Greases are divided by. Greases

Greases are divided by. Greases

2.Purpose, composition and production of greases
Greases are intended for use in friction points where oil is not retained or where continuous oil replenishment cannot be ensured.
Plastic (consistent) lubricants are a special class of lubricants that are obtained by thickening lubricating oils (dispersion medium) with solids (dispersion phase). In this system, the solid phase (thickener) forms a structural frame that holds the liquid dispersion medium in its cells. Fatty salts of soft metals are used as such a structural framework.

3. But soap, paraffin or pigment can also be used. The name of the metal, as a rule, is transferred to the lubricant itself - sodium, calcium, lithium, barium, magnesium, zinc, strontium, etc.
If the dispersion medium (oil) accounts for the bulk (70-95%), then the dispersion phase (thickener) is 5-30%.
Under given conditions, such a lubricant is in a plastic, ointment-like state. When a certain limit temperature is reached, the grease melts and separates.
Greases do not flow from inclined and vertical surfaces and are retained in friction units under the action of high loads and inertial forces.

4. Greases are widely used as protective, sealing, anti-friction and anti-wear materials.
The dispersed medium in greases accounts for 70-95% of the mass, as a rule, these are mineral oils. To obtain a larger operating temperature range, synthetic fluids such as silicones and diesters are used.
In addition to the dispersion medium and thickener, lubricants may contain stabilizers and modifiers of the colloidal structure, additives and fillers to impart or improve functional properties, as well as dyes. The action of a lubricant is much more complex than that of an oil. Therefore, for a competent choice of a particular composition, it is necessary to know its properties.

5.Performance properties of greases. Drop point
In a grease when heated, an irreversible process of destruction of the crystalline framework occurs, and the grease becomes fluid. The transition from a plastic to a liquid state is conditionally expressed by the dropping point, i.e., the temperature at which the first drop of lubricant falls from a standard device when heated. The dropping point of lubricants depends on the type of thickener and its concentration.

6. According to the dropping point, lubricants are divided into refractory (T), medium-melting (C) and low-melting (H). Refractory greases have a drop point above 100 °C; low-melting - up to 65 °C. In order to avoid leakage of lubricant from the friction unit, the dropping point should exceed the temperature of the working unit by 15-20 °C.

7.Mechanical properties
The mechanical properties of lubricants are characterized by the shear strength of lubricants and penetration.
Tensile strength is the minimum specific stress that must be applied to a lubricant in order to change its shape and move one layer of lubricant relative to another. At lower loads, greases retain their internal structure and deform elastically like solids, while at high pressures, the structure breaks down and the lubricant behaves like a viscous liquid.

8.Tensile strength depends on the temperature of the lubricant - with increasing temperature, it decreases. This indicator characterizes the ability of the lubricant to be retained in friction units, to resist discharge under the influence of inertial forces. For operating temperatures, the tensile strength should not be lower than 300-500 Pa.
Penetration is a conditional indicator of the mechanical properties of lubricants, numerically equal to the depth of immersion of the cone of a standard device in them for 5 s. Penetration is a conditional indicator that has no physical meaning and does not determine the behavior of lubricants in operation.

9. At the same time, since this indicator is quickly determined, it is used in production conditions to assess the identity of the formulation and compliance with the lubricant manufacturing technology.
The penetration number characterizes the density of lubricants and ranges from 170 to 420.

10.Effective viscosity
The viscosity of the lubricant at the same temperature can have a different value, which depends on the speed of movement of the layers relative to each other. As the travel speed increases, the viscosity decreases as the thickener particles are oriented in the direction of travel and offer less slip resistance. An increase in the concentration and degree of dispersion of the thickener leads to an increase in the viscosity of the lubricant. The viscosity of the lubricant depends on the viscosity of the dispersed medium and the technology for preparing the lubricant.

11. The viscosity of a lubricant at a certain temperature and travel speed is called effective viscosity and is calculated by the formula
η eff = τ/D
where t is the shear stress; D is the shear rate gradient.
The viscosity index is of great practical importance. It determines the possibility of supplying lubricants and refueling to friction units using various filling devices. The viscosity of the lubricant also determines the energy consumption for its pumping when moving lubricated parts.

12. Colloidal stability
Colloidal stability is the ability of a lubricant to resist segregation.
Colloidal stability depends on the structural skeleton of the lubricant, which is characterized by the size, shape and strength of the bonds of structural elements. Consequently, the viscosity of the dispersion medium affects the colloidal stability: the higher the viscosity of the oil, the more difficult it is for it to flow out.
The release of oil from the lubricant increases with increasing temperature, increasing pressure under the action of centrifugal forces.

13. A strong release of oil is unacceptable, since the lubricant may degrade or completely lose its lubricating properties. To assess colloidal stability, various instruments are used that are capable of extruding oil under load.
Water resistance
Water resistance is the ability of a lubricant to resist water washout. The solubility of a lubricant in water depends on the nature of the thickener. Paraffin, calcium and lithium greases have the best water resistance. Sodium and potassium are water-soluble lubricants.

14.Classification, application and designation of greases
Greases are divided into four groups:
- antifriction - to reduce wear and sliding friction of mating parts;
- conservation - to prevent corrosion during storage, transportation and operation;
- rope - to prevent corrosion and wear of steel ropes;
- sealing - for sealing gaps, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of fittings, cuffs, threaded, detachable and any movable joints.

15.Anti-friction lubricants are the largest group of plastic lubricants and are divided into the following subgroups:
C - general purpose;
O - for elevated temperature;
M - multi-purpose;
Zh - heat-resistant (friction units with operating temperature >150 °C);
H - low-resistance (friction units with operating temperature<40 °С);
And - extreme pressure and antiwear;
X - chemically resistant;
P - instrument;
T - gear (transmission);

16. D - running-in pastes;
Y - highly specialized (industry).
Conservation lubricants are designated with the letter "Z", cable - "K".
Sealing lubricants have three subgroups:
A - reinforcing (for cuffs);
R - threaded;
B - vacuum (for seals in vacuum systems).
Depending on the application, lubricants are divided into: general purpose, multi-purpose and specialized.

17.General Lubricants
Calcium greases have a common name - greases. These are the most massive and cheapest anti-friction lubricants, they are medium-melting. Calcium lubricants are available in the following grades: Solidol Zh, Pressolidol Zh, Solidol S or Pressolidol S.
Solidol C is operational at temperatures from -20 to 65 ° C. Pressolidol C - from -30 to 50 °C.
Sodium and sodium-calcium greases operate in a wider temperature range (from -30 to 110 °C) and are mainly used in rolling bearings.

18. For example, YANZ-2 automotive lubricant is almost insoluble in water, but emulsifies with prolonged use in a humid environment. It is replaced by the universal grease Litol-24.
Universal lubricants are water-resistant and workable in a wide range of temperatures, speeds and loads. They have good preservation properties. Lithium soaps serve as thickeners for them.
Litol-24 - can be used as a single automotive lubricant, it is efficient at temperatures from -40 to 130 ° C.

19. Fiol-1, Fiol-2, Fiol-3 - lubricants are similar to Litol-24, but softer, better retained in friction units.
The world-famous brands Castrol and BP are now in the assortment of Alessio-Auto. Engine oils, brake fluids, greases, coolants, transmission oils, lubricants, specialty products. Specialized lubricants
Specialized lubricants include about 20 brands of lubricants of different quality. They are most effectively used as non-replaceable and non-refillable lubricants during operation.

20. Graphite - used mainly in open nodes.
AM cardan - for universal joints of equal angular velocities (Tract, Rcepp, Weiss) of trucks, prone to leakage from nodes.
SHRUS-4 - for constant velocity joints (Birfield type) of cars; Operable at temperatures from -40 to 130 ° C, water-resistant, has high extreme pressure and anti-wear properties.
ShRB-4 - for sealed suspension and steering joints, operating temperature range from -40 to 130 °C.

21. LSTs-15 - used in splines, hinges and axles of pedal drives, power windows; possesses high water resistance, adhesion (stickiness) to metals, good conservation properties.
Heat resistant lubricants
The working capacity limit of heat-resistant lubricants is from 150 to 250 °C.
Uniol-3M is water-resistant, has good colloidal stability and extreme pressure properties.
CIATIM-221 - can be used at temperatures from -60 to 150 ° C, chemically stable to rubber and polymeric materials.

22. LSTs-15 - used in spline joints, hinges and axles of pedal drives, power windows; possesses high water resistance, adhesion (stickiness) to metals, good conservation properties.

23.Frost-resistant lubricants
Frost-resistant lubricants are efficient in all friction units in the conditions of the Far North and the Arctic.
Zimol is a frost-resistant analogue of Litol-24 lubricant.
Lita is a multi-purpose frost-resistant working and conservation lubricant, waterproof.

The Divinol brand has in its assortment a wide range of greases for automotive components and assemblies. These lubricants will be of particular interest to representatives of car services engaged in comprehensive car maintenance.

Automotive lubricants

Modern cars have complex mechanisms that require the use of various additional materials. Some systems use plastic lubricants. They are distinguished by the presence of thickeners in mineral or synthetic oil. Most often, such substances are used in the manufacture of various bearings.

There are 4 main areas of application of plastic lubricants. The first area of ​​action is the conservation function. At the same time, industrial and automotive lubricants are necessary to protect the elements of mechanisms for a long time.

The second direction of application of the presented substances is the sealing function. In this case, lubricants are applied to the threads and joints of parts. There are also reinforcing substances. They add strength to the elements of the system.

The last area of ​​application for automotive greases is the anti-friction function. During the clutch or brake process, a certain force acts on the parts of the mechanism, which can destroy the working surfaces. To prevent this from happening, anti-friction greases for cars are used.

In order for the mechanisms of equipment or vehicles to serve for a long time, it is necessary to give preference to a manufacturer with a good reputation. Today, the world-class lubricants market leader is the German company Zeller + Gmelin. A lot of positive feedback from consumers and manufacturers of industrial equipment and transport speaks of the high level of quality of these products. The German company produces a wide range of lubricants, the quality of which is confirmed by the results of laboratory tests, quality certificates.

It should also be noted that you should not purchase such funds from unverified implementers. In order not to buy a fake that can harm components and mechanisms, you should only contact an authorized dealer. Our company is called Divinoil Rus LLC. We have received a certificate for the right to sell Zeller + Gmelin brand lubricants in the Russian Federation.
All deliveries are made directly from production in Germany. The company does not manufacture products in other countries. This allows us to carry out quality control of the quality of manufactured products at all stages of the technological cycle. Therefore, lubricants with the same high performance are supplied to any country.

Universal plastic lubricants do not exist. When choosing one or another variety, it is necessary to take into account the operating conditions of the mechanism. If the system operates in the temperature range from -30 to +110 ° C, mineral-based lubricants with a lithium thickener are usually used. If the operating conditions are characterized by high power, speed and a wide temperature range, synthetic-based materials should be preferred.

Lubricant for wheel bearings

Grease for wheel bearings, angular thrust or screw gears is made from mineral oil with calcium complex thickeners. If, however, the components shown exhibit unusual speed (too high or low), infrequent oscillations, severe vibration or shock loading, mineral-based products with a lithium soap thickener and EP additives should be used.

You should also choose the right consistency class. This indicator is determined by the NLGI scale. According to it, thicker lubricants are characterized by high rates, and substances with low consistency - low values. If the lubricant has an indicator of 1 in the marking, this means that it is used at low temperatures and oscillatory movements. Class 2 is the most commonly used. It is suitable for almost all automotive bearings (except for large systems operating at elevated temperatures).

In some cases, the special properties of the grease may be required. To choose the right type of materials you need, you can contact our experienced online managers. They will take into account all the features of the operation of the system and will be able to choose the best product option. For example, if a water resistant lubricant is required, the thickener should be of the calcium type. Appropriate additives will protect metal parts and surfaces from corrosion.

Heat resistant grease for bearings

In hot environments, a high temperature bearing grease may be required. It is able to prevent mechanisms from destruction even under conditions of increased vibration and load.

If you need to install or remove metal structural elements (for example, bolts, valves, chains, bearings, etc.), our company offers to purchase a product such as. It will protect against corrosion, prevent the appearance of scoring. This lubricant prevents caking, welding, creaking or flaking of materials and is highly absorbent.

In addition to plastic lubricants for cars, the company's technologists have developed. Equipment with their use works much longer and more productively. The number of equipment downtime is reduced, and frequent repairs are not required. These factors help to reduce the cost of production, increase the net profit of the organization. In order to select the most suitable type of lubricants, our representatives can go to the site and evaluate all the associated factors in the operation of lubricants. This approach allows you to achieve perfect compatibility of all equipment materials.

Placing an order is very easy. You must submit an online application on our website. Due to the constant availability of the products presented in the catalog in our own warehouse, it is possible to make delivery to the specified address as quickly as possible. You can buy the necessary plastic lubricants wholesale or retail at very competitive prices. We are ready to offer our customers a flexible system of discounts, as well as participation in an affiliate program.

Fill out an application right now and very soon your equipment or car will be protected from premature wear by greases of the highest quality.

Greases were used as early as the 14th century BC. Egyptians for the axles of wooden chariots. They were made from olive oil, mixed with lime.

Modern lubricants are multicomponent structures that meet many, often conflicting requirements, which are put forward by the specifics of the operation of various units.

Greases are used to reduce friction and wear of units in which forced oil circulation is impractical or impossible. Easily penetrating into the contact zone of rubbing parts, lubricants are held on rubbing surfaces without draining from them, as happens with oil. Lubricants are also used as protective or sealing materials.

The advantages of greases include the ability to:

    be held

    Don't leak

    Do not extrude from unsealed friction units

    Wider temperature range than oils

All this makes it possible to simplify the design of friction units, therefore, to reduce their metal consumption and cost. Some lubricants have good sealing ability and good preservation properties.

The main disadvantages are the retention of mechanical and corrosive wear products, which increase the rate of destruction of rubbing surfaces, and poor heat removal from lubricated parts.

According to the field of application, in accordance with GOST, lubricants are divided into the following groups:

  • Anti-friction lubricants - reduce friction and wear of various rubbing surfaces
  • Preservative lubricants - prevent corrosion of metal surfaces of mechanisms during their storage and operation
  • Sealing lubricants - seal and prevent wear of threaded connections and shut-off valves (valves, gate valves, cocks)
  • Rope lubricants – prevent wear and corrosion of steel ropes

In automobiles, multi-purpose anti-friction lubricants are most widely used.

In the former USSR, until 1979, the names of lubricants were set arbitrarily.

As a result, some lubricants received a verbal name (Solidol-S), others - a number (No. 158), and others - the designation of the institution that created them (CIATIM-201, VNIINP-292). In 1979, GOST 23258-78 was introduced (currently in force in Russia), according to which the name of the lubricant must consist of one word and a number.

Abroad, manufacturers enter the name of lubricants arbitrarily due to the lack of a single classification for all in terms of performance indicators (with the exception of the classification by consistency).

This has led to the emergence of a huge range of greases.

Not every grease allows mixing with another, therefore, before laying a new grease, it is recommended to carefully remove the remnants of the old one. This is also necessary because the old grease contains wear products. Domestic cars are lubricated in accordance with their lubrication map. In case of its absence, you can use the table.

friction knot
Grease name
Adjustable wheel bearings, fixed axle bearings
Litol-24, LSC-15, Zimol, Lita
Bearings of the intermediate support of the cardan shaft
Litol-24, LSC-15
Bearings of the generator, starter and other electric motors, axles of the octane-corrector of the ignition distributor
Fiol-2M*, Litol-24, Zimol, No. 158, CIATIM-201
Needle bearings for cardan joints
Fiol-2U*, SHRUS-4*, No. 158
CV joints
SHRUS-4
Suspension and steering joints with grease fittings
ShRB-4, SHRUS-4, Litol-24
Sealed collapsible suspension joints
ShRB-4*
Sealed steering joints
LSC-15*
Sealed non-separable suspension joints
ShRB-4*
Spline connections
LSC-15*, Litol-24
Axles, rollers, plain bearings, loops, sheathed cables
LSC-15*, Litol-24, CIATIM-201
Flexible Speedometer Shaft
CIATIM-201
Turn signal switch
KSB*
Hinges and axles for accelerator pedal drive, clutch release
LSC-15*
Suspension and steering hinges for GAZ passenger cars
VNII NP-242*, Fiol-2U
springs
Graphite, Limol, VNII NP-232
Mounting of parts working in rubber-metal contact
DT-1
Power windows, locks, door locks
LSC-15*

* It is used as a non-replaceable for the entire period of operation.

A fake or lubricant that does not match the name on the package is detected in some cases quite simply.

When you meet a lubricant in a jar or tube with the name of an unknown company in retail, pay attention to the manufacturer's trademark. If this is not on the package, it is advisable to look at the certificate of conformity, where the manufacturer of the lubricant and other valuable information must be indicated (validity date of the certificate, data on the testing laboratory that conducted the analysis, information on the authority that issued the certificate).

For example, you took Litol-24 grease, which causes you doubt. Try lowering a small container with a small amount of lubricant into boiling water. The melting of the tested lubricant means that this is not Litol-24 and its use will certainly cause undesirable consequences for the vehicle components.

The vast majority of modern greases (including lithium ones) have a dropping point well above +100 °C. Specialists are aware of cases of sale of cans with the name SHRUS-4, which were filled with cheap graphite grease, which is a mixture of powdered graphite and Solidol, with a maximum application temperature of +65 ° C.

Foreign manufacturers of greases are mainly large oil refineries known to motorists for their high-quality motor and transmission oils.

© Mikhail Ozherelyev

There are quite a lot of nodes in the car, where for separation rubbing surfaces thick, ointment-like products are used, called greases. They will be discussed.

Greases are used to reduce friction and wear of units in which forced oil circulation is impractical or impossible. For example, wheel and pivot bearings, steering and suspension joints, universal joints and splines, etc. Previously, this list was quite extensive, but today we see that the share of greases among other operating materials in a car is decreasing. The reason for this is the use of maintenance-free units based on innovative structural materials (for example, the replacement of a bushing-pin friction pair with a high-molecular rubber hinge). However, where there is no alternative to the use of ointment-like products, today the most stringent requirements are imposed on them, including environmental ones. It often happens that for each specific unit, whether it is a fifth wheel coupling or cab suspension joints, only a certain brand of operating material is recommended. How to choose the right product? This is what we have to figure out.

Both solid and liquid


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

Greases are intermediate in consistency between liquid oils and solid lubricants (graphites, for example). At a low temperature and no load, the lubricant retains the shape given to it earlier, and when heated and under load, it begins to flow weakly - so weakly that it does not leave the friction zone and does not seep through the seals.


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

The main functions of greases do not differ from those assigned to liquid oils. Everything is the same: wear reduction, scuffing prevention, corrosion protection. Specificity only in the field of application: suitability for lubrication of heavily worn friction pairs; the possibility of using in non-sealed and even in open nodes, where there is forced contact with moisture, dust or aggressive media; the ability to adhere firmly to lubricated surfaces. A very important property of greases is their long service life. Some modern products practically do not change their quality indicators for the entire period of work in the friction unit and therefore can be laid one-time, during assembly.

If we talk about the general disadvantages of ointment-like substances, then first of all you should pay attention to the lack of cooling (heat removal) and the removal of wear products from the friction zone. By the way, this is probably why some automakers, when developing such components as, for example, wheel hubs, often prefer gear oils.


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

The simplest grease consists of two components: an oil base (mineral or synthetic) and a thickener, under the influence of which the oil becomes inactive. The thickener is the skeleton of the lubricant. Simplistically, it can be compared with foam rubber holding liquid with its cells. Most often, calcium, lithium or sodium soaps (salts of higher fatty acids) are used as a thickener, the content of which can be from 5 to 30% by weight of the product. The cheapest are calcium greases obtained by thickening industrial mineral oils with calcium soaps - greases. Once they were so common that the word "grease" has become a common designation for grease in general, although this is not entirely correct. Greases do not dissolve in water and have very high antiwear effects, however, they function normally only in units with an operating temperature of up to 50–65 ° C, which greatly limits their use in modern cars. And the most versatile lithols are lubricants obtained by thickening petroleum and synthetic oils with lithium soaps. They have a very high dropping point (about +200°C), are exceptionally moisture resistant and work in almost any load and thermal conditions, which allows them to be used almost everywhere where grease is required.


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

Also, hydrocarbons (paraffin, ceresin, petrolatum) or inorganic compounds (clays, silica gels) can be used as a thickener. Clay thickener, unlike soap, does not soften at high temperatures, so it can often be found in refractory lubricants. But hydrocarbon thickeners are used mainly for the production of conservation materials, since their melting point does not exceed 65°C.

In addition to the base and thickener, the composition of the lubricant includes additives, fillers and structure modifiers. Additives are practically the same as those used in commercial oils (engine and transmission), they are oil-soluble surfactants and make up 0.1-5% by weight of the lubricant. A special place in the additive package is occupied by adhesive, that is, sticky components - they enhance the action of the thickener and increase the ability of the lubricant to stick to the metal. To insure the operation of the lubricant in the limiting thermal and load conditions, sometimes solid and oil-insoluble fillers are introduced into it - as a rule, molybdenum disulfite and graphite. These additives usually give the grease a specific color, such as silver black (molybdenum disulphite), blue (copper phthalocyanide), black (carbon-graphite).


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

Properties and standards

The scope of the lubricant is determined by a large set of indicators, including shear strength, mechanical stability, dropping point, thermal stability, water resistance, etc. But the role of the most important characteristics is assigned to the dropping point and the level of penetration. In fact, it is this pair that is the output parameter for evaluating lubrication.

The dropping point indicates to what extent the lubricant can be heated so that it does not turn into a liquid and, therefore, does not lose its properties. It is measured very simply: a piece of lubricant of a certain mass is heated evenly from all sides, gradually increasing the temperature until the first drop falls from it. The drip line of the lubricant should be 10-20 degrees above the maximum heating temperature of the assembly in which it is used.


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

The term "penetration" (penetration) owes its appearance to the measurement method - the density index of semi-liquid bodies is determined in a device called a penetrometer. To assess the consistency, a metal cone of standard size and shape under its own weight is immersed for 5 seconds in a lubricant heated to a temperature of 25°C. The softer the lubricant, the deeper the cone will go into it and the higher its penetration, and vice versa, harder lubricants are characterized by a lower penetration number. By the way, such tests are used not only in the production of lubricants, but also in the paint and varnish business.


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

Now about the standards. According to the generally accepted classification of lubricants, it is customary to distinguish them by scope and density. Lubricants are divided into four groups according to the scope of application: anti-friction, conservation, sealing and rope lubricants. The first group is divided into subgroups: general purpose lubricants, multi-purpose lubricants, heat-resistant, low-temperature, chemically resistant, instrumental, automotive, aviation lubricants. In relation to the transport sector, anti-friction lubricants are most widely used: multi-purpose (Litol-24, Fiol-2U, Zimol, Lita) and special automotive (LSTs-15, Fiol-2U, SHRUS-4).


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

To distinguish products by consistency, the American classification NLGI (National lubricating Grease Institute) is used all over the world, which divides lubricants into 9 classes. The division criterion is the level of penetration. The higher the grade, the thicker the product. Greases used in automobiles are more often classified in the second, less often in the first class. Semi-fluid products recommended for use in central lubrication systems are divided into two separate classes. They are designated by codes 00 and 000.


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

Previously, in our country, the name of lubricants was set arbitrarily. As a result, some lubricants received a verbal name (Solidol-S), others - a numbered one (No. 158), and others - the designation of the institution that created them (CIATIM-201, VNIINP-242). In 1979, GOST 23258-78 was introduced, according to which the name of the lubricant should consist of one word and an alphanumeric index (for various modifications). Domestic petrochemists adhere to this rule today. As for imported products, there is currently no single classification for all manufacturers in terms of performance indicators abroad. Most European manufacturers are guided by the German standard DIN-51 502, which establishes the designation of greases, which displays several characteristics at once: purpose, base oil type, additive package, NLGI class and operating temperature range. For example, the designation K PHC 2 N-40 indicates that this grease is designed for lubrication of plain and rolling bearings (letter K), contains antiwear and extreme pressure additives (P), is based on synthetic oil (HC) and refers to the second class of consistency according to NLGI (number 2). The maximum application temperature of this product is +140°C (N), and the lower operating limit is limited to -40°C.


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

Some of the world's manufacturers use their own designation structures. Let's say Shell's grease naming system has the following structure: brand - "suffix 1" - "suffix 2" -
NLGI class. For example, Shell Retinax HDX2 stands for Very High Performance Extremely Heavy Duty (HD) lubricant containing molybdenum disulphite (X) and an NLGI consistency grade 2.

Often on the labels of foreign products there are two designations at once: own marking and a code according to the DIN standard. By analogy with liquid oils, the most complete requirements for operating materials are reflected in the specifications of car manufacturers or component manufacturers (Willy Vogel, British Timken, SKF). The numbers of the corresponding tolerances are also applied to the lubricant label next to the designation of its operational properties, but the basic information on recommended products for use and the timing of their replacement is contained in the vehicle maintenance manual.


© Mikhail Ozherelyev

Lubricants from different manufacturers (even for the same purpose) cannot be mixed, as they may contain additives and other components of different chemical composition. Also, do not mix products with different thickeners. For example, when mixing cast grease (Litol-24) with calcium grease (solid oil), the mixture receives the worst performance properties. Of the automotive greases offered on the market, it is most advisable to choose those recommended by the car manufacturer.

Greases- these are lubricants designed to reduce friction in rolling and sliding units (bearings, hinges, wheel hubs, etc.) operating in a wide temperature range.

To obtain automotive greases, mainly ordinary low- and medium-viscosity petroleum oils such as spindle oil, machine oil, etc. are used, which are thickened. Calcium, sodium or lithium soap serves as a thickener. To improve conservation, anti-wear properties, chemical stability, thermal stability, various additives, fillers and stabilizers are introduced into lubricants in the amount of 0.001 ... 5%.

The main physical and chemical properties of greases that determine their performance are: viscosity (penetration), tensile strength, dropping point, water resistance, colloidal and mechanical stability.

Greases are divided into four groups:

  • anti-friction lubricants
  • conservation lubricants
  • rope lubricants
  • sealing lubricants

Anti-friction lubricants are used to reduce wear and sliding friction of mating parts.

Preservation lubricants used to prevent corrosion of metal products and mechanisms during storage, transportation and operation. They are denoted by the index "Z". Preservative lubricants are used for metal products and mechanisms of all kinds, with the exception of cases requiring the use of preservative oils or hard coatings.

Rope lubricants used to prevent wear and corrosion of steel ropes and cables. They are denoted by the index "K".

Sealing lubricants used for sealing gaps, facilitating the assembly and disassembly of fittings, stuffing boxes, threaded connections and any movable connections, including vacuum systems. Sealing lubricants are divided into three subgroups:

  • reinforcement (index "A")
  • threaded ("P")
  • vacuum ("B")

The designation of a grease briefly characterizes its purpose, composition and properties.

The designation consists of five alphabetic and numeric indices indicating: a group (subgroup) in accordance with the purpose of the lubricant; thickener; recommended temperature range of application; dispersion medium; grease consistency.

Here are examples of the designation of greases:

  • СКА2/8-2: С – general purpose lubricant for normal temperatures (solid oil); Ka - thickened with calcium soap; 2/8 - designed for use at temperatures of -20 ... +80 ° С (lubricant viscosity at -20 ° С is close to 2000 Pa s); no dispersion medium index - prepared with petroleum oil; 2 – penetration 265…295 at 25 °C;
  • MLi 3/13-3: M - multi-purpose; Li - thickened with lithium soap; 3/13 - designed for use at temperatures of -30 ... +130 ° С; the absence of a dispersion medium index indicates that the lubricant was prepared with petroleum oil; 3 – penetration 220…250 at 25 °C.

For passenger cars, the following basic greases are used:

  • "Litol-24" - for wheel hub bearings, a water pump, an intermediate support for cardan shafts, bearing assemblies not affected by water, rear axle gear bearings
  • CIATIM-201 - for breaker-distributor shaft bushings, generator bearings, speedometer flexible shaft, door locks and hinges, etc.
  • grease No. 158 - for needle bearings when assembling cardan joints that do not have grease fittings, electrical equipment and sealed bearings
  • USSA - for leaf springs, sheathed brake cable, tow cable
  • VTV-1 - for wire lugs and terminals, trunk lid torsion bars, hood stop, door opening limiter, fuel tank cap hinges and springs. In aerosol packaging, VTV-1 is also used to lubricate the keyholes of doors and trunk lids.
  • "Fiol-1" (lithium) - for the splined connection of the flange of the front propeller shaft, the control cable of the seat movement sled
  • ShRB-4 - for front suspension ball pins and steering rod joints
  • SHRUS-4 - for joints of equal angular speeds of driving wheels


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