliders when I did my own brake pads last week. I'm confused. I've been doing my own BMW brake pad replacements for 15y. I initially started by following the Bentley recommendations. Then I did a few brake jobs on my E36 with grease. I did one E90 brake job with grease but I left out the grease on my last job. Can any BMW techs chime in?

I always put CRC silaramic brake grease in the cylinders that the caliper pins bolt into.

https://www.amazon.com/CRC-05361-Sil.../dp/B0091KCG0W

Considering the degrees that brake parts can heat up to, it's probably not a bad idea.

This product is good from -50 to 3000 degrees. It's hard to beat that.

The caliper only works ideally if it can slide on the rotor as you break. If it binds up on the rubber backing, then your brake pads won't wear equally.

1QuikWS6 · 11-13-2016, 03:43 PM

My dealer never lubed the pins and neither have I for the 2x I've done my brakes, never had a problem

I do buy both new pins and new rubber bushings everytime though...

kenmar · 11-13-2016, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

My dealer never lubed the pins and neither have I for the 2x I've done my brakes, never has a problem

I do buy both new pins and new rubber bushings everytime though...

Good practice. Maybe I'll do the same

Bamaben · 11-13-2016, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenmar

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamaben

None. BMW doesnt lube caliper slide pins. Why don't you believe the Bentley?

Because the Bentley is not always correct. Notably, I followed the wheel torque recommendation of 75 ft-lbs for my E36 and almost lost my rear wheels twice; I was fortunate that I noticed loosening bolts before I lost a wheel on the road! The Bentley E9x wheel torque of 89 ft-lbs seems correct, however.

I have never greased my e36 pins and never a problem. I've always torqued my lugs to 80 ft/lbs even during track events and never had one loosen up. If you want to grease your pins then do so but if you want to follow bmw's recommendation then don't.

Efthreeoh · 11-14-2016, 09:17 AM

No lube is required. I'm on my original pins at 312,000 miles.

The Nightman · 11-14-2016, 03:23 PM

I'd wager that using no grease is better than using the incorrect grease. I've read that only silicone is appropriate as petroleum based greases will cause the rubber boots to swell.

the dope steez · 11-14-2016, 04:09 PM

The DIY I watched said to lube them, I used silicon based grease. I also greased the backs of the pads where they make contact with the calipers. When I did the brakes there was leftover lubricant from the previous pad change, which was done by an indy mechanic I trust more than the stealership, FWIW.

Efthreeoh · 11-15-2016, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenmar

Because the Bentley is not always correct. Notably, I followed the wheel torque recommendation of 75 ft-lbs for my E36 and almost lost my rear wheels twice; I was fortunate that I noticed loosening bolts before I lost a wheel on the road! The Bentley E9x wheel torque of 89 ft-lbs seems correct, however.

Both the Bentley and the BMW TIS procedure for overhauling the brakes say not to lube the pins. I have both the Bentley and the BMW TIS procedure.

kenmar · 11-15-2016, 07:27 PM

Thanks. That settles it

Efthreeoh · 11-15-2016, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenmar

Thanks. That settles it

Here's the BMW TIS procedure regarding the subject:

11-12-2016, 09:24 PM	#1
kenmar Private First Class 21 Rep 132 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Brake Sliders - lube or no lube? Anyone know if the brake sliders should be lubed? I find it strange that the Bentley specifically states to not lubricate the sliders. This is the exact text: "Clean brake caliper guide bolts. Replace ones which are not in perfect condition. *Do not grease*" Bentley is consistent with this recommendation because it dates back even to their E36 repair manual. Could it be the design of the sliders with the plastic covers eliminates the need to grease the sliders? My last brake job was done by the dealer and there was absolutely no signs of grease on the sliders when I did my own brake pads last week. I'm confused. I've been doing my own BMW brake pad replacements for 15y. I initially started by following the Bentley recommendations. Then I did a few brake jobs on my E36 with grease. I did one E90 brake job with grease but I left out the grease on my last job. Can any BMW techs chime in?
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11-13-2016, 06:59 AM	#2
Bamaben Major 183 Rep 1,082 Posts Drives: 07 335i blk/blk/alum 6MT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Bimmertown iTrader: (0)	None. BMW doesnt lube caliper slide pins. Why don't you believe the Bentley? __________________ It takes a big man to cry. It takes an even bigger man to laugh at him-- Jack Handey mods: blackout grill, finishing rods, badges, Blacklines.
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11-13-2016, 03:43 PM	#5
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	My dealer never lubed the pins and neither have I for the 2x I've done my brakes, never had a problem I do buy both new pins and new rubber bushings everytime though... __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit Last edited by 1QuikWS6; 11-15-2016 at 03:54 AM..
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11-14-2016, 09:17 AM	#8
Efthreeoh General 17317 Rep 18,740 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	No lube is required. I'm on my original pins at 312,000 miles.
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11-14-2016, 03:23 PM	#9
The Nightman Cometh 1090 Rep 1,305 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI "330i& ... [10.00]	I'd wager that using no grease is better than using the incorrect grease. I've read that only silicone is appropriate as petroleum based greases will cause the rubber boots to swell.
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11-14-2016, 04:09 PM	#10
the dope steez Captain 404 Rep 808 Posts Drives: F30 335i M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Shredmonton, Illberta iTrader: (0)	The DIY I watched said to lube them, I used silicon based grease. I also greased the backs of the pads where they make contact with the calipers. When I did the brakes there was leftover lubricant from the previous pad change, which was done by an indy mechanic I trust more than the stealership, FWIW.
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11-15-2016, 07:27 PM	#12
kenmar Private First Class 21 Rep 132 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Thanks. That settles it
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