Type of Grease

[CEKing]

I am wanting grease the ball joints and other points where there may be grease fittings on a 1996. What type of grease would anyone recommend for this application.

 

[Ken]

More than you need to know probably, but here's a breakdown from the Army on the various forms of grease:

• Greases are classified according to their soap base or thickener. These, in turn, govern the properties and application of the lubricant in a general way. The soaps used are derived from fatty animal or vegetable oils such as tallow or cottonseed. New greases include: disperses of soap in nonpetroleum liquids, and nonstop thickeners in petroleum oils. A third type of grease, nonpetroleum-nonsoap, consists of such substances as silicone liquids thickened with alkyl ureas. General classes of greases are as follows:
  
• Calcium Base Grease. Calcium base greases containing low viscosity oils are cup greases. Those containing slightly more viscous oils are pressure gun greases. These are used in relatively slow moving bearings. The greases are water resistant, but they do not retain consistency well at high temperatures.
  
• Sodium Base Grease. Sodium base greases, containing the more viscous oils, will hold up in situations where high temperatures can be expected. They are soluble in water. These greases are used in gears and in faster moving bearings.
  
• Lithium Base Grease. Lithium base greases are water resistant and possess good low temperature characteristics. They are more costly than calcium and sodium base greases and their use is often restricted to low volume applications.
  
• Aluminum Base Grease. Aluminum base greases are water resistant and retain consistency well at moderate temperatures. They combine the characteristics of both calcium and sodium base greases. Aluminum base greases are used for gears, for reciprocating parts, and for the lubrication of equipment used in food and textile mills.
  
• Barium Base Grease. Barium base greases are water resistant and can be used at high temperatures.
  
• Mixed Base Grease. Mixed base greases are used where calcium or sodium base greases cannot be used. Mixed base greases are used on high-speed, anti-friction bearings under wet conditions and for the lubrication of steam-heated calendar rolls in paper and textile mills.

Here's some more information about grease:

DIFFERENT TYPES of GREASE

• Each type of grease is formulated for the job it has to do. It is therefore important to use the correct type, here is a selection of the options available.
  
• LM Grease A lithium based high melting point grease specifically designed as a wheel bearing grease for use over a wide range of temperatures. Also suitable for general purpose applications and ideal for swivel pins.
  
• Moly Grease Molybdenum based "moly" grease ideal for stress areas where a high load is applied, such as swivel pins or trunnions.
  
• Heavy Grease Calcium based grease with excellent resistance to water with good lubrication and anti-corrosion properties, good for wheel bearings.
  
• Red Rubber Grease A special rubber compatible grease for use on hydraulic brake and clutch components where hardening or swelling of rubber must be avoided. Useful in assembly of rubber components for brake clutch and suspension units.
  
• Water Pump Grease A stiff, smooth lime-based grease with excellent water resistance, ensuring unbeatable sealing properties in vehicle water pumps.
  
• PH Grease A white tacky, water resistant grease recommended for inaccessible "long life" applications such as brake linkages and mechanisms, gear linkages, splines etc.
  
• CL Grease A soft calcium based grease primarily recommended for chassis lubrication and suitable for swivels and spring shackles. Resistant to salt water spray.
  
• Graphited Grease Semi-fluid waterproof grease with added graphite for brake cables, chains and road leaf springs. Not suitable for machined surfaces, such as king pins or steering boxes.

More than you bargained for, and still not a direct answer, eh? :L

 

[Tommy L]

With all that said, what is the absolute best grease for ball joints?. Preferably one that doesn't get all over the suspension and on the inside of the wheels.

 

[resto75]

Gee Whiz Ken you really dropped us in the grease with that reply.

Its good to know as I didn't know much about grease and probably use the same stuff on everything.