Wheel Bearing Grease types

[bevman]

What is the difference in the brown grease and the red? Brown, cheaper -- red, "for disk brakes". Is the red any better, or just plain wrong for drum brakes? (I'm repacking my drum brake spindles and notice that there is a combo of greases in the dust cap.)

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by bevman

What is the difference in the brown grease and the red? Brown, cheaper -- red, "for disk brakes". Is the red any better, or just plain wrong for drum brakes? (I'm repacking my drum brake spindles and notice that there is a combo of greases in the dust cap.)

Generally, the "disc brake" grease is rated for higher temperatures, as discs generate more heat through use, which spreads to the bearings. I use disc brake grease because it will also work for drum applications, and it is one less tub of stuff to keep around. Whatever you use, make sure you clean the old stuff out before repacking.

[bevman]

"Higher temps" usually means you need a thicker grease 'cause it's gonna thin out. Is there any worry that cooler, drum brakes need a different "viscosity", or is that handled through the miracle-of-modern-chemistry, like multi-vis motor oil? I have to think the latter since the R&D mavens at the refineries have probably spent money and brainpower on this topic.

[crispyboy]

I have been using Valvoline Syn Power grease in everything I own. It is overkill for somethings and just right for others. I can keep one item on the shelf and in the grease gun.

[flynmike]

I found a recomendation on here for Lucas X-tra Heavy Duty Grease...it's good for high temp applications, vehicles that sit a lot, infrequent respacks etc.

My trailer had some red grease in it and it was breaking down and leaking into the wheel when I took it off to pack the bearings last week.

Mike