rebuilding ATE calipers

[JJH]

1979 R65
I have all the bits and pieces to rebuild my calipers.  Being incredibly foolish I decided to read the instructions that came with the new seals.  ATE tells me to use ATE brake grease or assembly spray in the o-ring (square ring) seals.  In general, the only place I have ever used grease rebuilding brakes is on the back side of the discs.  Does anybody else do this, or can I just put a bit of brake fluid on them and call it good?

Thanks,
John

[Mike V]

John,

You will probably get different opinions on this. Personally I use only fresh brake fluid for lubricating the parts in the caliper.

[Bob_Roller]

General rule, lubricate the seal with the fluid it will be exposed to, except fuel, use a light oil, or light grease there .

[Barry]

I do use brake grease (as in red rubber grease as opposed to copper grease) to lube the area of the piston beyond the seal and therefore the inside of the dust seal. I believe it's important not to use brake fluid in any external area as it will just attract moisture and promote corrosion.

Although I don't do it, lubing the actual seal with red rubber grease would not be the end of the world provided it's done sparingly. Being a vegetable based grease It's not incompatible with brake fluid and some actually recommend it for seals.

Take a look here but common sense suggests to me that you wouldn't want gobs of it inside the caliper.

http://www.redrubbergrease.com/tips-how-to-brake-caliper-failure-repair-with-rebuild-kit.html

[montmil]

Lube the square O-ring, piston and bore with brake fluid.