3 replies to this topic

[jerry]

I have a big pot of "mulit-purpose lithium grease" suitable for use from -15C to 135C.
The Haynes manual wants me to use graphite grease for lubricating the steering column bushes, copper grease for the brakes, etc. Can I just use my standard grease for these jobs or do I have to use the "correct" stuff ? What's the difference ?

[Jimmyarm]

I believe it is to do with the friction characteristics and melting points of the grease.

Copper grease also does something funky that helps prevent corrosion somehow which is why you put it onto nuts etc before doing them up. As it has copper in I dont think its suitable for lubrication like lithium based grease is.

Thats my basic knowledge of it anyways, at the end of the day do what it says in the book !

[AlexM]

I have a big pot of "mulit-purpose lithium grease" suitable for use from -15C to 135C.
The Haynes manual wants me to use graphite grease for lubricating the steering column bushes, copper grease for the brakes, etc. Can I just use my standard grease for these jobs or do I have to use the "correct" stuff ? What's the difference ?

I don't think you want to get grease anywhere need the brakes......

Lithium grease is uaully for balljoints, radius arms, suspension components.

molybdimum grease is high melting point and mainly used for CV joints

Copper grease i think is an anti-seize compound to stop bolts rusting into cylinder heads and the like, i have used it on the lambda sensor in the exhaust and the thermostat housing studs in the cylinder head. If you were to use this on brakes it would be on the back of the pads to stop the pistons seizing or something similar, but NOT on the pads themselves.

You shoould probably use the specific grease if you want componants to function properly and last long.

[taffy1967]

But where the hell do you get graphite grease from? Well i've been looking for ages as I want to replace the steering column bushes on my Mini, but so far I've not had much luck, so would using copper grease be okay?