I've got to be missing something, what is being lubed in the assembly? And for anything like this couldn't I use this stuff?
There has to be twenty or more threads on this topic in the forum already.
However, the fundamentals are; that only the square section seal needs to be lubed for assembly. And, the silicone grease is NOT for that, as you really don't want silicone inside with the brake fluid to wander about the fluid system. There IS a brake parts assembly lube for this purpose, which works better for the long term than simply using brake fluid as a lube.
The silicone grease is only used as a water barrier behind the pad and on other exposed metal surfaces where water can invade. The silicone grease does not mix with water (or anything else), so it will shed the water and stop it from contacting the metals. It is also temperature stable, meaning if you heat it, it still stays where placed. Any lubricative value the grease has, it NOT required for the SOHC4 brake caliper.
The SOHC4 caliper, is quite different in design details from automotive calipers that DO need some grease lubrication. Most automotive disk lubes are petroleum based and ignore the phase separation and temperature stability properties, the SOHC4 caliper requires. Disk brake grease is focused upon retaining lubrication quality at high temps and have other seals or design features to keep it in place when is starts to ooze. This primary quality is NOT what is needed for the SOHC4 caliper)
Petroleum products will often combine with water. And will phase change an weep oil away from it's placement (under heat or without). If you don't mind this oil creeping into your friction pad and onto your SOHC4 rotor, then use whatever you want. Many have, without understanding the material being used (assumptions).
Cheers,
