There are four common types of grease used in wheel hub bearings: Lithium grease, calcium-based grease, extreme pressure lithium complex grease, Graphite calcium base grease.
Lithium grease, which is a kind of grease commonly used in the modern automotive industry. It features the characteristics of long life, water resistance and lubrication. It's an alternative to regular butter. It can be used for most of the lubrication of automobiles. Its service life is twice that of calcium base grease.
Calcium-based grease, developed in the 1930s, also known as butter grease——the most common type applied in the current automotive maintenance industry.
Extreme pressure lithium complex grease, is a kind of grease with higher extreme pressure wear resistance than lithium grease. It should be noted that greases, like lubricants, have grades suitable for different ambient temperatures and service conditions. In general, the grades of grease are named based on its thickness, it becomes more thicker when the grade higher. Grade 2# can be used all year round in the south, and 1# can be used in winter in the north. Grade 3# is only suitable for tropical heavy duty vehicles. Strictly speaking, the condition of grease is also affected and restricted by other factors.
Graphite calcium base grease is usually black because of scale graphite. It has the abilities of water resistance and rolling properties. It is especially suitable for lubrication of automobile rear steel plate due to the water resistance and strong endurance. Relevant tests show that the life of car leaf spring lubricated by graphite calcium grease is more than one times that lubricated by ordinary butter.
