To what extent is grease interchangeable?

Asked by: Nicholas Nedumaran

How do you know if grease is compatible?

Greases are considered to be compatible if the following conditions are met: The dropping point of the mixture is not significantly lower than that of the individual greases. The mechanical stability of the mixture is within the range of consistency of the individual greases.

Is it OK to mix different types of grease?

Extreme cases of grease incompatibility can lead to catastrophic failure of the components being lubricated. It is always best practice to avoid mixing any types of grease.

Is red grease compatible with marine grease?

Polyurea is in the wheel bearing grease and is compatible with marine bearing grease but not the Red grease. Red grease is compatible with marine grease but not standard.

Are all greases the same?

Greases or lubricants have traditionally been used to keep vehicles, vessels, machines, and their components lubricated at all times. However, no two lubricants are the same – different types of grease produce different results based on the unique properties they possess.

What types of grease do not mix?

The most incompatible were aluminum complex, calcium complex, clay and polyurea-thickened greases. The most common effect was substantial softening, however lithium grease sometimes hardened.

What can occur if you mix incompatible grease?

Mixing incompatible greases can have dire consequences. They may react together and cause a separation of the base oil or oils from the thickeners of the two greases. When this happens, the base oil can no longer stay in place and you get a messy situation – oil oozing or running out of the area where it was applied.

Can you mix old grease with new grease?

Don’t Mix Grease, but Change If Needed



If you can, start with completely clean parts and new grease. Otherwise, greasing more often will flush out the old incompatible grease faster.

When 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.

Is it OK to mix synthetic grease with regular grease?

Base Oil Compatibility



Some synthetic base oils are incompatible with mineral oils and other types of synthetics, just as in the mixing of lubricating oils. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of base oil in the grease when determining compatibility.

What is the difference between marine grease and regular grease?

While marine grease and “regular” grease both have the same job, without special formulation that makes marine grease work, regular grease would simply wash out of parts leaving them unprotected and in danger of failure.

What is Moly grease compatible with?

Compatible with all lithium, lithium complex, and calcium type greases • Maintains consistency under shear, and provides lubrication. Extreme pressure and anti-wear additives offer protection to meet fluctuating load conditions.

What is green grease used for?

Waterproof Green Grease is a professional grade, high performance synthetic polymer grease developed for mining, manufacturing, marine and off-road applications. Recommended for cars, trucks, boats, trailers, ATV’s, motorcycles, mowers, farm equipment and implements – any application up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you mix lithium and Moly grease?

Lithium and polyurea greases cannot be mixed. “They can cause each one to lose their oil and dry out,” said Hamilton. The product loses the ability to lubricate.

Is lithium grease better than regular grease?

Lithium Complex vs.



Lithium-complex greases generally possess good stability, high-temperature characteristics and water-resistance properties. Other performance requirements like extreme pressure, anti-wear, rust and corrosion can further be improved by adding suitable additives.

What is red grease used for?

Red – mostly for multipurpose synthetic greases. Grey – for those containing moly for many off-road equipment specifications, and. White or undyed greases – typically used in paper machines or food-grade applications.

Is it OK to mix synthetic grease with regular grease?

Don’t Mix Grease, but Change If Needed



If you can, start with completely clean parts and new grease. Otherwise, greasing more often will flush out the old incompatible grease faster.

Is silicone grease compatible with lithium grease?

Quote from video: And plumbing fixtures. So I want to get back to Jeremy's question about using silicone grease for brake caliper applications in this case neither lithium nor silicon grease is really ideal lithium.

Are moly and lithium grease compatible?

Compatible with all lithium, lithium complex, and calcium type greases • Maintains consistency under shear, and provides lubrication.

Are all lithium complex greases compatible?

In fact, the only greases that are incompatible with lithium complex and calcium sulfonate greases are conventional polyurea grease and bentonite clay grease (calcium sulfonate is also incompatible with calcium complex grease, but you wouldn’t typically put those two together).

When 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.

Can I mix lithium and synthetic grease?

Lithium and polyurea greases cannot be mixed. “They can cause each one to lose their oil and dry out,” said Hamilton. The product loses the ability to lubricate.