What are the best lithium greases? Features, benefits, application examples

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The modern lubricants market is a wide range of various products, however, most motorists most often use lithium greases. This is due to the fact that such compounds are versatile and can be used in different areas.

What are the features?

Lithium complex greases attract attention with water resistance, mechanical stability. Due to water resistance, the lubricant is not washed off with water, and mechanical stability affects the ability of the composition to maintain its structure for a long time under the influence of mechanical forces. The retention of the grease consistency during storage depends on the amount of oil released. Lithium greases release a sufficient amount of oil in the contact area of the parts, but the oil also remains in sufficient quantity during storage.

The peculiarity of this variety is also that such products have a higher dropping point, that is, they can be operated even at high temperatures. This indicator is provided by the complexing agent, which is part ofthickener.

Popular species: "Litol-24"

Litol grease is the most popular among domestic ones. It is a soft cherry-colored ointment, which is widely used in various friction units of cars. Due to its qualities, it is able to replace all types of grease and many other lubricants.

The use of this composition allows you to reduce friction and, accordingly, wear of parts, as well as increase the intervals between lubricant changes. Features of this lubricant include:

1. Excellent preservation properties.
2. Resistant to moisture.
3. Able to operate over a wide temperature range.

Litol grease can be used in sealed and non-sealed assemblies, such as steering joints, suspensions, universal joints, front wheel hubs, and so on.

Main advantages of Litol-24

Multipurpose grease is a petroleum oil that has a viscosity of 60-75mm2/s. Lithium soap, as well as antioxidant and viscosity additives, were used as thickeners. The price for Litol lubricant is one of the most affordable: a small tube will cost 70 rubles of the Russian Federation, a can of 0.8 kg - 143 rubles of the Russian Federation, and a can of 33 kg - 2750 rubles of the Russian Federation.

The advantages of this brand of lubricant include:

1. Excellent lubricity and elasticity when working in any temperature conditions.
2. Excellent protection of all parts,that are lubricated, even if they constantly rub.
3. Hold strength on all lubricated surfaces.
4. Preventing the development of wear parts.

It is important that the price of Litol is affordable, while the quality of the lubricant is in no way inferior to imported analogues. So, if you are short on funds, but buy only high-quality lubricants, Litol products are perfect for you. It is used as an automotive lubricant in vehicles of any type, including special vehicles.

It is worth noting that most often the friction surfaces of bearings undergo pitting as they operate. In terms of anti-pitting properties, Litol grease is the leader.

"Fiol-1" and "Fiol-2"

This lithium grease has the widest application. In its composition, it is a mixture of petroleum oils, which are thickened with special components. It can be used when processing friction units that are lubricated through grease fittings or a centralized lubrication system. Fiol is also used when processing flexible shafts or control cables in sheaths, low-power gearboxes and small-sized rolling bearings.

A kind of lubricant of this brand is "Fiol-2", which has a lower viscosity. And "Fiol-3" is as close as possible in its qualities to "Litol-24". The composition of the variety "Fiol-2U" contains about 5% molybdenum disulfide,at the same time, this lithium grease has also found extensive use: first of all, it is used to increase the durability of needle bearings in the driveshaft of a car.

Solidol Zh

This grease is designed for normal temperature use. It is widely used for processing coarse friction units in various machines and mechanisms of vehicles, as well as tools, screw and chain drives, low-speed gear reducers. In terms of its operational properties, "Solidol Zh" resembles synthetic grease, while it has better viscosity-temperature properties, less compaction during storage and resistance to destruction.

Lithium grease "Solidol" can be operated in temperature conditions from -30 to + 65 degrees. At the same time, they are used in powerful mechanisms that carry a large load: bearings, hinges, blocks. "Solidol Zh" is different:

• colloidal stability;
• water resistant;
• good protective properties;
• excellent lubricating properties.

This lithium-based grease is suitable for reducing friction in components and mechanisms, reducing wear and preventing scoring, welding and seizing. When using Solidol, one must take into account, firstly, its ability to decompose under the influence of high temperatures (above 80 degrees), therefore, it is necessary to use lubricant without preliminary melting. In addition, it contributespreservation of spare parts and surfaces of mechanisms, storage and transportation of which is carried out in the fresh air.

It is not recommended to mix "Solidol" with other lubricants, since it will be compacted and it will be necessary to disassemble the units to remove it. The composition is most often used when processing rough unprotected friction units at low temperature ranges.

CIATIM-201

Greases of this brand are popular among low temperature formulations. It is used in friction units of any kind that operate under the influence of a small load, as well as in units that have a slight shift, for example, in the flexible shaft of a speedometer. Lubricant features include:

1. Plasticity.
2. Frost resistance.
3. Ability to operate at temperatures from -50 degrees to +120 degrees.
4. Poor mechanical stability.
5. Slight tensile strength.
6. Full compliance with GOSTs.

This waterproof grease is suitable for high-quality processing of rubbing parts of equipment, protecting them from corrosion. Timely processing will protect components and parts from wear, and their service life will be significantly longer.

Mobil Unirex EP2

This grease is based on a high quality mineral base oil to provide excellent performance and long component life. The composition is widely used innodes, which account for a huge load, both in vehicles and in industrial mechanisms. Lithium greases of this brand are distinguished by:

• antioxidant properties that are responsible for the chemical stability of the composition;
• excellent anti-corrosion resistance;
• long service life;
• wide operating temperature range;
• good adhesion.

Mobil Unirex EP2 Benefits

Firstly, the lubricant serves as a reliable protection of components and mechanisms, preventing their premature wear. Secondly, it has anti-seize properties. Thirdly, it can be used for units that operate at low temperatures. The composition is not demanding on storage and transportation conditions. According to studies, the lubricant is absolutely safe for humans, has high adhesion and is poorly washed off with water.

Spray lubricants

One of the most convenient forms in which lithium grease is produced is an aerosol. Popular brands include the following:

1. WD-40 SPECIALIST. It is used for metal joints, protects them from corrosion and provides long-term protection. It can be used for surfaces that have a large load. The results of use are reduced friction and improved smoothness of movement of the mechanism. It is resistant to external environmental factors, can be operated at temperatures from -18 to +145 degrees.
2. RUNWAY white lithium grease isheat-resistant composition, resistant to washing out. Perfectly lubricates parts, giving them water-repellent properties. Thanks to the corrosion inhibitors in the composition of the product, the parts are reliably protected from corrosion. Can be used to protect metal parts, door hinges, cables, bearings and other moving mechanisms.

Spray lubricants show a deep penetrating effect, providing excellent lubrication and long-term reliable corrosion protection.

Shell Gadus S2 V220AD 2

This brand of black grease is used to treat bearings that are operated in difficult conditions. The lubricant contains mineral oils with a high viscosity index, where a mixed lithium-calcium soap acts as a thickener. Thanks to various additives - antioxidant, anti-wear, extreme pressure, adhesive and anti-corrosion - high-quality and reliable protection of machined parts is ensured. The composition can be operated at temperatures from -10 to +120 degrees.

This lithium bearing grease is used for machining parts that are used in difficult conditions, subject to high shock loads and high humidity. The lubricant is perfect for processing off-road equipment, as well as fifth wheels of tractors.

Is graphite or lithium grease better?

Along with lithium, another type of multipurpose grease is used -graphite compounds. They comply with all state standards and are able to operate at temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees. Such compositions are based on cylinder mineral oil and vegetable fats thickened with graphite and calcium soaps. Graphite grease attracts with a number of positive properties:

• reliable protection of mechanisms against corrosion even under heavy loads;
• capable of being used in harsh environments;
• reliable protection of mechanisms from water and dust;
• low coefficient of friction, which is ensured by the content of solid particles in the lubricant.

However, lithium-based greases have a higher dropping point, so their operation is also possible at high temperatures. The second component of the complexing agent is responsible for this ability. That is why lithium compounds are in greater demand compared to graphite lubricants.

Grease 158

This grease is blue in color and is used in automotive electrical equipment bearings and needle cardan bearings. In such units, the lubricant works stably and for a long time due to additives - antioxidant and antiwear. Experts say that there is no full-fledged replacement for this composition, and the closest analogues - Litol-24 or SHRUS-4 - are not so durable in operation.

Summarize

Lithium greases are among the most popular due to their improved properties. Water resistance, high temperature performance, excellent mechanical properties - all this attracts attentionbuyers for these compositions. They are more expensive in terms of the production process, but compared to other analogues, they have a number of advantages. In addition to a simple lithium grease, you can purchase a complex one that has better mechanical stability and high water resistance. A variety of applications serves as a guarantee that the components and mechanisms of various vehicles will be processed efficiently and in a timely manner.