CV joint grease

CV joint grease ensures the normal operation of the constant velocity joint, reduces the level of friction, increases the efficiency of the mechanism and prevents corrosion on the surface of individual parts of the joint. Many drivers are interested in a natural question - what lubricant to use for CV joint? We have collected for you information and comparative characteristics of lubricants presented in stores, which we bring to your attention. the material also provides practical information on their use, as well as reviews and personal experience of using 6 popular lubricants by some car owners.

SHRUS Lubrication

What is a CV joint, its functions and types

Before moving on to talking specifically about lubricants, let's take a closer look at CV joints. This will be useful in order to find out something what properties must have a lubricant for the “grenade”, as the common people call the CV joint, and what composition to use in this or that case. The task of the hinge is to transmit torque from one axis to another, provided that they are at an angle to each other. This value can be up to 70°.

In the process of their evolution, the following types of CV joints were invented:

• Ballpoint. They are one of the most common, namely, their version of "Rtseppa-Lebro".
• Tripod (Tripod). Often used in the domestic automotive industry as internal CV joints (that is, those that are installed on the side of the power drive).

  Classic tripod

• Rusks (the second name is cam). They often overheat, and therefore are used in trucks where the angular velocity of rotation is low.
• Cam-disc. also used on trucks and construction vehicles.
• Twin cardan shafts. Mainly used on construction equipment and trucks.

At large angles between the axes, the effectiveness of the hinge decreases. That is, the value of the transmitted torque becomes smaller. Therefore, significant loads should be avoided when the wheels are turned too far.

A feature of any hinge of angular velocities are high impact loads. They appear when starting a car, overcoming climbs, driving on rough roads, and so on. With the help of special SHRUS lubricants, all negative consequences can be neutralized.

The resource of modern constant velocity joints is quite large (subject to the tightness of the anther), and is comparable to the life of the car. The lubricant is changed when replacing the anther or the entire CV joint. However, according to the regulations, the CV joint lubricant must be replaced every 100 thousand kilometers or once every 5 years (whichever comes first).

Properties of lubricants for constant velocity joints

Due to the difficult operating conditions of the mentioned joints, the CV joint lubricant is designed to protect the mechanism from negative factors and provide:

• increase in the coefficient of friction of the internal parts of the hinge;
• minimization of wear of individual parts of the CV joint;
• reduction of mechanical load on the components of the assembly;
• protection of surfaces of metal parts from corrosion;
• neutral reaction with the rubber seals of the hinge (anthers, gaskets) in order not to damage them;
• water repellent features;
• durability of use.

Based on the requirements listed above, a lubricant for an external or internal CV joint must have the following characteristics:

• a wide temperature range that allows the use of the composition at critical temperatures (modern SHRUS lubricants are able to operate at temperatures from -40 ° C to + 140 ° C and above, this range depends on the specific brand of lubricant);
• a high degree of adhesion (the ability to adhere to the working surface of the mechanism, simply speaking, stickiness);
• mechanical and physico-chemical stability of the composition, ensuring constant performance characteristics of the lubricant under any operating conditions;
• high extreme pressure properties, providing the proper level of sliding of lubricated working surfaces.

so, the characteristics of the lubricant for the CV joint must fully comply with the above list. Currently, the industry produces several types of such compounds.

Types of lubricants for CV joints

Lubricants are produced on the basis of various chemical compositions. We list and characterize the currently used types.

LM47 grease for CV joints with molybdenum disulfide

Lithium lubricants SHRUS

These are the oldest lubricants that began to be used immediately after the invention of the hinge itself. They are based on lithium soap and various thickeners. Depending on the base oil used, greases can be light yellow to light brown in color. They are good suitable for use in medium и high temperatures. But lose their viscosity at low temperatures, so the level of protection of the mechanism is significantly reduced. Perhaps even tapping hinges in severe frosts.

Traditional Litol-24 also belongs to lithium greases, but it cannot be used in CV joints.

SHRUS grease with molybdenum

With the development of technology, the use of lithium greases has become largely inefficient. Therefore, the chemical industry has developed more modern lubricants based on lithium soap, but with the addition of molybdenum disulfide. As for the lubricating properties, they are approximately the same as those of lithium counterparts. However, a feature of molybdenum lubricants is their high anti-corrosion properties. This became possible due to the use of metal salts in their composition, which replaced some of the acids. Such compounds are absolutely safe for rubber and plastic, from which some parts of the CV joint are made, namely, the anther.

Usually, when buying a new boot, it comes with a disposable bag of grease. Be careful! According to statistics, there is a great chance of running into a fake. Therefore, before using the lubricant, check its consistency by pouring a small part of it onto a piece of paper. If it is not thick enough or is suspicious, it is better to use a different lubricant.

A significant disadvantage of molybdenum-based lubricants is their fear of moisture. That is, when even a small amount of it gets under the anther, grease with molybdenum turns into abrasive with the ensuing consequences (damage to the internal parts of the CV joint). Therefore, when using molybdenum grease, you need to regularly check the condition of the anthers on the CV joint housing, that is, its tightness.

Some unscrupulous sellers report that molybdenum-added hinge lubricants repair a damaged assembly. This is not true. In the event of a crunch in the CV joint, it is necessary to repair it or replace it with a service station.

Popular products from this series in our country are lubricants "SHRUS-4", LM47 and others. We will talk about their advantages, disadvantages, as well as comparative characteristics below.

Barium grease ShRB-4

barium lubricants

This type of lubricant is by far the most modern and technologically advanced. Greases have excellent performance characteristics, chemical resistance, not afraid of moisture and do not interact with polymers. They can be used as a lubricant for outer and inner CV joints (tripod).

The disadvantage of barium lubricants is reduction their properties at negative temperatures. Therefore, replacement is recommended after each winter. In addition, due to the complexity and manufacturability of production, the price of barium greases is higher than that of lithium or molybdenum counterparts. A popular domestic lubricant of this type is ShRB-4.

What lubricants should not be used

SHRUS is a mechanism that works in difficult conditions. Therefore, for its lubrication, you can not use any compositions that come to hand. namely, CV joints cannot be lubricated:

• graphite lubricant;
• technical vaseline;
• “Grease 158”;
• various hydrocarbon compositions;
• formulations based on sodium or calcium;
• compositions based on iron and zinc.

Use of lubricants at low temperatures

Many car owners living in the northern regions of our country are interested in the question of choosing SHRUS lubricants that would not freeze during significant frosts (for example, -50 ° C ... -40 ° C). The decision must be made on the basis of information provided by the manufacturer. This is very important, and not only for CV joint lubricants, but also for other oils and fluids used in cars in the north.

Before driving in conditions of significant frost, it is strongly recommended to warm up the car thoroughly so that the mentioned oils and fluids, including SHRUS grease, warm up and reach a working consistency. Otherwise, there is a possibility of operation of mechanisms with increased load, and as a result, their premature failure.

According to the reviews of car owners living in the conditions of the Far North or close to them, domestic lubricants have proven themselves well "SHRUS-4" и RAVENOL multi-purpose grease with MoS-2. However, we will touch on the choice of lubricants a little later.

Replacing grease in CV joints

The procedure for changing the lubricant in constant velocity joints, as a rule, does not cause difficulties even for inexperienced motorists. First of all, you will need to remove the CV joint from your car. The sequence of actions will directly depend on the design and device of the car. Therefore, it is not possible to make specific recommendations. you should also know that the hinges are internal and external. The principle of their work is fundamentally different. Without going into details of the designs, it is worth saying that the basis of the outer CV joint is balls, and the basis of the inner CV joint (tripod) is rollers, or needle bearings. The inner CV joint allows large axial shifts. For lubrication of internal and external hinges use various lubricants. We will carry out an example of a replacement on a tripoid SHRUS, as the most popular option.

Before replacing the CV joint lubricant, you need to know how much of it you will need. You can find this information in the manual of your car or on the Internet. However, these requirements are often neglected, and the “glass” of the tripod is filled to the brim.

When the CV joint is in your hands, then the direct replacement procedure is performed in accordance with the following algorithm:

Lubrication level for SHRUS in the "glass"

• Case disassembly. Often the body is fastened with two retaining rings (rolled). Accordingly, in order to disassemble it, you need to remove these rings with a flat-bladed screwdriver.
• Removing the anther and sealing ring. After performing this simple procedure, it is imperative to check the integrity of the anther. If necessary, buy a new one for further replacement.
• further need get all internal mechanisms hinges and disassemble them. Usually the tripod itself is held on the axle shaft with a retaining ring, which must be removed to dismantle it with a screwdriver.
• Rinse thoroughly in gasoline or thinner, all internal parts (tripod, rollers, axle shaft) in order to remove old grease. The inside of the body (glass) also needs to be cleaned of it.
• Apply some lubricant (approximately 90 grams, however this value differs for different CV joints) into a glass. We will deal with the issue of choosing a lubricant for a tripod a little lower.
• Place the tripod on the axis into a glass, that is, to your workplace.
• Add the remaining amount of grease on top on an installed tripod (usually about 120 ... 150 grams of lubricant is used in tripods). Try to spread the grease evenly by moving the tripod axle in the case.
• After you put the right amount of lubricant for the tripoid CV joint, you can proceed with the assembly, which is done in the reverse order to dismantling. Before tightening the rings or clamps, lubricate the grooves for them with Litol-24 or some similar lubricant.

Changing the lubricant on the outer CV joint VAZ 2108-2115

Replacing the lubricant on the inner CV joint

As you can see, the replacement procedure is simple, and any car enthusiast with basic locksmith skills can handle it. the basic question that needs to be answered before performing this procedure is which SHRUS lubricant is better and why? In the next section, we will try to answer it.

The use of lubricants for CV joints

Due to the difference in the design of internal and external constant velocity joints, technologists recommend using different lubricants for them. namely, for inner CV joints The following brands of lubricants are used:

Lubricants for internal CV joints

• Mobil SHC Polyrex 005 (for Tripod bearings);
• Slipkote Polyurea CV Joint Grease;
• Castrol Optitemp BT 1 LF;
• BP Energrease LS-EP2;
• Chevron Ulti-Plex Synthetic Grease EP NLGI 1.5;
• VAG G052186A3;
• Chevron Delo Greases EP;
• Mobilgrease XHP 222.

For external CV joints The following brands of lubricants are recommended:

Lubricant for external CV joints

• Liqui Moly LM 47 long-term grease + MoS2;
• Very Lube LITHIUM JOINT GREASE MoS2;
• Mobilgrease special NLGI 2 cars;
• BP Energrease L21M;
• HADO SHRUS;
• Chevron SRI Grease NLGI 2;
• Mobilgrease XHP 222;
• SHRUS-4.

The best lubricant for CV joints

We found on the Internet reviews of real consumers about common lubricants for CV joints, and then analyzed them. We hope that this information will be useful to you and help answer the question - what kind of lubricant is better to use for CV joints. Reviews are presented in the form of tables, the sequence of mentioning speaks about them popularity, from more to less popular. so it turned out TOP 5 best lubricants for SHRUS:

Domestic lubricant SHRUS-4

SHRUS-4. Lubricant produced by several Russian enterprises. It was invented for use in the first Soviet SUV VAZ-2121 Niva. However, later it began to be used in front-wheel drive VAZs. Except for use in ball bearings external CV joints grease can also be used to lubricate carburetor parts, telescopic struts, clutch bearings. SHRUS-4 is a mineral grease based on lithium hydroxystearate. Its temperature characteristics: operating temperature - from -40°С to +120°С, dropping point - +190°С. The price of a tube weighing 100 grams is $ 1 ... 2, and a tube weighing 250 grams - $ 2 ... 3. The catalog number is OIL RIGHT 6067.

Positive reviews	Negative feedback
In general, lubricant is a budget product, so to speak, but in turn, budget does not mean that it is of poor quality. In general, the products are pretty good for the domestic auto industry.	In October, I installed a new CV joint, filled in the CV joint lubricants, from the AllRight company, in the winter at -18-23 degrees I began to have a snack in the literal sense, the CV joint is new! having disassembled, I saw pieces of an incomprehensible mass resembling resin there !!! almost new SHRUS in the trash!
Do not misunderstand, but I used CV joints all the time - 4 ... And everything is fine!
Russian SHRUS 4. Everywhere. If the anther does not break, it lasts forever.

Liqui Moly LM 47 long-term grease + MoS2. Grease in the form of a thick plastic liquid of dark gray, almost black color, produced in Germany. The composition of the lubricant includes a lithium complex (as a thickener), mineral base oil, a set of additives (including anti-wear), solid lubricating particles that reduce friction and wear. Used in external CV joints. In addition, it can be used in the maintenance of power tools, printing and agricultural, construction machines for lubricating threads for guides, splined shafts, heavily loaded joints and bearings. Operating temperature — from -30°С to +125°С. The price of a package for 100 grams is $ 4 ... 5 (catalog number - LiquiMoly LM47 1987), and a 400 gram package (LiquiMoly LM47 7574) will cost $ 9 ... 10.

Positive reviews	Negative feedback
Well, in general, the goods are normal, I advise. The tube is convenient, like from a hand cream, the lubricant is squeezed out easily, it does not have any specific smell.	All these lubricants LM 47 Langzeitfett, Castrol MS / 3, Valvoline Moly Fortified MP Grease and a bunch of other similar ones - the essence is the complete analogue of our Russian-Soviet grease SHRUS-4, which is littered with the shelves of all stores and which, thanks to mass production, costs a penny. I would never buy any of these imported lubes as they are clearly overpriced.
High-quality lubricant, proven manufacturer, perfectly lubricates parts. Compared to the lubricants that I used to use, I was pleasantly surprised by this lubricant.

RAVENOL multi-purpose grease with MoS-2. Lubricants of the RAVENOL brand are produced in Germany. The molybdenum disulfide used in the composition of the lubricant allows you to extend the life of CV joints and reduce their wear level. The grease is resistant to salt water. Temperature of use — from -30°С to +120°С. The price of a package weighing 400 grams is about $ 6 ... 7. In the catalog you can find this product under the number 1340103-400-04-999. At the end of 2021 (compared to 2017), the price increased by 13%.

Positive reviews	Negative feedback
Such a mineral lubricant for outdoor ball type CVJ is quite normal for not too severe winters. The presence of solid additives in the form of MoS2 and graphite in the outer Rzepps / Beerfields is mandatory, but as for the amount of 3 or 5 percent, I don’t think it would seriously affect the operating conditions of the unit and determine its durability.	SHRUS-4, it seems to me, will not be worse.
Tolerates low temperatures well. I used it in my Toyota. So far, there are no problems with the SHRUS.

SHRUS MS X5

SHRUS MS X5. also one domestic representative. The NLGI consistency class is ⅔. Class 2 means penetration range 265-295, vaseline lubricant. Grade 3 means penetration range 220-250, medium hardness lubricant. It should be noted that categories 2 and 3 are used mainly for bearing lubrication (namely, category 2 is the most common among greases for passenger cars). Grease color is black. The thickener is lithium soap. The X5 complex used reduces friction in the bearings. Even if the anther is damaged, the grease does not leak. Temperature range from -40°С to +120°С. Dropping point - +195°С. The price of a tube weighing 200 grams is $ 3 ... 4. You can find it in the catalog under the number VMPAUTO 1804.

Positive reviews	Negative feedback
Lubricant was used when the anther was torn, 20000 km flight is normal.	Today, this lubricant is sold with might and main in Internet stores. Someone naively bought into the illiterate advertising of this lubricant ... Will there be any result of its use?
And I have already stocked up on grease to replace the anthers ... non-original grease from the kits does not inspire confidence at all.

XADO for SHRUS. Produced in Ukraine. Excellent and inexpensive lubricant. Is used for external CV joints. Does not contain molybdenum disulfide. Color - light amber. A distinctive feature is the presence of a revitalizant in its composition, which can also significantly slow down wear and change in the geometry of parts operating under load. It can be used not only in CV joints, but also in other units and mechanisms. Grease consistency class according to NLGI: 2. Temperature range from -30°С to +140°С (short-term up to +150°С). Dropping point - +280°С. The price of a tube weighing 125 grams is $ 6 ... 7, the price of a cylinder weighing 400 grams is $ 10 ... 12. The code in the catalog is XADO XA30204.

Positive reviews	Negative feedback
The best grease for SHRUS and bearings today. After application and running the first 200 km, bearing noise is really reduced. I recommend!	I do not believe in these fables ... I'd rather save money for good CV joints.
There is nothing wrong with this lubricant. The fact that she will not harm that's for sure !!! But don't expect the impossible from her! If not restored, it will stop wear!!! Proven!!!	also, many, many thousands of people believe that XADO will cure their bearings and joints… everything will grow back and recover… These people run to the store for lubricant. and then to the store for a new knot ... At the same time, they are intensively rubbed into their heads: well ... 50/50, which will help ... And the person continues the experiments for his money.

Lubricant STEP UP - high-temperature lithium with SMT2 for CV joints. Produced in the USA. It is used in both external and internal CV joints. It is a high-temperature grease, its temperature range is from -40°С to +250°С. Contains metal conditioner SMT2, lithium complex and molybdenum disulphide. The price of a can weighing 453 grams is $ 11 ... 13. You will find it under the part number STEP UP SP1623.

Positive reviews	Negative feedback
Bought on the advice of a friend. He came from America, they also use one there. It just says it's cheaper there. Generally stuffed SHRUS until everything is OK.	Not found.
Normal feeling. I took it because it is high temperature. Insured. After the replacement, I have already left 50 thousand. No squeaks-knocks were noticed.

Hack and predictor Aviator

Carry out the procedure for changing the constant velocity joint lubricant in accordance with the regulations established by the manufacturer of your vehicle. remember, that much cheaper to buy grease for SHRUSrather than repair or replace the hinge itself due to damage. So don't neglect it. As for choosing a particular brand, we advise you not to chase imaginary benefits and not buy cheap lubricants. Usually, for a reasonable price, it is quite possible to buy a quality product. We hope that the above information was useful to you, and now you will make the right decision on which lubricant to use in your car's CV joint.