
One type of lubricant grease used in automobiles is EP2 lithium grease. What is it ? It is a general purpose lithium-soap thickened grease for extreme pressures (EP, whereas the 2 designates NLGI
National Lubricating Grease Institute
The National Lubricating Grease Institute is an international trade association that serves the grease and gear lubricant industry. It exists to promote research and development of lubrication technology. It also publishes industry standards for greases.
What is number 2 grease used for?
NLGI Grade 2 grease is a multipurpose grease for oxygen and harsh chemicals in industrial applications. Grade 2 grease is an excellent lubricant for plain and antifriction bearings operating under moderate load and at medium speeds.
What is the difference between EP 1 and EP 2 grease?
NLGI #1 Grease versus NLGI #2 Grease Less thickener makes a #1 grease more tractable and slippery, while #2 grease has more thickener, making it stiffer and great for all-purpose applications.
Is NLGI 2 lithium grease?
Performance Plus All-Purpose Lithium Grease is ideal for use in applications calling for a Lithium NLGI #1 or #2 grease with good corrosion protection, water resistance, oxidative stability and wear protection.
What is the difference between regular grease and lithium grease?
The main difference that exists between standard lubricating grease and lithium grease is that standard grease is often used in industrial settings and lithium grease is primarily used in domestic settings.
How do I choose the right grease?
When selecting a grease, you must consider the application and operating conditions in which the grease will function. For a better understanding of what goes into a good grease, concentrate on its components, including the base oil type, thickener type and base oil viscosity.
Where should you not use Moly grease?
Greases containing molybdenum disulfide shouldn't be used in applications that see excessive amounts of water ingress as the molybdenum disulfide can have a corrosive effect of the metal surfaces, and is not suited for bearings and other components that move at a rapid pace.
What is the difference between NLGI 2 and NLGI 3 grease?
A grease with an NLGI grade of 1 has a consistency like tomato paste, where a grease with an NLGI grade of 3 has a consistency more like butter. The most commonly used greases, such as those used in automotive bearings, would use a lubricant that is NLGI grade 2, which has the stiffness of peanut butter.
Are all NLGI 2 greases the same?
The correct NLGI grade is an important consideration because not all grease applications are the same. Some grease applications require softer grease so it can be pumped easily through small distribution lines and valves.
What's the best grease for ball joints?
Best Grease for Ball Joints (Updated August, 2022) Lucas Oil. Best Features: – Waterproof substance. ... Valvoline. Best Features: – Pressure-resistant. ... Royal Purple. Best Features: – Smooth, long-lasting. ... Red Line. Best Features: – Corrosion and oxidation resistance. ... STEINBRÜCKE Bravex.
Where should you not use lithium grease?
Lithium-based lubricants are used in cars and machinery in general. It's not advisable to use them on plastic parts. As lithium is based on petroleum, it tends to speed up rubber and plastic components decay.
What is lithium grease best for?
On that note, White Lithium Grease is ideal for long-term lubrication, vertical applications, and where the prevention of water ingress is a requirement. What's more, it can also be used as a break-in lubrication for bearings, pistons and camshafts. Other notable applications include: Door hinges.
Where do you apply lithium grease?
White lithium grease can be used to: Lubricate car door hinges. Lubricate sunroof sliding panels....The WD-40 Specialist High-Performance White Lithium Grease can be used for trade applications such as lubricating:Trailer couplings.Door rollers.Pulleys.Winches.
What is the meaning of EP2?
Also found in: Wikipedia. Acronym. Definition. EP2. Extracellular Protein 2.
Is EP2 grease OK for wheel bearings?
Unirex EP 2 is particularly useful in applications with severe water contamination. Unirex EP 2 is recommended for use in hand packed or grease gun applications, or in non-critical centralized systems, as well as grid-type flexible couplings, and is particularly suitable for use in vehicle wheel bearings.
What is EP type grease?
The term EP refers to extreme pressure, which means the grease is formulated with additives that increase its load carrying capacity.
What are the different grades of grease?
These NLGI grades are then used to express the level of consistency each grease has. So, for instance, NLGI grade 000 grease is completely fluid, NLGI grade 0 grease is described as very soft, NLGI 1 grease is soft, NLGI 2 grease is considered normal, NLGI 3 grease is firm, while NLGI 6 grease is defined as very hard.
Why is lithium grease so popular?
Lithium grease's popularity is due in part to its ability to function as a multi-purpose grease. It is by far the most popular grease across the globe today making up more than 75% of lubricating greases across all industries worldwide. It's multi-function properties, (high temperature and water resistance), make it suitable for a wide range ...
What is CV grease?
The CV joints transfer the power generated by the transmission to the drive wheels, maintaining a constant speed, and account for the the up-and-down motion generated by the suspension. Lithium grease is the go-to grease for lubrication of the CV joints.
What is the temperature of lithium grease?
It is capable of withstanding very high temperatures and has a drip temperature of approximately 200° Celsius. This is another favourable characteristic when it comes to the auto industry.
What is non corrosive grease?
NON-CORROSIVE: It is a non-corrosive grease meaning that it does not corrode the parts/ machinery that it is applied to. It is a stable compound and does not chemically react with substances that it comes into contact with. HEAVY LOAD BEARING: It is suitable for use under heavy load conditions.
What is a dual capability grease?
This dual capability means it has largely displaced traditional sodium and calcium based greases.
Is lithium based grease water resistant?
WATER RESISTANCE: Lithium based greases demonstrate better water resistance compared to traditional sodium based greases. The solubility of the grease is directly related to the solubility of the thickener used to manufacture it. Lithium hydroxide and the thickeners typically used in its manufacture have very low water solubility.
Is lithium grease corrosive?
This feature has great benefits - cutting down on re-application and saving time. NON-CORROSIVE: It is a non-corrosive grease meaning that it does not corrode the parts/ machinery that it is applied to.
What is EP2 grease made of?
They are made from emulsified soap with oil and provide parts with what is called “thixotropy”. Thixotropy is defined as the shear-thinning property of “flowing” usually thick or viscous fluids through stress. “. In vehicle applications, EP2 greases are applied on parts that cannot be frequently lubricated.
Why is EP2 grease so popular?
EP2 grease is very popular for its versatility . The flexibility of its thickeners can be applied to a broad range of applications. In fact, despite it being more expensive, it is more advisable to use than other types of greases because it offers more advantages and has more uses.
What is lithium grease used for?
This type of grease also aids demanding applications by preventing leakage and meltdown. These properties make it great for high stress applications common in trucks. It is also great for the wheel bearings of conventional and disc brakes where conventional grease can and will usually melt. Below are other common applications where EP2 lithium grease can be used: 1 Disc brakes 2 Wheel bearings 3 Chassis 4 U-Joints 5 Ball Joints
What is grease good for?
This type of grease also aids demanding applications by preventing leakage and meltdown. These properties make it great for high stress applications common in trucks. It is also great for the wheel bearings of conventional and disc brakes where conventional grease can and will usually melt.
Is EP2 grease good for shear?
EP2 grease lubricants, moreover, also have better mechanical stability or shear stability than other grease types. It has good resistance against shear and breakdown because of its ability to remain its designed consistency and thickness (or viscosity) even when exposed to high mechanical shear forces.
Does lithium thickener help grease?
The presence of a lithium thickener in this type of grease increases operating stability range. Lithium’s good capability of coping stresses, also makes this grease type outstanding in managing a shift from low to high temperature.
Is lithium grease corrosive?
Here, soaps disperse and viscosify oil to create the stable gels of greases. Lithium greases are non-corrosive and adhere very well to metal. They are also particularly great with heavy loads and have good temperature tolerances.
Grease is the Word
The main difference that exists between standard lubricating grease and lithium grease is that standard grease is often used in industrial settings and lithium grease is primarily used in domestic settings.
Conclusion
Ultimately, even though conventionality belongs to yesterday, the choice between regular and lithium grease is just as relevant today as it was when these variants were first developed, and now, just as it was then, the choice is still completely dependent on the grease’s intended use.
What is assembly lubricant?
During the initial startup, an engine does not have much in the way of lubrication, and metal on metal contact is quite bad for an engine. Using assembly lube to pre-lubricate the moving parts takes care of the problems that are inherent to engine building. This grease can be heavy and thick or thin like a thick oil. Most assembly lubes are thick, but there are some thin ones like Royal Purple’s MaxTuff assembly lube. Assembly lube sticks to the metal and protect the parts from rust and moisture, staying in place for months, even years if the engine is not started immediately after assembly.
What is dielectric grease?
Dielectric grease, also sold as silicone grease, is good for protecting electrical terminals and insulating components. Finding the right grease is not complicated, but you do need to make sure that your types of grease are compatible, specifically wheel bearing grease.
What is Ford grease?
Ford grease is a general purpose grease that is fortified with molybdenum disulfide for higher-pressure protection and anti-wear for disc brake wheel bearings. It is suitable for all chassis lubrication.
What is the most common type of grease used in automotive?
The most commonly used types of grease in the automotive world is multi-purpose. The main use for this stuff is chassis components, where heat is not an issue. This type of grease is typically made from Calcium sulfonate. These have a high resistance to water, but do not fare well under high heat application, such as disc brake wheel bearings.
How many Napa locations are there?
Check out all the chemical products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on types of grease, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.
What is general purpose grease?
General Purpose Grease. General purpose grease is designed to work in a variety of applications, but that does not mean it is not specific, either. Some general purpose greases are made for specific vehicle brands. With so many options, understanding your needs is important when selecting grease.
What is lubricating grease?
Lubricating grease is an interesting product, the basic components are mineral or vegetable oil mixed with soap. Yep, soap. The oil gets mixed with the soap and whipped up into an emulsification, creating the semi-solid we call grease.
What is a lubricant grease?
Lubrication grease is a mixture of oil and soap or another thickener. The portion of the grease that determines the compatibility is the thickener. Lithium complex is the thickener that is most compatible with other thickeners. There are only a few other thickeners that are not compatible with lithium complex, when using one of the Graco greases.
Why is grease compatibility important?
Grease compatibility is an issue because of what can happen when two incompatible greases are introduced to each other. This is important to consider when refilling a reservoir that already contains grease. Lubrication grease is a mixture of oil and soap or another thickener.
How does automatic lubrication work?
Automatic lubrication solves the problem of inconsistent lubrication by reducing the human element. Automation allows the lubrication events to be scheduled and monitored so that consistent lubrication is virtually guaranteed. The automatic systems apply a small replenishing volume of grease, keeping a constant film of lubricant between the contact surfaces of the bearing. No more missed grease points, no more lost time and no more dirty grease guns on the floor. With automatic lubrication, there may not be the same need for Moly because every bearing will receive the grease it requires to keep it lubricated and purged of contaminants.
Why is moly used in grease?
Some say this is to coat the moving parts in a bearing and protect them when they run out of grease, which would prevent wear . Others say that the Moly actually coats abrasive contaminants to prevent them from scoring the moving surfaces inside of the bearing.
What is molybdenum disulfide?
Molybdenum disulfide (Moly) is a solid additive, most commonly used in extreme pressure applications . The Moly particles are intended to fill in tiny imperfections in the machined surfaces and protect against “welding” during shock loading and heavy loads; however, the material is also known to stick to surfaces and cause a coating to build up.
Is Graco a grease company?
Graco is a product- and solution-oriented company, not a grease company, but we do offer a grease for the convenience of our customers. This is a solid-free lithium complex grease, and there is a reason for this. Grease compatibility is an issue because of what can happen when two incompatible greases are introduced to each other.
Does Graco recommend grease?
Ultimately, Graco does not make recommendations for the grease used in a given application because choosing the right grease is really up to the equipment manufacturer and the customer. But where our pumps and valves are concerned, Graco recommends keeping the total solid content at 5% or less, including Moly content.
Why do grease manufacturers use colorants?
Grease manufacturers use colorants simply to help facilitate the identification of greases and to make them more appealing, as opposed to just brown or black. Color can help users spot an incorrect grease if, for example, a certain color of grease emerges from a grease gun when another color of grease was expected.
Why does grease turn dark?
The color of grease can also provide some indication of its overall quality. As grease degrades and becomes contaminated, it usually will begin to darken. This darkening, which can be more noticeable when compared to new grease, may be a sign that the grease has reached a condemning limit.
Is grease color a thickener?
However, keep in mind that no grease color is guaranteed to specify a particular thickener type even within a single grease manufacturer’s offerings. The table below shows how a particular grease color may refer to several different types of grease, especially among lithium-complex greases.
Can you use grease on a motor bearing?
This should be done only when there is a single type of grease at the facility with that particular color. The grease type and color should also be marked clearly on the grease gun.
Do you have to mark grease on grease gun?
This should be done only when there is a single type of grease at the facility with that particular color. The grease type and color should also be marked clearly on the grease gun. Remember, while the color of grease may have the potential to provide quality information, it is only intended as a branding to indicate the type of grease ...
