the paste replacement can be either silglyde or regular silicon di-electric grease.
silicone grease is better as it literally sheds off water. The paste is to prevent the pad squeaking and groaning and also to prevent water trapment and eventual rust.
for low cost of it - go to home depot or lowes and buy the little 2 dollar tube from the faucet repair rack. (it should say silicone grease - dont use the other plumber type).. NAPA/AGS silglyde is good too but is not a silicone grease, it works great on rubber though.
real homebrew style would be castor oil to lube rubber parts..
