what type of grease do I use

[finer things]

getting ready to reinstall lower unit what type of grease do I use in zerk fittings and how much thank you

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: what type of grease do I use

I've often wondered the same thing. Occasionally, you will see a "type" of grease recommended, for an application, such as "Marine", "axle", "Lithium" etc.

For marine purposes I don't see how one is any better than another. Regardless of composition, isn't all grease waterproof? Just seems to me that grease is manufactured under special names so they can jack the price and the performance is no different.

One of the guys on here has in his signature" Any grease is better than no grease". I suppose that's the best advice you can get for this application.

 

[Bondo]

Re: what type of grease do I use

Ayuh,....
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[45Auto]

Re: what type of grease do I use

Just seems to me that grease is manufactured under special names so they can jack the price and the performance is no different.

How many greases have you tested under different conditions? If you're looking for optimum performance, the type of grease is critical. Some greases are designed for sliding contact, some are designed for rolling contact, some are designed for high pressures, some for low pressures. Some have corrosion inhibitors, some don't. Some compounds will hold water in suspension, some will just encapsulate it.

If you just want something that'll work for a little while, any grease will work.

There'a a basic article on grease characteristics here:

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/798/grease-selection

 

[sethjon]

Re: what type of grease do I use

I've often wondered the same thing. Occasionally, you will see a "type" of grease recommended, for an application, such as "Marine", "axle", "Lithium" etc.

For marine purposes I don't see how one is any better than another. Regardless of composition, isn't all grease waterproof? Just seems to me that grease is manufactured under special names so they can jack the price and the performance is no different.

One of the guys on here has in his signature" Any grease is better than no grease". I suppose that's the best advice you can get for this application.

Marine grease has more additives in it for protection from water.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: what type of grease do I use

I like Moly grease for u-joints and gimbal bearings...

 

[cr2k]

Re: what type of grease do I use

Marine greases have moly and other additives to inhibit corrosion and rust. Yes anything that is coated in grease will not rust but what if you mix some water in the grease? Regular grease may not stop any rust where marine grease will.

Before you lube the U-Joints check them for smoothness and slop. In the U-Joints just pump enough to hear the seals crack, unless you see water coming out, then purge and wipe clean or the grease will throw off into the bellows and contribute to deterioration of the rubber. Gimbal bearing should take 15-18 pumps. If you do this with the drive off you can pump 2 or 4 times and turn the bearing by hand. Do this 3 or 4 times and you will be good. If you purge water from the gimbal, make sure it is still smooth (you should not feel ANY roughness when turning it) if so replace.

Don't forget to check alignment before reinstalling drive.

 

[rfdfirecaptain]

Re: what type of grease do I use

Guys, thanks for the education on "grease". Well, I learned something.

I know you're right, but at the rate I hook up to the grease fittings I still wonder if any special grease would make a difference. Just seems like I am constantly renewing what's there with fresh grease.

 

[lbruce]

Re: what type of grease do I use

Has anyone used the blue trailer wheel grease and if so what were the results?

 

[Bondo]

Re: what type of grease do I use

Just seems like I am constantly renewing what's there with fresh grease.

Ayuh,... That's the Whole Idea...

Has anyone used the blue trailer wheel grease and if so what were the results?

Whatever trips yer trigger Bud,... It Really, Really don't matter...
It's more about how Often, than which grease...