Published: October 24, 2026 | Last updated: October 24, 2026
TL;DR
- Permatex Ceramic Extreme (part 24125) is a 100% synthetic brake lubricant filled with ceramic solids, rated from -40°F to 3000°F (Permatex, 2026).
- It is made for metal-to-metal contact points such as pad backing plates, abutment clips and caliper bolts, not for rubber parts (Dealer Shop USA, 2026).
- Permatex says it prevents disc brake squeal and chatter and stops bolts and sleeves from seizing (Permatex, 2026).
- For slide pins inside rubber boots, Permatex sells a separate Silicone Ceramic Extreme (24129) that is safe on brake rubber (Street Muscle, 2026).
- Use a thin layer only, because Permatex warns that too much lubricant can cause brake performance problems (O'Reilly Auto Parts, 2026).
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Brakes Hub earns from qualifying purchases. This never changes our verdicts.
How we reviewed this product: we studied Permatex's technical data sheet, its product guide, retailer specifications and owner feedback, and compared Ceramic Extreme with other brake lubricants. We did not run our own lab tests.
What Is Permatex Ceramic Extreme Brake Parts Lubricant?
Permatex Ceramic Extreme is a synthetic brake lubricant packed with real ceramic solids that keeps working at very high brake temperatures. Permatex calls it its longest-lasting, most temperature-resistant way to silence brake noise (Dealer Shop USA, 2026).
The most common version is the 8 fl oz brush-top bottle, part 24125 (Permatex, 2026). It is a purple paste, and Canadian stores also sell it as part 24126 (Lordco, 2026).
Permatex is owned by ITW and is one of the best-known names in car care chemicals (Permatex, 2026).
How Ceramic Brake Lubricant Works
Ceramic brake lubricant works by leaving a layer of heat-resistant solid particles between metal parts. Even if the liquid part of the grease thins out in extreme heat, the ceramic solids stay in place and keep the metal surfaces apart.
A good comparison is ball bearings on a smooth floor. The tiny solid particles roll and slide between the metal parts so they cannot bind or rust together.
The paste also dampens vibration where the pad backing plate touches the caliper. Brake squeal is a high-frequency vibration, and a soft layer at that contact point absorbs much of it.
Permatex Ceramic Extreme Specifications at a Glance
Permatex Ceramic Extreme is a non-silicone, non-petroleum synthetic paste rated for extreme brake temperatures. The table lists the published details.
| Specification | Permatex Ceramic Extreme 24125 |
|---|---|
| Base | 100% synthetic with ceramic solids |
| Temperature range | -40°F to 3000°F (-40°C to 1649°C) |
| Flash point | 500°F |
| Silicone or petroleum | Neither |
| Intended contact | Metal-to-metal only |
| Water resistance | Will not wash out |
| Package | 8 fl oz brush-top bottle |
Sources: Permatex (2026); O'Reilly Auto Parts (2026); Dealer Shop USA (2026). Some listings show -50°F as the lower limit. Permatex's data sheet notes the lubricant performs best in the lower half of its temperature range (Permatex, 2026).
Where to Use Permatex Ceramic Extreme on a Brake Job
Use Ceramic Extreme on metal parts that slide or touch other metal parts in the brake assembly. Permatex lists these typical applications (Dealer Shop USA, 2026):
- The backs of inboard and outboard pads, where they touch the caliper piston and fingers, to stop squeal.
- The pad ears and abutment clips where the pads slide in the caliper bracket.
- Long and short caliper bolts and metal sleeves, to stop them seizing.
- Other metal caliper hardware that moves or touches.
Never apply it to pad friction material or rotor faces. Permatex states clearly that you must keep the lubricant off pads and rotors (Permatex, 2026).
Why Ceramic Extreme Is Not for Rubber Boots
Permatex lists Ceramic Extreme 24125 as being for metal-to-metal contact only (Dealer Shop USA, 2026). Caliper slide pins usually sit inside rubber boots, so they need a rubber-safe grease.
For slide pins, choose a silicone-based lubricant. Permatex makes Silicone Ceramic Extreme (part 24129), which it says is fully compatible with brake rubber and plastic parts, including ethylene-propylene rubber (Street Muscle, 2026). Our Sil-Glyde review covers another popular rubber-safe option.
Permatex positions its brake lubricants as good, better and best: Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube, Ceramic Extreme and Silicone Ceramic Extreme (O'Reilly Auto Parts, 2026).
How to Apply Permatex Ceramic Extreme Step by Step
Apply Ceramic Extreme in a thin layer to clean, dry metal parts. Permatex warns that excessive amounts can cause brake performance issues (O'Reilly Auto Parts, 2026).
- Remove the caliper and pads. Clean the bracket, clips and pad ears with brake cleaner such as CRC Brakleen.
- Remove rust from the abutments with a stiff brush, such as the Lisle 13410 caliper brush.
- Use the brush in the cap to apply a thin film to the pad ears and clip contact points.
- Apply a thin film to the backing plates where they touch the piston and caliper fingers.
- Coat metal caliper bolts and sleeves, but use a rubber-safe grease on any part that goes into a rubber boot.
- Wipe off any excess before refitting the caliper so none can reach the rotor.
Permatex Ceramic Extreme vs Other Brake Lubricants
Ceramic Extreme has the highest temperature rating of the common DIY brake lubricants, while silicone greases are the safer pick for rubber parts.
| Lubricant | Temperature rating | Safe on rubber? | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permatex Ceramic Extreme (24125) | -40 to 3000°F | No, metal only | Pad backs, clips, bolts |
| Permatex Silicone Ceramic Extreme (24129) | -50 to 3000°F | Yes | Slide pins and all brake parts |
| Permatex Ultra Disc Brake Caliper Lube (85188) | -40 to 400°F | Check the label | General caliper hardware |
| Sil-Glyde | Up to about 400-425°F | Yes | Slide pins and boots |
Sources: O'Reilly Auto Parts (2026); Street Muscle (2026); Lordco (2026). Our brake grease guide explains each type.
Pros and Cons of Permatex Ceramic Extreme
The main strength of Permatex Ceramic Extreme is its very high temperature rating and long-lasting anti-squeal film, and its main limit is that it is not safe on rubber parts.
Pros
- It is rated from -40°F to 3000°F, far beyond normal brake temperatures.
- Ceramic solids keep working after the grease base thins out.
- It resists water and will not wash out.
- The brush-top bottle makes thin, even coats easy.
Cons
- It is not for rubber boots, so slide pins need a different grease.
- The paste is messy if over-applied.
- Product names are similar across the Permatex range, so check the part number.
Common Problems With Brake Lubricant and How to Fix Them
Most brake lubricant problems come from using too much, using the wrong product on rubber or lubricating dirty parts.
| Problem | Likely cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Squeal returns soon | Lubricant applied over rust and dirt | Clean contact points to bare metal and reapply thinly |
| Caliper slide sticks | Metal-only lubricant used on rubber boots | Clean pins and boots, use a rubber-safe grease |
| Grease on the rotor | Too much lubricant | Clean the rotor and replace contaminated pads |
| Pads stick in the bracket | Rust under the clips | Clean the abutments and fit new clips |
Frequently Asked Questions About Permatex Ceramic Extreme
Can I use Permatex Ceramic Extreme on caliper slide pins?
Only if the pins do not touch rubber. Permatex lists 24125 for metal-to-metal contact only (Dealer Shop USA, 2026), so use Silicone Ceramic Extreme or another rubber-safe grease for pins with rubber boots.
What temperature can Permatex Ceramic Extreme handle?
Permatex rates it from -40°F to 3000°F (Permatex, 2026), with best performance in the lower half of that range.
Does Permatex Ceramic Extreme stop brake squeal?
Permatex says it prevents disc brake squealing and chattering when applied to the backs of pads (Permatex, 2026). Worn hardware or glazed rotors can still cause noise.
What is the difference between Ceramic Extreme and Silicone Ceramic Extreme?
Ceramic Extreme is a non-silicone synthetic paste for metal parts. Silicone Ceramic Extreme uses a silicone base that is safe on brake rubber and plastic (Street Muscle, 2026).
How much Permatex Ceramic Extreme should I use?
Use a thin layer. Permatex warns that excessive amounts can cause brake performance problems (O'Reilly Auto Parts, 2026).
Can I put brake lubricant on the brake pad friction surface?
No. Keep all lubricants off pad friction material and rotor faces (Permatex, 2026).
Summary: Is Permatex Ceramic Extreme Worth Buying?
- Permatex Ceramic Extreme is a high-temperature synthetic brake lubricant for metal contact points.
- It is rated from -40°F to 3000°F and helps stop squeal and seizing.
- Use a rubber-safe grease, such as Silicone Ceramic Extreme or Sil-Glyde, on slide pins.
- Apply thin coats to clean parts and keep it off pads and rotors.
Check Permatex Ceramic Extreme on Amazon →
Safety note: brakes are safety parts. If you are not sure how to do the job, have a qualified mechanic do it.