What is brake paste required for?

The brake system is of fundamental importance for safety in the vehicle. Because it is used constantly, its components wear out in a predictable period of time. In order to extend the life of the individual parts and ensure that the brakes always function properly, it is necessary to use a brake paste when changing the brakes. This is a special non-conductive permanent lubricant that protects the components from corrosion and at the same time keeps the moving parts running smoothly. As an additional property, the paste also prevents unpleasant braking noises. This is why it is often referred to as anti-squeak paste. The brake paste is currently available in two different versions:

• Ceramic paste / Anti-squeak paste / Brake block paste
• Copper paste

What is the difference between copper pastes and ceramic pastes?

In the past, a copper paste was often used to lubricate the brakes. However, this paste is no longer up to date as the technologies in the vehicles have evolved. For example, copper pastes or copper grease should not be used in vehicles with ABS. The electrical conductivity of the paste can otherwise cause interference with the ABS sensors.

This brake paste should also be avoided if the brake calipers and / or the brake plugs are made of aluminium. Here the combination of copper, aluminium and salt water can produce a galvanic reaction which can even corrode the aluminium. For this reason, many car manufacturers have prohibited the use of copper pastes in their newer vehicles.

Nowadays it is better to use high-quality ceramic pastes such as the plastilube from ATE instead of copper paste. These non-metallic high-performance pastes are characterized by the following properties:

• Non-electrically conductive
• Not to stick with other materials, no rusting or burning
• Longer lasting than copper pastes (not washable)
• Reacts immediately to cold or heat
• Not toxic
• High pressure absorption
• High wear and corrosion protection
• Prevents brake noise
• Not harmful to the environment

Which areas should be lubricated with a brake paste and what should be observed?

Ceramic pastes should be applied to the guides or contact points of the brake pads on the brake carrier. In addition, it is recommended to thinly coat the back plates of the brake pads with the ceramic paste if they do not have corresponding pads there. Before application, it is best to clean the components carefully with a wire brush and a brake cleaner. They should be free of dirt, residues and moisture. The anti-squeak pastes are then applied thinly. A small amount is sufficient. Please do not apply too much or to other areas of the brake system. Otherwise the brake function may be impaired.

However, high-quality ceramic pastes can also be used in other areas. These include among others:

• Seat rail
• sliding roof guides
• Door hinges
• axle bearing

Whether the brake paste Anti-Squeak-Paste, Plastilube or Brake block paste means they all belong to the category of ceramic paste and can be used without hesitation in any vehicle. Thanks to its highly developed properties, the ceramic paste can significantly extend the service life of the brake parts. If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service.

To the brake paste assortment