Here is an article of interest ..It is written by a technical member from Mintex and is a review of Mintex Ceratec compared to copper grease. Ceratec is a ‘brake grease’ sold under a variety of brands uncluding Pagid and Ceta-tec. This article is interesting because it is
a. Written by someone who works for a company with a solid pedigree in braking components – Mintex.
b. Is full of inaccuracies
c. Poorly reviews Mintex own product as a lubcricant!
here is it is..with comments at the end..
Copper slip vs Ceratec: facts for the modern mechanic
Although brake lubricant is often an inexpensive item used with the brake replacement process, it is integral to how the system operates. Some copper-based substances can have a negative effect on a vehicle’s brakes, and it’s important for mechanics to understand these pitfalls. Scott Irwin, Technical Manager at premium aftermarket brake brand, Mintex, discusses the issues associated with certain lubricants, and how mechanics can ensure that they’re using the best grease for the job.
Most garage professionals will agree the brake replacement process takes time and there is nothing worse than a customer returning with a noise or judder complaint. Even when meticulous steps have been taken to clean down the system correctly, while conducting all the necessary checks, sometimes the brakes still do not perform quite right. But, why?
The answer could lie in the type of lubricant being used within the system or the condition of the grease. When visiting garages, it’s not uncommon to see a tin of copper slip sitting open on a mechanic’s bench, exposed to the elements. Should contamination from airborne dirt and moisture occur, the lubricant will become ineffective causing problems for the brakes.
The best way to avoid these issues and ensure that you’re using a grease that complements a vehicle’s brakes is to choose a copper-free product. There are several disadvantages of using a copper-based substance within a braking system, which should be enough to discourage mechanics from using them altogether. Firstly, products such as copper slip cannot withstand high temperatures. This is an issue as it stops the pads from moving freely within the system, in turn causing drag and premature ware. It can react with steel and aluminium, increasing corrosion between these two metals should contact occur. If you’ve ever had to knock the wheel off from the hub and wonder why, corrosion due to a copper-based lubricant could be the reason.
A third issue with copper grease is the effect it can have on a vehicle’s ABS, ESP and EPB systems. As brakes are becoming more sophisticated, this is an important issue, as year-on-year more electronics are being added to the methods behind how vehicles brake safely. As copper is conductive, the presence of the metal in the braking system can interfere with the magnetic sensors found within a car’s ABS and electronics. If this was to occur, it could cause the ABS to malfunction, which could lead to issues with warning lights, or potential wheel locking.
Not only this, but copper lubricants can increase the likelihood of excessive run out when smeared on the surface of a hub, as they can contain foreign bodies such as metal particles when left open on the bench, as previously mentioned. The maximum run out should be 00.07MM and this should always be tested with a DTI gauge before completing the brake replacement. Copper-based greases are also unfriendly to the environment as the metal cannot breakdown efficiently, causing contamination to soils, plants and animals.
While it’s clear that the use of copper-based greases can cause problems for mechanics, there are an array of lubricants that do not include metal particles, such as Ceratec. The advantages of using this grease are abundant, with the first being that it can withstand the braking system’s high temperatures. This, unlike copper-based lubricants, allows the pads to move freely, eliminating issues such as drag and wear. It can also be used where electronics are utilised within a vehicle as it is non-conductive and does not contain metal particles.
As well as being more suited to how a braking system operates, the product is user-friendly and versatile. One tube can cater to approximately 35 sets of pads and it also protects against scratching and corrosion.
Albeit a seemingly trusted partner to the seasoned mechanic, copper slip can cause problems for modern-day braking systems. Once a go-to product, times have changed, along with technological advances that vehicles have made in recent decades. Today, it’s safe to say that garage professionals are extremely busy, and cannot afford for vehicles to come back with complaints. With this in mind, surely it’s best to eliminate extra work at every possible opportunity, by taking care of the small stuff that will ultimately make the biggest difference.
Why does the ProSlip Kit have three lubricants?
A brake caliper has three areas requiring lubrication with each area having different requirements. There is no one grease which satisfies the lubricant requirements of all three areas.
Site 1. Lubricant Properties for Caliper Pin/Elastomer Rubber/Metal
Allow micro movements of the caliper over a wide temperature range
Compatible with elastomer rubber
Prevent fretting corrosion
Site 2. Lubricant Properties for metal – metal Clip/Pad
Good adhesion to resist washout – dry lubricant
Corrosion protection
Perform over a wide temperature range
Site 2. Lubricant Properties for metal-metal Pad/Caliper
Good adhesion to resist washout – dry lubricant
Corrosion protection
Extreme pressure resistance – MSo2
Perform over a wide temperature range
‘Brake Grease’ – ProSlip end the confusion!
Unlike products which state just ‘Brake Grease’ ProSlip Brake Lubrication Kit addresses the issue of three lubrication sites not by making false ‘all in one’ claims but by using three different lubricants clearly labelled to indicate where they should be used. The kit both educates the user to the need for three lubricants and provides the solution in the form of a supporting website complete with FAQ’s, bog and a ‘How to’ Video. ProSlip was developed in conjunction with local mechanics including a mechanic responsible for maintaining vehicles for Powys County Council in Wales.
Ceratec – a generic grease, not a lubricant designed for brakes
Ceratec is sold as a ‘Brake Grease’ and is available under several brands e.g. Mintex or Pagid. Unlike ProSlip the formulation of Ceratec is not easily identified. Analysis by ProSlip reveals it is polyethylene glycol containing PTFE.
While it’s clear that the use of copper-based greases can cause problems for mechanics, there are an array of lubricants that do not include metal particles, such as Ceratec advantages of using this grease are abundant, with the first being that it can withstand the braking system’s high temperatures. This, unlike copper-based lubricants, allows the pads to move freely, eliminating issues such as drag and wear. It can also be used where electronics are utilised within a vehicle as it is non-conductive and does not contain metal particles.
…as advantages of using this grease (Ceratec) are abundant
can withstand the braking system’s high temperatures. This, unlike copper-based lubricants, allows the pads to move freely, eliminating issues such as drag and wear.
For a technical article details of the composition and properties of Ceratec are lacking. The author simply states ‘the qualities of Ceratec are abundant’. For a leading brand with a 100 long tradition of providing braking components this is disappointing and misleading.
The article implies the ability of the pads to move freely depends principally on the heat resistance of the grease. This is a gross oversimplification. The ability of a caliper to sit back off the disc – ‘the pads moving freely’ – is largely determined by the angle at which the caliper piston seal is cut. (see ProSlip Blog for a discussion). Lubrication of the piston seal is key to eliminating brake drag and is discussed and demonstrated on ProSlip.com.
Brag drag is in part also due brake pads becoming corroded in the clips (see ProSlip blog). Lubrication to the ends of the brake pads is typically overlooked and this is addressed by ProSlip CLIP – a dry lubricant which resists washout and withstands temperatures in excess of 400. Ceratec is not a dry lubricant and will be washed off very quickly.
The article suggests Ceratec ‘Brake Grease’ can be used as a brake pad lubricant but since it does not contain molybdenum disulphide a dry extreme pressure compound which can modify Noise Vibration and Harshness and binds to metal surfaces it would simply be forced out and washed off. ProSlip PAD is a suitable formulation.
As well as being more suited to how a braking system operates, the product is user-friendly and versatile. One tube can cater to approximately 35 sets of pads and it also protects against scratching and corrosion.
The article goes on to state Ceratec is ‘ more suited to how a braking system operates’ without explaining how exactly the formula of Ceratec makes it more suitable for braking systems.
It states Ceratec prevents ‘scratching and corrosion’ but what type of scratching and what type of corrosion? Ceratec cannot prevent fretting corrosion as it does not contain lithium or molybdenum, it is ‘Metal Free’.
The information around metal affecting ABS systems is wrong.ProSlip PIN contains Lithium soap..is the author seriously suggesting this is going to interfere with vehicle electronics?? ABS uses a sensor about 4mm from a magnet. Only a massively powerful electrical or magnet force could intercede this small space and disrupt the sensing process…