How to lubricate the shakman hub. How to lubricate a wheel bearing? Learn how to service your car

During the operation of bearings of any type, mechanical and thermal loads act on the surface of the components. This leads to wear, and as a result, the appearance of defects. To reduce these factors, it is necessary to apply lubricant in a timely manner. Car wheel bearings are no exception.

Lubricant selection options for wheel bearings

You can determine the optimal type of lubricant by analyzing its operational and technical characteristics. Additionally, the influence of external indicators is taken into account: temperature conditions, the degree of load on the bearings and their actual service life.

The best option is to follow the recommendations of the automaker. The proposed operating instructions indicate which types of lubricants can be used for wheel bearings installed on a vehicle. In practice, motorists prefer to independently choose the composition for processing.

In this case, they are guided by the following technical parameters of the lubricant:

• Strength and toughness. These characteristics indicate the degree of adhesion of the composition to the surface of the bearing material;
• Lubricating ability. Determine the speed and uniformity of distribution over the surface of the components;
• Changing properties under the influence of external factors, maintaining the internal structure;
• Anti-wear performance and additional corrosion protection.

The manufacturer indicates these parameters on the packaging. If this information is incomplete, it is recommended that you learn more about the properties of a particular type of composition before purchasing.

Types of lubricants

The next stage of selection is the analysis of compositions by components and their properties. The operating conditions and requirements for lubrication for wheel bearings must be taken into account.

There are a number of components that will adversely affect the condition of moving elements when they are used. First of all, this applies to grades that include synthetic carbons. Under the influence of high temperatures, which inevitably arise during the operation of the bearing, their destruction occurs. Also, the use of lubricants with a large number of abrasive particles is not allowed. They can partially deform bearing components during operation.

The best option is to use high temperature grades. They are able to withstand prolonged thermal exposure and at the same time retain their original properties. Currently, manufacturers use various modifications of lithium as the main lubricant component. Consider the main brands in the assortment of which there is a lubricant for wheel bearings. Which one is better depends on the car model.

MEGUIN LITHIUM-KOMPLEXFETT

One of the best options for handling one or two cars. The consistency composition has several types of packaging - from 0.4 to 180 kg. In addition to lithium, the composition includes mineral oils and special additives. The latter are designed to adapt the lubricant to actual conditions.

According to the data from the manufacturer, the temperature regime of application is in the range from -30°С to +160°С. In some cases, a short-term increase in temperature up to +200°C is possible. Due to these properties, the grease can be used not only for wheel bearings of a car, but also for servicing industrial equipment.

FUCHS TITAN RENOLIT DURAPLEX

In many ways, the composition and properties of this lubricant are identical to those described above. But in addition to all the advantages, you can specify good anti-corrosion properties. They appeared due to the use of special components.

The mechanical stability of the composition indicates the possibility of its use in servicing not only cars, but also trucks. Therefore, it is often used to lubricate loaded clutch bearings, electric motors, etc. The volume of the container can vary from 0.4 to 50 kg.

LIQUI MOLY MEHRZWECKFETT

This is one of the most popular brands from the well-known manufacturer LIQUI MOLY. Lithium oil was used as the basis of the lubricant, which went through several stages of pre-treatment. This made it possible to improve the actual properties of the composition, to increase its service life.

The temperature range of use is from -30°С to +125°С. Despite the relatively low upper limit, wheel bearing grease is suitable for all types of passenger cars. At the same time, one must take into account the excellent quality from the manufacturer, which has recently become a rarity.

MOBILGREASE SPECIAL

The specificity of this model is the addition of molybdenum disulphate. It is designed to maintain the initial parameters of the composition at critical pressure values. Often it is the mechanical load that causes damage to the hubs or the appearance of defects in its components.

However, the operating temperature range of the application must be taken into account. The lower limit is quite small and is only +25°С. This imposes restrictions on the use of lubricants - use in regions with low temperatures in the winter will be impractical.

Except the above types of compositions in the domestic market, you can find many others. When choosing, it is important to take into account their technical characteristics and the possibility of using them in the hub part of the car.

First you need to dismantle the hub. This procedure is done in accordance with the rules from the automaker. If there is no self-confidence, it is recommended to contact a specialized car service.

To do the work yourself, in addition to lubrication, additional materials should be purchased. These include cleaning fluid, new seals, hub nuts. The latter change only in case of wear of the installed ones.

The order of work.

1. Fixing the car and lifting it with a jack.
2. Dismantling the wheel and hub cap;
3. Removing the hub nut, washer. This provides access to the bearing cage.
4. While holding the brake disc, the hub block is dismantled.

After removing the old oil seal, you can remove the bearing cage. After that, it is cleaned of dirt and old grease. The surface must be degreased and checked for defects.

The procedure for applying lubricant is quite simple. It is enough to pour about 40 gr. fluid into a cavity located between the bearing components. During installation, it is important to correctly adjust the hub nut. This will avoid the appearance of play or constriction of the mounting assembly.

Depending on the operation of the car, the lubricant in the hub bearing can be replaced from once to 3 times a year. It is important not to miss this moment so that in the future the vehicle component does not get into an emergency situation.

All rotating parts of the vehicle contain simple and reliable rolling bearings that do not require additional maintenance, unless periodic lubrication does not interfere with them. Lubrication for wheel bearings increases their performance and extends the service life.

The development of the hub bearing is accompanied by obligatory noises, and if this problem is left unresolved, the bearing may simply jam. It's not hard to imagine what would happen if it happened at high speed.

A wheel bearing does not need much: periodic relubrication and proper adjustment. Subject to these requirements, the part will work out the entire period of operation of the vehicle, however, if high-quality steel was used for its manufacture, and the lubricating composition fully complies with the manufacturer's requirements.

Grease types

The best wheel bearing grease, according to most vehicle owners, is one that will hold up well and match all quality characteristics as much as possible. Many simply choose a lubricant by color, and not by its properties. Such a choice cannot be called justified, since the wrong grease can damage the bearing.

Regardless of how the hub bearing is arranged, it should be lubricated only with a consistent or plastic material, a liquid substance is not suitable for this. Note that in addition to its main basic properties, a grease of plastic consistency plays the role of a sealant, additionally protecting the element. For wheel bearings, three-component greases are used, which include:

1. Modifier.
2. Lubricant.
3. Thickener.

These components determine the basic properties of consistent materials. Therefore, in order to determine which lubricant to use, you should pay attention to its composition and main characteristics. Separately, it is worth mentioning the types of lubrication. Let's list them:

Preservative

One of the simplest types. The main purpose is to protect metal elements from corrosion. They remain on the surface for a short time, as they are washed off with water. Ideal for preserving parts.

electrically conductive

Designed to service the on-board electrical network of vehicles. Protects wire connections, relays, battery terminals, etc. from the formation of corrosion centers on them.

high temperature

Its main feature is resistance to high temperatures. The lubricant does not lose its properties even when heated to 1000 degrees or more. It contains powders of various metals, often nickel or copper.

Lithium

molybdenum

They are ideal for lubricating moving parts, as they cover their surfaces with a thin, protective film that prevents scuffing and provides effective heat dissipation.

This and all the basic lubricant that will be required to service the vehicle. As you can see, these lubricants are not interchangeable, so it is extremely important not to make a mistake with the area of ​​\u200b\u200bits use, since this can seriously harm.

Features of the design of wheel bearings

Since wheel bearings have several design options, before deciding what to lubricate and how to do it correctly, it would be more logical to familiarize yourself with their device.

All hub bearings, regardless of whether they are located in the front or rear of the car, are part of the design of the driving or driven wheels, are constantly subjected to high temperature and mechanical loads. Accordingly, they must be made of high-strength materials that will ensure stable and reliable operation of the bearing throughout the entire period of operation.

Bearings used in car hubs can be:

• conical roller;
• ball.

They have both their pros and cons. However, their performance and service life depend solely on the operating conditions and the magnitude of the load. With insufficient or no lubricant, steel parts are produced faster. Each type of wheel bearing requires a specific lubricant, which should be properly selected. Note that in addition to lubrication, the durability of the element is also affected by how correctly it is installed.

For each type of bearing, the manufacturer indicates its own tightening torque, which must be observed, because if the part is overtightened, it will still jam after a certain period of time due to constant overheating. An element that is not tightened enough simply crumbles.

We emphasize that it is impossible to independently calculate the required tightening torque. For example, a two-row design should be tightened so that the balls move freely in their tracks. Only under this condition will the part work normally and it will not jam.

When to lubricate, and which lubricant to choose?

The regulations of automakers set the period for replacing the lubricant of the moving elements of the hub, which is 35-45 thousand kilometers, depending on the intensity and operating conditions of the vehicle. Subject to this rule, even if the parts are regularly lubricated with at least Litol-24, serious problems should not arise with them.

However, there are quite a few lubricants for hub bearings, and what is suitable for one vehicle model is not necessarily suitable for another. The technical book of the car contains recommendations regarding the use of lubricant for various units and assemblies. For wheel bearings, grease is selected according to the following criteria:

1. Steel grade.
2. Load value.
3. Vehicle usage intensity.
4. Part type.
5. Speed ​​and frequency of rotation.
6. Protected from dirt and moisture.

For most wheel bearings, ordinary high-temperature lithium greases are fine. Material with poor heat resistance will leak out of the element over time, causing it to function dry. It is strictly forbidden to mix lubricants, as they are intended for different types of bearings, and work in different conditions.

As part of the publication, it is also worth touching on the issue of lubricant dosage. It is worth noting that before lubrication, the hub bearing must be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with gasoline. Both excess and lack of lubrication will adversely affect the operation of the hub moving element. In the first case, excess material will fall out of the cage, and in the second case, the bearing may simply jam. The optimal amount of lubricant is indicated in the technical book of the vehicle.

How to lubricate a wheel bearing

The procedure for removing the hub should be familiar to more and less experienced motorists. To carry it out, you need a standard set of locksmith tools. Let's talk more about how to lubricate a wheel bearing. Before performing this procedure, you must prepare the following consumables:

• new hub nuts;
• oil seals;
• lubricant;
• washing liquid (for example, gasoline);
• rag.

The hub is removed from the car as follows:

1. The car is jacked up from the side where repairs will be carried out, after which the wheel is removed.
2. The hub cap is unscrewed and removed.
3. The brake mechanism is removed, after which the hub nuts are unscrewed and the lock washer is dismantled.
4. The bearing cage must then be removed.
5. Now you can dismantle the hub.

Before lubricating the bearing, it must be wiped with a rag and washed with gasoline, after which lubricant should be applied. Assembly is carried out in reverse order.

How to lubricate a non-collapsible hub?

You can lubricate the bearing without removing the hubs, since most of them are not collapsible. In their design, the bearing and hub flange are a single piece. Lubrication is very difficult, and according to most motorists, such a procedure is unacceptable. However, it is possible and necessary to lubricate the bearings of non-separable hubs.

To perform this procedure, you will need a special syringe, with which the grease is pressed into the part. But, there is another way: with a small-diameter drill, several holes should be drilled in the metal plate that closes the element, and the necessary amount of lubricant should be pressed through them using a medical syringe. After this, the holes should be sealed with sealant or cold welding.

There is nothing difficult in servicing wheel bearings, but the benefits of its implementation are quite tangible, since it allows you to extend the operating life of the element.

Probably, most drivers drive on the principle of “breakdown to breakdown”, without realizing that they could save on expensive spare parts. But additional drafts are not the worst, since the technical condition of the vehicle also determines the safety of both the driver and his passengers. And your own health is much more important than any bills.

Be that as it may, it is simply necessary to inspect the car in time and change its worn out components. Especially considering that the device of many cars quite allows you to do such operations with your own hands. The most important condition for the safety of automotive control is the timely replacement of the lubricant for the hub bearings. Experts recommend removing the hub bearings and changing the lubricant after a run of 20-30 thousand kilometers.

1. What should be the lubricant for the hub?

Almost all rotating components of a vehicle contain bearings. No exception and the hubs of automobile wheels. In the classical sense (for example, in cars from the manufacturer VAZ) they have two tapered roller bearings. At the same time, the bearing cones “look” in opposite directions and this allows you to control the degree of clamping using the adjusting nut. For example, if it happened that the bearings were worn out a little and a strong play appeared on the wheels, then this play can be eliminated simply by tightening the nut.

It should be understood that structurally the bearings in the hub are located in a closed cage (and closed on both sides). And this space in the middle of the cage must always be filled with special grease.

Now in our market there is a great variety of both brands and names of lubricants for wheel hub bearings. Usually, lubricants such as Litol-24 and similar analogues or substitutes are used. But whatever lubricant the driver chooses, it must meet certain requirements and have parameters appropriate for the car. So, what should be the lubricant for the hub?

When choosing and buying hub grease, be sure to pay attention to its characteristics:

1. Viscosity and strength- parameters that characterize the ability of the lubricant to adhere to the surfaces of automotive parts, and determine the fluidity of lubricants. Usually, the higher the viscosity of the lubricant and the more fluid it is, the better, because it will simultaneously cover all surfaces of the bearings and will not interfere with the movements of moving elements.

2. Lubrication ability- a parameter that determines the maximum reduction in the friction force of wheel hub parts. This quality is extremely important for any lubricant, but as for the hubs, here it is simply irreplaceable, since the movement of the entire car also depends on the movement of the wheels. And, if the lubricant for the hubs has low lubricity, then the car will start to move jerkily, which often leads to sad consequences.

3. Resistance to temperature changes- characterizes the ability of the lubricant to maintain its parameters with changes in temperature conditions. It is extremely important that on frosty winter days the grease does not thicken, and on hot summer days it does not become too liquid and does not lose its viscosity properties. And in the first, and in the second case, this does not lead to anything good.

4. Stability of lubricant properties under mechanical and physico-chemical influences- this property of the lubricant makes it possible to preserve its internal structure under strong influence from the external environment (for example, the impact of parts of different designs).

5. Anti-wear properties- characteristics that determine the ability of the lubricant to reduce and withstand severe wear of parts. Of course, sooner or later the parts of the wheel hubs will still wear out and need to be replaced, but with high-quality lubrication, this will have to be done much less frequently. And this is also an additional savings on components.

6. Ability to resist corrosion- characterizes the degree of protection of bearings and other parts of the hub from corrosion. This property is extremely important for all car parts, because it is the main enemy of metal.

If you choose original lubricants from well-known car manufacturers, you can be sure that they have been thoroughly tested and fully comply with all requirements. We recommend purchasing just such lubricants. Although they cost a little more, you will save on a full replacement in the future, which will be needed much faster if you use low-quality lubricant. Replacing the lubricant for the hubs is carried out after their complete dismantling and disassembly.

2. How to remove the hub to change the bearing grease.

How to remove the hub? This question is ever asked by all drivers who are accustomed to independently inspect and maintain their vehicle. The procedure for dismantling and reassembling wheel hubs is not complicated. By doing it once, you can easily repeat this process in the future when you re-service. To remove the hub, you will need the following tools:

1. A standard list of auto tools that can be found in any garage (different keys, hammers, etc.).

2. Workbench equipped with a vise.

3. Jack.

4. If you need to replace the bearings, then special bearing pullers will not be superfluous. But in the absence of such a puller, it will be possible to get by with improvised means from your garage.

You will also need some Consumables:

1. New grease for wheel hubs.

2. Kerosene or gasoline for washing parts.

3. New nuts and a set of seals for the hubs.

4. Some rags (preferably clean and light colors).

Let's move on to the process itself. Wheel hubs are removed in the following order:

1. Lock the vehicle with the parking brake.

2. Using a jack, lift the part of the car from the side of the wheel in which the hub must be removed.

3. Remove the car wheel.

4. Remove the metal hub cap.

5. Unscrew and hang the caliper from the brake mechanism.

6. Unscrew the hub nuts, remove the thrust washer and the outer bearing cage.

7. Dismantle directly the hub. When doing this, you must hold the brake disc so that it does not fall.

After the hub has been removed, the bearings are available for work and the following steps must be performed on a workbench. It is worth noting that the oil seals behind the internal bearings must be changed at every maintenance, since their service life is much less than the service life of the bearings, and the presence of lubrication in the hubs and its quality depend on this element. Do not worry, their cost is low, so it won’t hit your pocket too hard. Checking or replacing bearings is carried out in the following order:

1. Remove seals.

2. Remove separator from inner bearing.

3. Wipe all the cavities of the hub, outer races and bearing separators with a prepared rag, rinse all the elements with gasoline and wipe everything thoroughly again.

4. Inspect the surface of all working parts of the rollers and bearing cages. It should be smooth and clean. If damage is suddenly found (scratches, shells and burrs), then the bearings must be replaced. If no such damage was found, you can proceed to lubricate the bearings.

5. Copiously lubricate cages with rollers with grease and install in their original place.

6. Press in seals.

7. Pour grease between the bearings (about 40 grams) and finally assemble the hub in the reverse order to disassembly.

When reassembling the wheel hub, it is very important to correctly adjust all the nuts so that there is neither excessive tightening nor excessive play.

3. How to choose the right hub bearing grease?

With the replacement of lubricant, everything is clear, because the procedure is simple and quite feasible for any motorist. Probably, this procedure is much easier to carry out than choosing the right lubricant. So, how to choose the right wheel hub lubricant?

Many motorists, and even car service specialists, are constantly arguing about which lubricant is better. Indeed, in any automotive store you can find just a huge number of different lubricants only for hubs. And if you add another n-th amount of lubricants for the rest of the car components to this, then it’s not difficult to get confused in such a variety.

- This is a basic lubricant that guarantees the operation of the chassis of the car at a very good level. If you do not know which lubricant to choose, choose Litol-24. In any case, pay attention to the recommendations from the manufacturers of your particular bearings (there are instructions on the packages on which lubricant to use). So you can't really guess. We do not recommend experimenting with lubricating emulsions that are not intended for wheel bearings, but for other elements of the car. These greases serve different purposes in different conditions of use, so they may well damage bearings.

Advice! When relubricating bearings, pay attention to how the old grease looks. If the old grease has dried, cracked, or lumped and the bearing rollers are completely dry, do not use that grease again. Replace it with another and preferably from another manufacturer. A responsible manufacturer will never allow their lubricants to behave in this way.

Lubricant protects the hub bearing from rapid wear and failure. When choosing a tool, you need to figure out what types of lubricant for wheel bearings are and how to lubricate the part with your own hands.

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Lubricant Requirements

Only high-quality grease should be used to process hub bearings. The effective operation of the lubricant will prevent rapid wear of the part, helping to increase its service life.

Consider the requirements for substances that will allow you to find out which lubricant is best suited for use:

1. At high temperatures the product should not spread. In the hot season, the asphalt heats up to 70 degrees during the day, while the brake system functions in friction conditions. When the loads on the bearing arrangement increase, the temperature of the assembly can rise up to 140 degrees. Lubrication must work effectively in such conditions.
2. At low negative temperatures, the lubricant should not become too thick. If the substance thickens, this causes the balls or rollers in the bearings to be unable to move, as a result they begin to slide. Seizures appear and rapid wear of parts occurs. Accordingly, the lubricant must be plastic at a temperature of 40 degrees below zero.
3. As a result of vehicle wheels coming into contact with water, hubs often operate in high humidity conditions. Poor-quality lubricant, upon contact with moisture, may lose its properties and characteristics, and begin to spread. A good product will not only continue to work in high humidity conditions, but will also effectively protect the metal components of the brake system from corrosion.
4. Experts recommend using lubricants that change their consistency in accordance with operating conditions - with strong heat or high loads. When driving at high speed, the wheels of the vehicle rotate quickly, which leads to heating of the bearing devices. Because of this, a quality substance liquefies and lubricates the parts more intensively. When the speed is reset, the reverse process occurs.
5. The composition of the lubricant must be chemically stable and not adversely affect polymer and rubber elements. Otherwise, the grease will destroy the anthers and seals.
6. It is desirable that the lubricant can retain all its characteristics during long-term operation. This will increase the service life of bearing parts up to 10 thousand kilometers.

Types of automotive greases

The choice of water-repellent and moisture-resistant materials that can effectively lubricate rolling bearings is very large. When buying a lubricant, do not pay attention to its color. It can be blue, red or transparent, but it doesn't matter. If you need to lubricate parts, you need to look at the name of the product and its technical characteristics.

Preservative lubricants

Preservative lubricant belongs to the category of the simplest varieties. It is used to treat metal surfaces and protect them from corrosion. This product is suitable for lubricating bearing assemblies and other metal parts and mechanisms, but preservatives do not have a long service life. They usually wash off quickly with water. Their use is more relevant for the conservation of parts.

Electrically conductive lubricants

Initially, such tools were developed to service the electrical network of cars. They are designed to lubricate battery terminals, relays, fuses and other electrical connections. Effectively protect metal components from the effects of corrosion, so they can be used for processing wheel bearings.

Lithium greases

The basis of such compositions is lithium mixed with organic acids. When a thickener is added to the base of the substance, this contributes to the formation of a substance that the car owner can easily scoop up with his finger. In this case, the substance does not pour out of the container in which it is sold.

Today, lithium greases are considered the best choice for wheel bearings operating under frictional conditions:

1. The main advantage of lithium lubricants is durability. Even after 100 thousand kilometers, the tool will perform its functions, although with such a mileage, experts recommend changing it.
2. These tools provide load reduction, which prevents rapid wear of parts and structural components of the brake system. As a result, the service life of bearing mechanisms is increased to a maximum.

User Andrey Toskin provided a video in which he showed the procedure for testing lubricants for hub bearings at an air temperature of -50 degrees.

The disadvantages include:

1. Average resistance to rust when compared to other types of lubricants. Therefore, when the tightness of the parts housing is broken, it is recommended to replace the lubricant.
2. Organic acids, which are present in the composition of the substance, during operation can destroy polymer compounds.

The lithium-based substance is produced by several manufacturers, the most popular of which are VeryLube, Renolit, British Premium. Among domestic manufacturers, Litol-24 grease can be distinguished, which has established itself as a good Russian analogue of expensive foreign products. This tool copes well with work under conditions of high loads and elevated temperatures, which leads to an increase in the service life of mechanisms. We also attribute prevalence to the advantages - you can buy Litol-24 at any store with automotive chemicals.

Molybdenum lubricants

Waterproof substances developed on the basis of molybdenum disulfide are considered the most effective:

1. Such products fight well with high friction forces, which helps to increase the service life of bearing parts.
2. Molybdenum lubricants protect components and mechanisms from corrosion no less effectively. After being applied to the working surface, the lubricant forms a protective film and prevents the effects of oxidizing agents on the parts.
3. The service life of the substance is approximately 100 thousand kilometers, as is the service life of most bearings. Once you have treated the part with it, you can forget about reusing the lubricant.

But molybdenum substances also have their disadvantages:

1. The main disadvantage is the interaction with moisture, although most products are considered waterproof. If the bearing housing is intact and sealed, then there will be no problems with the use of grease. In the event of depressurization, the car owner will have to completely change the lubricant and diagnose the condition of parts with rubbing surfaces.
2. Also, molybdenum products quickly become contaminated.
3. The abrasive components that are part of their composition significantly reduce the quality of the material as a whole. As a result, its fight against friction becomes ineffective over time.

Sometimes molybdenum greases show poor results when working at elevated temperatures. If an aggressive or sporty driving style is preferred, then experts recommend periodically checking the condition of the bearing parts.

Among domestic manufacturers of lubricants, we single out SHRUS-4 and Fiol, these substances have proven themselves to be inexpensive and effective products. Foreign companies are also engaged in the production of molybdenum substances, including Esso, Mobil, Liqui Moly, Texaco, etc.

High temperature lubricants

Designed specifically to work in conditions of high friction and heavy loads. The base of the substance is copper and nickel compounds in powder form.

Lubrication Benefits:

1. In practice, bearing parts treated with this agent can function efficiently and without failure even under extreme thermal conditions.
2. Lubrication performs well in emergency braking.
3. Due to the presence of additional additives in the base, the liquid resists oxidative processes and the formation of corrosion.
4. Considered waterproof.

Judging by user reviews, there are no shortcomings in high-temperature lubricants.

One of the most popular products is MC 1510 BLUE grease. This tool is characterized by high oxidative stability. The maximum operating temperature is 350 degrees, which is almost 100 more than its counterparts.

Photo gallery

1. Blue MC 1510 for wheel bearings 2. Lubricant Mobil for machining parts 3. Substance for bearing devices Liqui Moly

What should not be used to lubricate bearings?

It should be taken into account that not all lubricants can treat plain and rolling bearings in the brake and timing system.

For example, grease is not the best option for this purpose. It is not able to compensate for the friction of elements and mechanisms at large temperature differences.

The following types of funds are not allowed:

1. . Such a substance works well in conditions of high loads. But it contains abrasive elements, which, after application, quickly destroy the metal components of bearing parts.
2. Lubricants developed on the basis of a silicone or vaseline base. In practice, such substances quickly lose their antifriction characteristics as a result of an increase in the operating temperature of the assembly to 60 degrees. This threshold is not enough for bearings.
3. Products based on sodium and calcium compounds are not suitable for processing wheel bearing parts. They reduce friction between work surfaces, but do not protect them from the effects of rust.
4. SHRUS-4. The use of this lubricant is allowed, but not recommended by many experts. According to reviews, its operation is more relevant in coarse hinge joints and mechanisms.
5. Professionals do not advise using substances that contain zinc or iron. Such lubricants are developed for rolling bearings, but their use is more relevant in industrial equipment.
6. Means based on hydrocarbons. These products belong to the conservation category. In practice, they do not always show good properties when working in highly loaded nodes.

Application of lubricants

According to the regulations of most automotive manufacturers, the lubricant use resource is indicated in the region of 35-45 thousand kilometers. Here it is necessary to take into account also the intensity and operating conditions of the car. If you follow the rules and constantly use, for example, a simple Litol-24, then there should be no problems in the operation of the bearings.

Not all lubricants are suitable for use in certain cars. Before buying and using, you must familiarize yourself with the operating conditions for various components and mechanisms, which are indicated in the service book.

User Yuri Rogotsky in his video suggests that you familiarize yourself with the procedure for lubricating the front wheel bearings using the example of a Mercedes 208 car.

When buying grease for wheel bearings, the following criteria must be considered:

1. Steel grade. An important role is played by the type of iron from which the part is made.
2. Load parameter. Special lubricants are purchased for use in highly loaded units.
3. Intensity of car use. If the machine is operated very often, it is necessary to choose an appropriate tool designed to work under conditions of constant loads.
4. The type of bearing to be machined.
5. The frequency of rotation of the part, as well as its speed.
6. Protection of the device from water and dirt.

As practice shows, in most cases, conventional high-temperature lubricants are suitable for bearing parts. If the substance is not resistant to high temperatures, then after lubrication it will quickly flow out of the part, which will lead to the bearing running dry.

It should be noted that mixing lubricants is not allowed, especially if they are intended for use in different types of parts. Before use, the car owner must thoroughly clean and rinse the spare part with fuel in order to rid it of the remnants of old grease. As for the dosage, both a lack and an excess of a substance will lead to incorrect operation of the wheel bearing. With a lack of lubrication, the part will jam over time, due to which it will not be able to perform its functions. With an excess, the lubricant will be squeezed out of the device. You can find out exactly how much substance is needed to lubricate the mechanism in the technical manual for the tool.

How to lubricate a wheel bearing?

Let us briefly dwell on how to properly process the bearing device.

Tools

To complete the task you will need:

• oil seals;
• lubricant;
• rags;
• hub nuts;
• hammer;
• set of wrenches;
• puller or screwdriver with a flat tip;
• flushing liquid, for example, diesel fuel or gasoline.

You can learn about how the procedure for self-lubricating the hubs looks like from the video filmed by the Tehno world rus channel.

Stages of work

Bearings are lubricated as follows:

1. The vehicle is placed on a flat surface. The handbrake is activated.
2. It is necessary to jack up the front or rear of the car, depending on which bearing needs to be lubricated. The wheel bolts are unscrewed with a balloon wrench, and it is dismantled.
3. Using a socket head and an elongated wrench, you need to loosen the nut located on the hub.
4. It is necessary to dismantle the brake disc, while the hub itself must be disconnected from the steering knuckle. After that, the nut that fixes the hub can be completely unscrewed.
5. Using a hammer, the part is knocked out of the axle shaft.
6. The bearing device is pressed into the holder. It must be dismantled. To do this, you will need a special tool - a puller or a screwdriver with a flat blade. The ring in the clip may stick to the seat. If so, then it must be treated with WD-40 liquid.
7. After dismantling the bearing, the old lubricant is washed out, for this you can use gasoline, diesel fuel or kerosene. It is also necessary to rinse the part itself, the seat and the clip. After cleaning with a rag, the remaining liquid is removed; for this, clean rags are used so that dirt does not remain on the mechanisms.
8. The part is being lubricated. The substance in the amount of 30-40 grams must be applied to the separator. Using a screwdriver, you need to process the entire surface of the part.
9. After that, the bearing is mounted in the seat of the hub using an appropriate mandrel or holder of the old device. Then the bearing must be centered with the cage. The assembly procedure is carried out in reverse order. If the vehicle is equipped with drum brakes, lubrication is carried out in the same way. Only in this case, the dismantling of the part is carried out without removing the hub from the machine.

You can also use grease to process bearings installed in non-separable hubs. In such designs, the bearing part and the assembly flange are made in one housing. To lubricate the bearing with a substance, you need a syringe, a product is poured into it, which subsequently goes into the mechanism itself. Alternatively, you can drill several holes in the steel plate that covers the part with a drill. Through them, the lubricant is poured inside with the same syringe. After processing, the drilled holes must be closed with sealed glue or cold welding.

Motorists can breathe a sigh of relief, because the times when lithol was the only lubricant for all occasions are long gone. But now there is another problem. It consists in a huge assortment, which makes it problematic to figure out which lubricant is best used for bearings.

A wide choice is not a disadvantage, since it allows the use of different compositions depending on the specific situation and tasks facing the bearing.

Not everyone wants to understand in detail the performance characteristics and physico-chemical properties of different products. This was done for them by specialized specialists and other motorists. Based on their experience and opinion, all kinds of lists and ratings of the best bearing lubricants are formed. They simplify the tasks of choosing, and also allow you to purchase a proven, really high-quality and well-proven product.

Rating categories

To make the choice even easier, the rating has been divided into several subcategories. Each of them has formed its own group of leaders, who are preferred by car enthusiasts and specialists in the field of maintenance of units, where one of the key components is the bearing.

• lubricants for high load units;
• general purpose lubricants;
• greases;
• oils and special coatings.

Now it remains only to look at the favorites and leaders of each of the categories.

High Load Lubricants

Often, these greases have a slightly lower kinematic viscosity compared to general purpose greases. Reducing the viscosity allows for better penetration into friction pairs. Even in lubricants for highly loaded systems, a larger amount of additives with an antifriction effect is used.

The recognized leaders in this segment are the following compositions:

• Motul Tech Grease 300. This is a multifunctional one that has a good operating temperature range. The downside is the high cost. But here it is not a mineral base that is used, but a semi-synthetic one, which can justify a slightly overpriced price tag. Antifriction tasks are carried out due to the lithium complex. It has one of the best anti-friction properties and excellent resistance to moisture and water. Excellent for heavy duty bearing applications. Although, in terms of anti-seize properties, it is slightly inferior to competitors in the rating.

  

• SKF LGWA 2. This is a grease that is developed and produced by one of the market leaders in the manufacture of bearings themselves. That is, the company knows perfectly well what it does and what product is needed for the operation of such mechanisms. The composition is based on mineral oil, which is thickened with lithium additives. But do not confuse with ordinary lithol. The presented grease has exemplary temperature stability, withstanding peak loads up to 220 degrees Celsius. The composition also copes well with moisture, does not wash out and does not react with water. For heavy duty bearing applications, this is one of the best options. There is only one major problem. It is quite difficult to find this SKF lubricant on the Russian market, plus the price is not the lowest. But you definitely will not regret if you treat the bearings with such a composition.

  

• Mobilgrease Special. Product from an American manufacturer. In many ways one of the best options for which grease would be best to lubricate various bearings that operate in conditions of constant vibration. The developers have specially adapted the composition for high vibration loads. Therefore, grease is actively used in bearings of excavators, cranes, construction equipment and ordinary cars. The composition includes molybdenum disulfide, which minimizes the wear of the assembly components. The special composition of lithium prevents lubricant leakage. The consistency is extremely thick, which allows you to effectively cling to the inside of the bearing. There are no problems with adhesion. But temperature stability is not exemplary. Spreading of the composition is possible when the metal is heated above 130 degrees Celsius. And the solidification temperature is about -20.

  

• Renolil Duraplex 2 by Fuchs. Consists of high quality oils and thickeners based on lithium. With the help of an additive package, the stability of the composition and resistance to extreme loads were increased. An excellent performance product for bearings subjected to constant rotation and high temperatures. The mixture also has decent anti-corrosion resistance and does not interact with moisture. The grease is not washed out even when direct water pressure is applied to the bearing. The operating temperature range is from -30 to +160 degrees Celsius. Withstands temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius for a short time.

  

• Valvoline Moly Fortified MP Grease. If you are interested in the best grease designed for rolling and plain bearings operating in high humidity conditions, then you should pay attention to the product of a company from the Netherlands. The composition is based on molybdenum disulfide. The main advantage lies in exemplary moisture resistance. The lubricant does not oxidize even when a direct pressure of water is applied, it does not break out, does not provoke the formation of corrosion, and reliably preserves the metal components of the bearings. Another substance shows itself perfectly in conditions of shock regular loads. It is recommended for use on bearings of industrial equipment, cars, machine tools, agricultural machinery, which are operated at a high level of humidity. Due to the poor resistance to contamination in the design of the bearing, the presence of a protective boot is recommended.

  

• Luqui Moly LM50. According to many experts and motorists, this is the market leader in lubricants. If you are interested in which grease will perform better in sealed bearing conditions, then the answer will be the development from Liqui Moly. It is a high temperature lubricant with excellent extreme pressure properties. Stably retained in a pair of friction, absolutely resistant to washing out, not afraid of water, protects against corrosion. Although the temperature range from -30 to +160 degrees Celsius cannot be called a record, it is still enough for most bearings to work. With all its obvious advantages, even the price was not the weak point of this lubricant.

  

General Lubricants

• Castrol LMX Li Complexfett. The composition is distinguished by a plastic gel structure, due to which it easily penetrates into bearings. A lithium complex was used as a thickener, and the base consisted of mineral oil. Additional additives are used. In fact, this is an excellent grease oriented for use in power tool bearings. But this does not prevent adding such a composition to automotive bearings. The tool is characterized by high mechanical stability and long-term preservation of its initial physical and chemical properties. When the metal is heated, the composition does not flow out. Lubrication adapted to work at high speed. It is almost impossible to knock out or wash the product, which indicates a high level of adhesion.

  

• BP Energy LSEP2. Developed by British specialists. They position this grease as a tool for processing bearings on machine tools, although they also actively use it in automotive bearings. A lubricant was created on highly refined oils with the addition of inhibitors and antifriction additives. It is well pumped, has high shear stability, and easily tolerates vibration loads. The temperature limit is average, and is up to +140 degrees Celsius.

  

• Gazpromneft EP2. Quite unexpectedly for many, a domestic product got into the top among the best lubricants for bearings. The tool turned out to be cheap, but quite effective. In fact, this is the popular Litol 24, but diluted with a special package of additives to increase stability and improve physical and chemical characteristics. Due to the improvement of the composition, the temperature range has increased to 130 degrees Celsius. Antifriction properties are not at the highest level, but for a number of rolling and sliding bearings, Russian-made grease is perfect.

  

• Muc Off Bio Grease. Lubricant manufacturers also think about the environment. This product is based on biodegradable ingredients. It is worth immediately focusing on the fact that this type of lubricant is intended for lightly loaded nodes. The manufacturer even positions the composition as a means of processing and maintaining bicycles. The lubricant has a moderately thick composition, penetrates well into friction pairs, and is not afraid of water. Molybdenum disulfide is used as the main component. The price tag is far from small, but if you need to lubricate a lightly loaded bearing, as well as get a high-performance grease for household tasks, this will be a worthy choice.

  

The consumer himself must decide which lubricant will be best specifically for his car and the bearings used. To do this, you need to know the type of bearing, its operating conditions, loads and other factors.

The best greases

Next, we move on to a separate subcategory, which contains high-quality and effective plastic-type lubricants. They are the best suited for processing sealed bearings, which are based on rolling or sliding.

You should definitely look at which composition is the most efficient, and will provide your car with reliable and stable operation of all bearings.

• Efele MG 211. High performance lithium based EP grease. Ideal for bearing units operating under high loads. The temperature operating range is from -30 to +120 degrees Celsius. The grease has been widely used in vehicle undercarriage components, machine tools, industrial equipment, electric motors, etc. It is characterized by excellent extreme pressure capabilities, is not afraid of water, the composition is resistant to flushing, boasts an exemplary service life.

  

• Molykote Multilub. Lithium grease for a wide range of applications providing long lasting lubrication of machined parts. The temperature range is not exemplary, but the limits from -25 to +120 degrees Celsius are quite acceptable for many situations. It is used in friction units of the undercarriage of machines, in bearings of automobiles, fans, electric motors, ball screws, machine tools for metalworking, etc. It performs well in wet environments, does not wash out with water, and has a rich set of anti-corrosion and anti-wear additives.

  

• Mobilelux EP2. Another example of a quality and efficient lithium grease adapted to heavy duty applications. Temperature operating range from -20 to 130 degrees Celsius. Suitable for use in automobiles, industrial equipment, bushings. The composition perfectly manifests itself in conditions of increased loads, high speeds and shock loads. The agent contains high-quality anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties, is not washed out with water even under conditions of prolonged constant exposure.

  

• Renolit EP2. Multifunctional lithium grease, which includes extreme pressure and. The current operating temperature range is from -25 to 130 degrees Celsius. In many ways, it resembles the previous lubricant, has the same properties and capabilities.

  

• Shell Gadus S2 V100 2. Lithium-based multipurpose grease. Interestingly, the manufacturer indicates only an upper temperature limit of 130 degrees Celsius. Lubrication is widely used in bearings of electric motors, water pumps. Recommended for use in sealed bearings that are lubricated only once during the entire period of operation. The strengths include high anti-corrosion, oxidative and mechanical stability.

  The main difficulty lies in choosing a lubricant in accordance with the characteristics of the bearing itself, the assembly in which it is located and functioning, taking into account operating conditions and expected loads. Do not forget that in addition to the main loads that are relevant during stable operation, there are also peak loads. Whether lubrication will cope with them is also a big question, which should be answered in advance.