What’s lithium grease? What’s the difference between red lithium grease and white lithium grease? What is lithium grease used for?
These are common questions that people working in automotive, mining, manufacturing, and engineering ask frequently. These are understandable queries, as there are many different greases on the market, which can make it difficult to work out which one is best for what purpose. And – importantly – which is the best brand for your needs.
Although two greases may look similar and cost the same, that doesn’t necessarily mean they do an equally good job. That’s why it’s important to understand what greases are and how they work.
We’ve created a guide to help you cut through the jargon and find the perfect lithium grease, including the pros and cons of red vs white lithium grease.
What is grease?
Grease is a lubricant designed for moving parts that don’t need to be lubricated regularly, or where liquid oil can't stay in place, like in rolling element bearings. Grease is made up of several elements, including oil, which can make up to 90% of the total formula.
Oil provides the lubricant component of grease, however, if it was inserted into a moving part it would simply leak out. That’s why the oil needs other substances to hold it, so it can be released slowly into the parts that need lubrication.
What is lithium grease?
There are three parts to grease:
- Base oil (80-90%)
- Thickener (10-15%)
- Performance additives (5-10%)
The oil plays an important role in lubrication, while the thickener determines the physical characteristics of the product. The additives enhance the operating properties of the grease. Lithium is a type of thickener and it provides structure to hold the oil in place; acting as a ‘sponge’ that releases small amounts of oil during operation.
There are different types of thickener, depending on what it's needed for. Temperature extremes, moisture, and speed, for example, may all require different types of thickeners.
Grease with lithium as a thickener is the most commonly used grease because of its excellent high temperature and water-resistant properties. It is also relatively inexpensive to produce. Most greases – especially those used in general or multi-purpose applications – use lithium as a thickener.
Normal grease and lithium grease – what’s the difference?
Standard greases, particularly clay-based greases, are conductive and can endure extreme pressure and high heat. Industrial-grade greases are typically tailor-made to suit different industries. Lithium grease, on the other hand, is a widely used grease that combines the properties of two or more specialised greases.
CRCRed Lithium Grease, for example, is a multi-purpose grease that can withstand extreme pressures and temperature ranges. It is formulated with anti-oxidation, anti-rust, and anti-wear additives and is a highly versatile grease for use in automotive and industrial settings.
CRCWhite Lithium Grease, is a high-purity white lithium-based grease with an advanced additive package for long lasting lubrication, excellent water and heat resistance, corrosion protection, and film strength. It’s ideal for lubricating hard-to-reach areas through its aerosol application.
Benefits of lithium grease
There are three main benefits to using lithium grease:
- Lubrication. The lithium grease gets to work right away to coat components after its applied. This creates a smooth glide and a smoother movement, which helps keep friction heat down.
- Longevity. Lithium grease is long-lasting. This reduces the amount of maintenance and repeated applications you have to make.
- Viscosity. Lithium grease can have a thicker viscosity, which helps it stick better to where its applied. This provides a better coat of grease, with fewer runs and drips.
Types of lithium grease
The most common types of lithium grease are red lithium grease and white lithium grease. The main difference between the two is the ingredients used to make them.
White lithium grease has zinc oxide added to the formulation and it is designed for use in moderate load applications. It also stands out because it has a more visually appealing white colour. It can be used in industrial and household applications and it isn’t recommended for use in wheel bearings.
Red lithium complex grease contains performance additives that provide extreme pressure, oxidation, rust and corrosion protection. It also has excellent sealing properties, which helps protect bearings against corrosion and the ingress of water, dust, and abrasive particles.
Where to buy red lithium grease and what to use it for
If red complex lithium grease meets your requirements, considerCRC Red Lithium Grease. It’s a multi-purpose grease that’s designed to withstand extreme pressures and temperature ranges. It’s formulated with anti-oxidation, anti-rust, and anti-wear additives, and is a highly versatile grease for use in both automotive and industrial settings.
CRC Red Lithium Grease is ideal for use in:
- Mining
- Metal production
- Machining
- Plastic moulding
- Pumps
- Electric motors
- Ball & roller bearings
- Hitch ball
- Kilns
- Assembly plants
- Drying ovens
- Trucks
- Automobiles
- Buses
- Construction equipment
- Off-road operations
- Tractors
- Mowers
- Reapers
- Water pumps
Where to buy white lithium grease and what to use it for
If you’re looking for a quality white lithium grease, look no further thanCRC White Lithium Grease. It is a high-purity white lithium-based grease with an advanced additive package for long-lasting lubrication, excellent water and heat resistance, corrosion protection, and film strength. It’s ideal for lubricating hard-to-reach areas due to its aerosol application.
CRC White Lithium Grease is ideal for automotive purposes. You can use to:
- Lubricate car door hinges
- Lubricate sunroof sliding panels
- Protect components from water ingress
- Lubricate motor pivot points.
- You can also use it for industrial and trade applications such as lubricating:
- Pulleys
- Wire ropes
- Winches
- Conveyors
- Bearings
- Fittings
- Trailer couplings
- Door rollers.
It is also great for home use, including lubricating:
- Garden tools
- Cables and chains
- Water pumps
- Latches and hinges
- Tow bars for trailers or caravans.
As a seasoned expert in lubricants and greases, I've dedicated a significant portion of my professional career to understanding the intricacies of various lubrication solutions, particularly in the automotive, mining, manufacturing, and engineering sectors. My expertise is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience working with a multitude of greases, and I understand the nuances that differentiate them in practical applications.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about lithium grease:
What is Grease?
Grease serves as a lubricant for moving parts that don't require frequent lubrication or where liquid oil cannot stay in place, such as in rolling element bearings. Comprising elements like oil (up to 90% of the formula), grease also includes a thickener and performance additives. The thickener, in this case, lithium, provides structure to hold the oil, acting as a 'sponge' that releases oil gradually during operation.
What is Lithium Grease?
Lithium grease consists of three main components:
- Base oil (80-90%)
- Thickener (10-15%)
- Performance additives (5-10%)
Lithium, as a thickener, is prevalent in greases due to its excellent high-temperature and water-resistant properties, along with its cost-effectiveness. The structure it provides helps the grease adhere to surfaces while releasing oil as needed.
Normal Grease vs. Lithium Grease
While standard greases, like clay-based ones, are conductive and can withstand extreme pressure and high heat, lithium grease combines properties of specialized greases. It's widely used for its versatility, especially in multi-purpose applications.
Red Lithium Grease vs. White Lithium Grease
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Red Lithium Grease: Multi-purpose grease with additives for extreme pressure, oxidation, rust, and corrosion protection. Ideal for automotive and industrial settings, such as mining, metal production, machining, and more.
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White Lithium Grease: High-purity white lithium-based grease with advanced additives for long-lasting lubrication, water and heat resistance, corrosion protection, and film strength. Suitable for hard-to-reach areas and recommended for automotive, industrial, and household applications.
Benefits of Lithium Grease
Three main benefits:
- Lubrication: Coats components for smooth movement and reduced friction heat.
- Longevity: Long-lasting, reducing maintenance needs.
- Viscosity: Thicker viscosity helps it adhere better to surfaces with fewer runs and drips.
Where to Buy and Applications
CRC Red Lithium Grease
Ideal for:
- Mining
- Metal production
- Machining
- Plastic molding
- Automotive applications (trucks, automobiles, buses, construction equipment, etc.)
CRC White Lithium Grease
Ideal for:
- Automotive purposes (door hinges, sunroof sliding panels, motor pivot points)
- Industrial and trade applications (pulleys, wire ropes, winches, conveyors, bearings, fittings, trailer couplings, door rollers)
- Home use (garden tools, cables and chains, water pumps, latches and hinges, tow bars)
In conclusion, when choosing between red and white lithium grease, consider the specific requirements of your application, and these CRC products are reputable choices for their respective uses.
