Barium grease for CV joints. Types of CV joint lubricants for your car. Features of inner tripoid cv joints

11.08.2018

Grease for CV joints exists for good operation of the hinge of equal angle speeds, reduces the level of chafing, increases the efficiency of the system and does not allow rust to form on some parts of the hinge. Many car owners are wondering - what kind of lubricant to use for CV joints? We have selected for you the material and their functions for comparison, which are in the assortment of greases. Also in the text, we give information for their application in practice, and what people say based on personal experience of using the six most common lubricants by many drivers.

We'll cover these aspects:

• varieties of constant velocity joints and the necessary qualities for lubrication
• types of lubricants used for angle speed joints
• type of lubricant used in difficult conditions
• how to change the lubricant in the CV joint
• models of lubricants for inner and outer CV joints
• the most best lubricant

characteristic of CV joint, its properties and varieties

before proceeding to a description of the properties of lubricants, let's talk about CV joints. This is necessary in order to know what qualities should have lubricants for "pomegranate", how the SHRUS is called in words, and with what composition to use in certain cases. The hinge exists in order to transfer torque from 1 axis to the second in the event that it is located at an angle, opposite. The value can go up to seventy degrees.

Over the course of the existence of the CV joint, the following were made of them:

Ball... These are the most popular, specifically, their analogue "Rceppa-Lebro".

Tripod(Tripod). They are often used in the Russian automotive industry as an internal CV joint (those that are installed on the side of the power drive).

Tripod classic

Rusks(also called cam). They are often heated, because they are installed in trucks, where the speed of the rotation angle is low.

Cam-disk... These are also installed on trucks and construction machines.

Twin drive shafts... Typically used on construction machinery and trucks.

With significant angles in the middle of the axes, the effect of the work of the hinges decreases. In other words, the value that transmits torque to the action of the hinge is smaller. Therefore, avoid heavy loads with the unrolled casters.

A special feature of each corner speed pivot is the high impact loads. They appear when you start driving a car, ascend, ride on bumps, and so on. All bad consequences are neutralized with special lubricants of the CV joint.

The current hinges of the same angle speeds work a lot (if you observe the tightness of the boot), and even as much as the car will drive. The lubricant must be changed when changing the boot or the entire CV joint. Although according to the manual, the SHRUS lubricant should be changed after 100,000 km of driving or once every five years (which will be required earlier).

Characteristics of greases for joints of the same angle speeds

Since there are difficult working conditions for the hinges, the SHRUS lubricant in order to protect the system from negativity and will provide:

1. Increased coefficient of rubbing of parts inside the hinge;
2. Minimizes wear on some parts of the CV joint.
3. Reduces the mechanical stress on the composite assembly.
4. Protects the surface of metal parts from corrosion.
5. Neutral reaction with hinge rubber seals (anthers, gaskets) in order not to spoil them.
6. Water repels.
7. Long lasting use.

Based on all of the above characteristics, the lubricant for CV joints should have the following properties:

1. Wide temperature Range, which will allow the substance to be used at extreme temperatures (current lubricants are capable of functioning at degrees up to minus forty and plus one hundred and forty and higher, this level will depend on the type of lubricant).
2. A high degree of adhesion (it must be able to adhere to the mechanism, otherwise it must be sticky).
3. Mechanical and physical and chemical. stability of the composition, which will ensure uninterrupted lubrication work processes under any conditions of car operation.
4. High anti-seize properties that will provide the desired level of slipperiness of the surfaces that have been lubricated.

So, the properties of the self-tapping joint SHRUS must withstand the above requirements. Today the industry produces many varieties with this composition.

Types of lubricants for CV joints

Lubricants are produced on the basis of different compositions of their mimic elements. Let us give and write the properties of the types used now.

LM47 grease for CV joints with molybdenum disulfide

Lithium greases CV joints

These are the oldest lubricants, they were used immediately after the invention of the hinge. They contain lithium soap and various thickeners. Their color changes from light yellow to light brown, it all depends on the base oil of the lubricant that was used. They are suitable for use at normal and maximum degrees. But in cold weather, viscosity is lost, therefore they protect the mechanism in the wrong way. Maybe even the hinges will knock in severe frost.

Ordinary Litol-24 is also made of lithium greases, but it cannot be poured into the SHRUS.

SHRUS grease with molybdenum

As technology has evolved, fewer people use lithium greases. Therefore, the chemical industry has developed improved lubricants based on lithium soap, but with the addition of molybdenum disulfide. If we talk about the properties of the grease, then they are similar to the analogs of lithium. But the peculiarity of lubricants with molybdenum is that they have a great anti-corrosion property. This was achieved by using metal salts in the composition, replacing a little acid. These substances do not pose a danger to rubbers and plastics, from which some of the CV joint parts are made, specifically, the boot.

Usually, when purchasing a new boot, there is a bag of grease in the kit with it. As a rule, it can be a fake. Therefore, before you use it, you need to check its composition by pouring a little on a piece of paper. If it is not thick or in doubt, buy another lubricant.

The big disadvantage of molybdenum lubricants is that they are afraid of moisture. If a little water gets under the boot, the grease can turn into an abrasive with consequences (parts inside the CV joint are damaged). Therefore, if you use a molybdenum lubricant, constantly check the type of boot on the CV joint frame, namely its sealing.

There are some nasty sellers who say that a self-locking molybdenum hinge bar will restore a broken knot on a bike. If a crunch appears in the CV joint, you need to renovation work or replace it at the TO station.

The well-known types of goods from this series in Russia are SHRUS-4, LM47 and others. We'll talk about their pros and cons below, as well as compare them.

Barium grease SHRB-4

Barium greases

This type of lubricant today is the most modern and technologically advanced. Lubricants with excellent working properties, chemical resistance, are not afraid of water and do not bind to polymers. They can be used as a lubricant for CV joints inside and outside (tripod).

Minos lubricants on barium - a decrease in functions in cold weather. Therefore, you need to change every spring. Since a complex and technologically advanced production, the cost of these lubricants is higher than those of similar ones based on lithium or molybdenum. The most famous Russian grease of this variety is ShRB -4.

SHRUS is a system that works in difficult conditions. Therefore, its lubricant must be of excellent quality. Specifically, the CV joint should not be smeared:

• grease on graphite
• technical petroleum jelly
• "Lubricated 158"
• different hydrocarbon compositions
• formulations based on sodium or calcium
• formulations based on iron and zinc

How to use lubricants at low temperatures

Many drivers from the North of Russia are wondering which lubricant to choose so that it does not freeze in extreme cold (for example, minus 50 - minus 40). You need to decide by reading the information provided by the manufacturer. This is important, it concerns not only SHRUS lubricants, and all oil substances and liquids that are poured into cars in the North.

Before driving in cold weather, we advise you to warm up the engine very well so that the oils and fluids, and also the SHRUS grease, are heated and in working order. Otherwise, it will happen that the mechanisms will work for wear and tear and fail faster.

As the drivers who live in the north say, Russian lubricants are good "and RAVENOL Mehrzweckfett mit MoS-2. We will talk about what to choose later.

Change of grease in CV joints

The process of changing the lubricant in the hinge of the same angle speeds, as a rule, does not lead to difficulties, even if there is no experience in auto repair. First you need to remove the CV joint from the car. The sequence in which to act will depend on what kind of car you have. Therefore, we do not give specific advice. Also, do not forget that there are external and internal hinges. Their work is fundamentally different from each other. We will not go into detailed matters, but let's say that the basis of the external CV joint is balls, and the basis of the internal one is rollers or bearings with needles. SHRUS, which is inside, with large axial movements. Various lubricants are used to lubricate the inner and outer joint. We will show an example of a change on a CV joint tripod, since this is the most popular.

Before changing the CV joint lubricant, know how much you need it. This material will be in your car manual. Although this information is often neglected, and drivers pour a lot of tripod into the glass. When you get the CV joint, the change process takes place according to the following principle:

How much grease for the CV joint in the "glass"

1. We disassemble the case. Often the frame is fastened with 2 rings of a stopper (seamed). And of course, in order to dismantle it, you need to remove these rings with a screwdriver with an even sting.
2. Remove the boot and seal rings. After completing this task, the boot should be checked for integrity. Buy a new one to install if needed.
3. After that, you need to take all the mechanisms inside, the hinge and dismantle them. The tripodik itself is held on the semi-axis by a stopper ring, gently remove it. You will need a screwdriver.
4. Thoroughly rinse everything in gasoline or solvents of the parts that were inside (tripodik, rollers, semi-axle) in order to remove the old grease. The glass inside also needs to be cleaned of it.
5. We put a little grease (about ninety grams, although this figure will vary from the CV joint model) into the glass. We will find out later which lubricant to choose for the tripod.
6. We will place the tripod on the axis in the cup, in its functional place.
7. We report the lubricant from above, what is left on the supplied tripod (as a rule, in tripodics there is about 120-150 grams of lubricant). Put the grease evenly by turning the tripod axle in the frame.
8. Then we proceed to the assembly, which is carried out in the reverse sequence. Before tightening the rings or clamps, lubricate the grooves with lithol-24, or with another lubricant.

Changing the lubricant on the CV joint outside, VAZ 2108-2115

Changing the grease on the inner CV joint

As you can see, the change process is easy, it can be done by every driver who owns the simple abilities of a locksmith. The main task is what type of CV joint lubrication is better and why? Now let's try to answer these questions.

Application of lubricants for CV joints

Since the designs of the hinges, both inside and outside, of the same angle speeds are different, then the lubricants for them must be different. Specifically, for the CV joint that is inside, we use the following models of lubricants:

• Mobil SHC Polyrex 005
• 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
• Mobil Mobilgrease XHP 222

• Liqui moly LM 47 Langzeitfett + MoS2
• Very Lube LITHIUM GREASE FOR CV JOINT MoS2
• Mobil Mobilgrease special NLGI 2
• BP Energrease L21M
• XADO SHRUS
• Chevron SRI Grease NLGI 2
• Mobil Mobilgrease XHP 222

We found on the Internet the opinions of specific drivers about popular lubricants for CV joints, and then analyzed them. I hope this material will be of use to you, and will answer the question - what is the best lubricant for CV joints? The opinions are shown in the table as they go indicates their popularity, from strong to small. So we have selected the five most popular CV joint lubricants:

Domestic grease SHRUS-4

Lubricant produced by several domestic enterprises. It was made for use in 1 Soviet VAZ-2121 Niva. After it began to be used for the front drive VAZ. In addition to using in bearings with CV joint balls, outside, you can lubricate carburet parts, telescope struts, clutch bearing with grease. SHRUS-4 is a mineral grease based on aqueous lithium xystearate. Its temperature properties: degrees of operation - from -40 ° С to + 120 ° С, degrees of dropping - + 190 ° С. The cost of a tube is 100 gr. will cost one or two $, and a tube of 250 grams - two or three $. Catalog number plate - OIL RIGHT 6067.

Liqui Moly LM 47 Langzeitfett + MoS2.

Likew Moli LM 47 Langzeitfett + MoS2. The lubricant looks like a thick a plastic substance of a dark gray, almost black color, produced in Germany. As part of the lubricant, a set of lithium (as a thickener), as a base oil on a mineral, a set of additives (even against wear), particles for the lubricant are hard, which reduce chafing and wear. It is used in the CV joint outside. In addition, it can be used when servicing electric tools, printing houses and agricultural, construction machines for lubricating the threaded part of the guides, spline shafts, high-load hinges and bearings. Degrees of work - from minus 30 to plus 125. The cost of one per 100 gr. - four to five dollars (catalog number plate LiquiMoly LM47 1987), and 400 gr. - (LiquiMoly LM47 7574) will cost nine to ten dollars.

Ravenol Mehrzweckfett mit MoS-2.stazochki of the RAVENOL brand are made in Germany. Molybdenum disulfide, which is in its composition, extends the operating time of the CV joints and reduces the level of their wear. Salted water resistant lubricant. Usage degrees from minus 30 to plus 120. The cost of one is 400 gr. about five to six dollars. In the catalog you will find this product with the number 4014835200340.

CV JOINT MS X5

CV JOINT MS X5... Also a domestic brand. The class of the composition according to NLJI is two-thirds. Classic 2 is a range of penetration 265-295, the lubricant is not very hard. I must say that types 2 and 3 are usually for bearing lubrication (specifically, type 2 is more common among lubricants for l / a). the color of the grease is black. Density - soap on lithium. The fact that the X5 is used makes less chafing in the bearings. Even with a damaged boot, grease will not leak out. Mode of degrees from minus 40 to plus 120. Degrees drop - plus 195. There is one in 200 gr. three to four dollars. You can find it in the book under the sign VMPAUTO 1804.

XADO for SHRUS... Ukrainian production. Excellent and inexpensive. Used for the CV joint outside. There is no molybdenum disulfide in it. The color is light amber. A special feature is that it contains a revitalizant - a substance that is able to restore the geometry of parts that function with a load. You can use it not only in CV joints, but also in other units and systems. NLGI samzochka density class: 2. Degree mode from minus 30 to plus 140 (briefly to plus 150). Dropping degrees - plus 280. One in 125 grams costs about six to seven dollars, costs 400 grams - ten to twelve dollars. Code designation - XADO XA30204.

STEP UP lubrication- withstands high degrees with CMT2 for CV joints. Made in America. Used both outside and inside. Withstands high temperatures, it has a regime of degrees from minus 40 to plus 250. It contains a metal conductor CMT2, a lithium complex and molybdenum disulfide. It stands at 453 gr. - eleven to thirteen dollars. You will find it under the license plate STEP UP SP1623.

Outcome

Carry out the process of changing the lubrication of the joint of the same angle speeds according to the recommendations given by the manufacturers of your machine. Remember, it is cheaper to purchase grease for CV joints than to repair or replace the joint itself due to a breakdown. Therefore, do not neglect it. If we talk about the choice of a specific model, it recommends not to go after the seeming benefit and not to take low-cost lubricants. For this money you can buy a good product. I hope that this material was helpful to you, and now your decision - what to buy - will be correct.

Select it and press Ctrl + Enter

With the onset of autumn, drivers will have to face some problems on the road and in the operation of the car. Below are a few useful tips from experienced motorists.

It's rainy season in autumn. The road becomes slippery. Therefore, you need to move more carefully.

When approaching a puddle, you should slow down. This way you will keep pedestrian clothes clean and also keep the wheels of your car. Who knows what is hidden under the water.

You need to be especially careful near educational institutions.

Monitor tire pressure. This is especially important in autumn.

Check the condition of the battery. Indeed, in cold weather, the reliability of the battery is especially important.

Think now about winter tires... It is also worth preparing the car for winter by checking the anti-corrosion coating.

Conduct a content revision luggage compartment... Replace summer accessories with autumn and winter ones.

Write in the comments how you prepare the car for use in the autumn-winter period.

Uzbek-made Ravon cars will be used by Russian law enforcement agencies.

This information was provided as part of a dealer conference in Moscow, which was held in honor of the start of sales of the brand's cars on the Russian market.

The participants of the event were shown updated sedan R4, used in the traffic police of Moscow. The car differs from the standard version in an unusual livery, as well as in the presence of additional functions intended for law enforcement officers.

Front-wheel drive vehicles have many advantages - they are often lighter, cheaper and easier to manufacture. Also, front-wheel drive cars have more high cross-country ability in slippery areas. But there are also certain disadvantages. So, the CV joint in the drive not only ensures uniform straightness of movement, but also causes rapid wear of parts and transmission units.

In order to increase the reliability of the drive and transmission mechanisms, a special lubricant was developed, with the help of which the situation improved. Then many different products began to appear on the lubricant market, which created confusion and some inconvenience for motorists. To avoid mistakes, you should know which CV joint grease is most effective.

What tasks do lubricants SHRUS solve?

Even a novice motorist knows that the lubricant, which is used in most assemblies, solves not only the problem of reducing friction and wear of parts. It is also designed to reduce the stress on mechanisms. Lubricants make rotation easier and more free, and the car can move forward without any obstacles. Lubrication of the CV joint, in addition to reducing friction, also reduces fuel consumption and energy loss in the transmission.

The second equally important property of lubricants is the protection of metal components from corrosion. It's no secret that the bulk of all breakdowns of parts in mechanisms are the consequences of cavity corrosion. The lubricant must protect the CV joint parts from such processes and thereby ensure the durability of the assembly. A good product will save the car owner from unnecessary costs.

Types of lubricants

Front-wheel drive cars, as well as their all-wheel drive cousins, have coexisted for many decades. During this time, many varieties of lubricants for CV joints have appeared. On the whole, each team quite effectively performs its functions. But some of the proposed lubricants are corrosive towards rubber or plastic. Many compositions also do not have the proper properties to combat corrosion, and this is almost the most important characteristic of the CV joint grease.

Lithium based lubricants

It is a mixture of a yellowish tint and high viscosity. As temperatures drop, the viscosity increases. In cold weather, lithium grease can be applied to the part with great difficulty. Lithium compounds do an excellent job of reducing friction. In addition, lubrication reduces the loads that act on the drive mechanism and its components dozens of times.

They also note the conservation properties of these materials - it is lithium-based products that maximally protect the metal from moisture and dust, as well as other pollutants. But this can not be said about every composition.It happens that some product does not have the necessary characteristics to combat the destruction of CV joints due to the effects of corrosion. Experts recommend that motorists regularly check the condition of the drive system and all components. The frequency of such checks is 50-60 thousand kilometers.

One of the exceptions, of which there are very few, is the domestic lithium grease "Litol-24". Russian automakers recommend not replacing it earlier than after 100,000 km. Lithium-based compounds can be safely used with any polymer coatings that are used in the manufacture of anthers in CV joints.

Brands

Today, among the manufacturers of lithium greases, domestic ones are in the lead. Many foreign companies are gradually abandoning these formulations due to the development of newer and modern technologies. Latest developments allow you to provide maximum protection for every part in the transmission.

Despite this, there is always a lithium SHRUS grease on sale from such manufacturers as XADO, Very Lube, Renolit.

Molybdenum Disulfide Products

Although lithium CV joint grease is highly effective, the search for new technologies and solutions continues. The composition should be ideal for all cars. As a result, new generation formulations were created. their feature is molybdenum disulfide. This made it possible to increase the resistance to corrosion. As shown life tests, even after 100,000 km, no serious wear was found in the CV joints. But even this unique composition is by no means eternal - replacement will be required after a hundred kilometers.

Fear of liquid

It is noted that such compositions have a serious disadvantage. Molybdenum products are very afraid of moisture, which can get into the mechanism from the road. As a result, the composition completely loses its properties.

Brands

In order to choose the best, you should not pay special attention on the price. Often a CV joint grease with a lower price is more effective. A great example is domestic products"SHRUS-4". The composition contains a lot of molybdenum, which in the best way affects the durability of transmission units. From foreign brands, we can recommend BP, Liqui Moly, Mobil, Esso.

Lubricant for inner CV joint

All that is said above is relevant only for the outer hinges of angular velocities. Neither lithium nor molybdenum products are suitable for internal assemblies. The point is that work inner CV joint takes place in more high temperatures... The effectiveness of lithium greases is lost already at 120 °, and the standard temperature for internal components is 160 °.

Polyurea-based formulations are recommended as lubricating products. Among the characteristics are high temperature resistance, resistance to exposure to liquids, and overall efficiency. A polyurea-based mixture is suitable as a lubricant for a tripoid CV joint. If balls are the basis of the internal assembly, then it is quite possible to get by with the product "SHRUS-4".

Features of internal tripoid CV joints

As for the tripoid hinges, they work due to needle bearings. If there are any solid particles in the lubricant, this will lead to the inevitable death of the mechanism. Sellers in stores are trying to sell to car enthusiasts who knows what.

The grease for the tripoid CV joint can be both domestic and imported. There are suitable polyurea products in the XADO range. Many car owners also recommend Castrol LMX, which is ideal for needle roller bearing applications.

What kind of lubricant should not be used

Drivers often become victims of marketing - they are offered the best and most reliable product, which in reality does not have the desired properties. So, in the case of angular velocity joints, it is not recommended to use graphite lubricants. Also, hydrocarbon-based products will not work. In addition, mixtures based on calcium and sodium, as well as iron or zinc, will lead to the destruction of the mechanism.

How much grease is in the CV joint

So, the outer CV joints are filled with lubricant so that the composition protrudes slightly beyond the boundaries of the part. You can underfill a little into the inner one - pour it so that about 3-5 mm remains to the edge.

How Do I Pick a Good Lubricant?

Today the most the best option- products with molybdenum disulfide. Here, there is both high corrosion protection and reduced friction in the units. As a universal grease, you can use "SHRUS-4" or "Litol-24". And the best lubricant for CV joints is original material recommended by the car manufacturer. So be careful when choosing.

Transmits torque to the wheels. In short, it is called CV joint. The device itself is quite simple. It is a ball bearing that does not rotate along its axis, as is the case in most similar devices, but across. His appearance it resembles an anti-tank grenade, and therefore received a similar nickname "grenade" among the people.

Thanks to the constant velocity joint, front-wheel drive cars were reborn in due time, since before the creation of this device, engineers could not come up with a practical technology that would transmit torque with sufficient force when turning to the front wheels. And the CV joint made it real.

When the "grenade" fails, it emits appropriate sounds that cannot be confused with the sounds made by another spare part. This is a knock or crack that is heard when starting off or when making a turn. If you hear such sounds, this detail must undoubtedly be changed. The reason is that there is no lubrication. The CV joint must be constantly lubricated. Also, it can still happen due to the fact that the driver starts off sharply with the wheels turned out or turns at high speed.

Is not subject to. When it fails, it must be replaced. If you have a question "how to replace the lubricant?", Immediately discard it. In "grenades" there should be only the lubricant that is provided for it. It is categorically not suitable for this case. Its application is provided for completely different purposes. But some "smart people" stuff it with a CV joint. I repeat, the "grenades" should contain only CV joint grease. If you do not take into account these points, you can go to the station on a tow truck.

The CV joint grease is in the "grenade", as a rule, for the entire service life. But it happens that she leaves there. The reason is a damaged CV joint boot. Its task is to retain this lubricant. If this is discovered in time, then the mechanisms can be saved, for which the boot changes and stuffed new grease CV JOINT. But first, it is necessary to remove the old one as much as possible, because it already contains dust and sand, which contribute to the rapid destruction of parts.

When choosing a lubricant for CV joints, pay attention to the indicators of water resistance, mechanical and antioxidant stability, extreme pressure properties, and volatility. The better they are, the greater the guarantee that your "grenades" will serve you faithfully for a long time.

How to change the CV joint boot? At first glance, it may seem that the procedure is quite easy, but this is only at first glance. After all, you need to drain the oil, unscrew the wheel, loosen all the bolts, etc. If you have experience in this matter, then you can handle it, and if not, it is better to contact special workshops. After all, if you make a mistake, then the boot will not ensure tightness, and this is already fraught with the ingress of sand and dust into the lubricant, which will very quickly lead to the failure of the entire CV joint. Then you will have to pay much more for the repair than the master when replacing the boot.

To ensure the transmission of torque at angles of rotation of up to 70 degrees relative to the axis in the drive systems of the steered wheels, constant velocity joints (hereinafter SHRUS) are used.

Did you know? The predecessor of the CV joint was a coupled cardan shaft, which had a rotation angle of 40 degrees. For the first time such a double hinge was used by the Austrian plant "Gref-Shtift" in 1897 when testing a car with a front drive axle.

The constant velocity joint grease is the key element for the good performance and durability of these joints. The challenge facing lubricants CV joints are not only frictional protection of the constituent parts and prevention of corrosion, but also a reduction in the load on them, which ensures freer rotation. As a result of the trouble-free operation of the CV joint, the transmission losses of the vehicle and fuel costs are reduced.

Choosing a lubricant for CV joints

For the lubrication of CV joints, greases are used, which differ in composition, production quality and price.

Did you know?Greases are obtained by thickening liquid mineral or synthetic oils, which are called base or base greases.

For CV joints, greases based on lithium, molybdenum disulfide and barium are most suitable. When choosing a lubricant composition, first of all, it is necessary to look at the manufacturer's recommendations in the vehicle operating instructions, because lubricants can dissolve the polymer materials from which the anthers are made.

Violation of the integrity of the CV joint boot can lead to lubricant leakage and clogging of the hinge, which will lead to its breakage. It matters in the internal or external hinges, the lubricant will be applied, and under what weather conditions the vehicle will be operated, because some lubricant compounds do not work well under low temperatures... After determining the composition of the required lubricant, the question arises of choosing between expensive and cheap.

There is no direct relationship, very often inexpensive lubricants domestic production are not inferior in quality to imported ones. It is better to buy a grease from a reputable manufacturer. When choosing a lubricant, it is important that its mass is homogeneous, does not delaminate during use. Pay attention to the packaging of the grease, it must be clean, free from smudges and grease stains. It is very convenient to buy grease in disposable polyethylene packaging, thanks to which the grease can be seen, felt dense and saved on packaging.

The purchased grease can be tested before use and, if unsuitable, you can buy another, which will be cheaper than replacing the hinge itself if poor grease will make it unusable. To check the stability, you can put a little grease on a sheet of paper - the appearance of a greasy spot around the grease may indicate a violation of technology, it will also delaminate in the hinge. It is worth checking the degree of grease density - the height of the extruded column should be twice its diameter.

Did you know? The degree of grease or consistency of grease is classified according to the developed NLGI (American National Grease Institute) method, which distinguishes nine categories from 000 to 6. For bearings, categories 2 and 3 are suitable, but in passenger cars Category 2 is usually used.

And the lubricant should also stretch like chewing gum, and the thinner the thread being stretched, the better. Lubricants can contain different additives, it is better if they are soft metals: tin, silver, copper, but such lubricants are not common.

Important! When installing a non-original CV joint kit, it is necessary to replace the grease, because often it contains a poor-quality mixture.

Lithium greases are most commonly used on parts that can withstand very high loads. Such lubricants are very water resistant, work under strong vibrations and a wide temperature range from -40 ° C to + 120 ° C. All lithium-based compounds have good protective properties for CV joints, but not all of them are able to fight metal corrosion. They are a yellowish brown viscous composition. Modern complex lithium greases, produced on the basis of lithium salts, are superior in quality to simple lithium greases - lithols obtained on the basis of lithium soap.

But the most popular of the lubricants used for CV joints is a simple lithium grease. Litol-24 development of the USSR. In addition, the price of lithols is much lower than complex lithium greases. All lithium greases are resistant to most anther polymers, but can dissolve organic-based plastics.

Barium greases have high performance characteristics... They are very water resistant, have a high melting point, high mechanical and chemical stability, are not subject to oxidation and are capable of inhibiting the development of corrosion. Such lubricants are neutral with respect to polymer compounds. The most common of domestic barium greases is ShRB-4, which has a dropping point of 200 ° C. The disadvantage of barium lubricants is low frost resistance and high price, which is due to the relative complexity of production.

As a result of the search by scientists for alternative compositions used for all types of cars, lubricants based on molybdenum disulfide have appeared. Such lubricants are highly resistant to corrosion, protect well from friction, have a high melting point up to + 400 ° C, frost resistance up to -45 ° C, and are neutral to any polymer materials. The main disadvantage of molybdenum disulfide lubricants is water solubility. When using such lubricants, the integrity of the anthers must be carefully monitored.

What kind of lubricant should not be used

Hydrocarbon compounds, including technical petroleum jelly, cannot be used for CV joints. In addition to being resistant to corrosion and water, their melting point is only 45 ° C, such a lubricant will simply pour out of the CV joint after a few kilometers. Also unsuitable for work in CV joints are lubricants based on calcium and sodium, which are not adapted to high loads and corrosion. Not worth applying graphite grease designed for use in electric motors. Prohibited for use in transmissions Vehicle iron and zinc based lubricants.

How often to change the lubricant

For good safety of the CV joints, the grease should be changed after 80-100 thousand kilometers, but under severe operating conditions and intensive driving, it is recommended to change the grease after every 50-60 thousand kilometers. For those who travel a little and do not gain so much travel, the lubricant needs to be replaced after 4-5 years of using the car, because it will lose its usefulness. If the car is not used for 8-9 months or is not used often for 18 months, then the lubricant must also be replaced to avoid aging.

Important! Inspect the anthers frequently before the grease change is due. If damage is found, replace it and the lubricant as soon as possible.

Correctly selected lubricant will protect you from the large financial costs of replacing the CV joint.

What is a constant velocity joint (CV joint)? From a mechanical point of view, it is a rolling bearing with a small number of balls. As a rule, there are three of them in small cars, and six in larger transmissions.

The fundamental difference from a conventional ball bearing is the operating conditions. Open body, freedom of movement of the clips relative to each other, a different ratio of the diameters of balls and clips.

Accordingly, the maintenance of these assemblies differs from classic bearings. Traditionally used grease SHRUS 4, or similar compositions.

This consumable is designed specifically for the automotive industry, the article corresponds to TU 38 201312-81. Grease lubrication of this type is laid in the axle shafts on the conveyor, and is offered for free sale for routine maintenance.

Characteristics and application of CV joint grease on the example of different mechanisms

Why is ordinary liquid oil not suitable for constant velocity joints, as in gearboxes or distributors? The design of the hinge does not allow filling this unit with grease even to the middle.

There is no crankcase, the outer casing is a rubber or composite boot. The tightness is ensured by the clamps, and the oil will simply flow out due to the centrifugal force.


Despite the fact that there is liquid oil in the gearbox (or in the rear axle gearbox), its crankcase and the CV joint cavity do not communicate with each other. Therefore, mixing of lubricants is excluded.

Hinge types:

• ball - the most common and versatile design;
• ShRUS tripoid is used in domestic (and some foreign) cars with inside where the fracture of the hinge is minimal;
• rusks are used on trucks: they are characterized by high torque and low angular rotation speed;
• cam-disc joints "digest" the monstrous torque and operate at low speeds;
• replacement of the CV joint - a paired propeller shaft (there is only grease inside the crosspieces).

During operation, the angles of crossing the shafts can reach 70 °. The specifications of the grease should be sufficient to ensure normal pivot performance.

• reduction of the coefficient of friction on the contacting surfaces;
• increased wear resistance of the hinge;
• due to antifriction additives, mechanical losses inside the unit are minimized;
• extreme pressure properties (perhaps the most important characteristic): seizure index not less than 550 N;
• protection of steel parts of the CV joint from internal corrosion;
• zero hygroscopicity: when the temperature drops, condensation may form, which does not dissolve in the lubricant;
• water-repellent properties (from moisture penetration through damaged anthers);
• chemical neutrality with respect to rubber and plastic parts;
• durability of use (replacement of grease is associated with a large amount of work);
• neutralization of the abrasive properties of dust and sand entering the hinge (for obvious reasons, oil filter cannot be used);
• wide temperature range: from -40 ° C (ambient temperature) to + 150 ° C (normal heating temperature of the SHRUS);
• high dropping point;
• strong adhesion to keep the lubricant on the surface with centrifugal spray force;
• preservation of the inherent characteristics during short-term overheating, and the return of viscosity indicators after cooling to working temperature(welding load is at least 4900N, and the critical load is at least 1090N);

For inner CV joint specifications can be less demanding, but usually the same composition is laid in both "grenades". It's just that the outer CV joint requires a more frequent oil update.

Varieties of greases for hinges

SHRUS 4 grease has long become a household name, although the composition of different manufacturers is different.

CV JOINT 4M

The most popular is the SHRUS grease with molybdenum disulfide (actually GOST or TU SHRUS 4M). This additive provides excellent anti-corrosion properties due to the presence of metal salts that neutralize the acid.

This property is especially useful in the event of a loss of seal tightness of the boot. An obvious gap is easy to notice, but a loosening of the clamp is practically not diagnosed. However, the lubricant itself begins to lose its properties when it gets wet.

Molybdenum disulfide does not attack rubber or plastic, does not react with non-ferrous metals.

The notorious Suprotek grease for CV joints simply restores a smooth surface, new metal does not build up. Lubrication with molybdenum additives tolerates low temperatures well. Even at -50 ° C, the hinge pivots reliably and does not wedge due to thickened oil.

Barium additives

The most durable and technologically advanced. There are a lot of imported (expensive) options, and for thrifty drivers there is a domestic option: SHRUS grease for the ShRB-4 tripod

This advanced formulation is, in principle, not afraid of moisture. Even if fluid enters through a damaged boot, the lubricant will not deteriorate and the joint metal will not corrode. Chemical neutrality is also on high level: anthers do not dub or swell.

The only problem with barium additives- quality deterioration at low temperatures. Therefore, in the conditions of the Far North, the use is limited. For the middle lane, with short-term frosts, it is recommended to warm up the hinge at low speeds. For example, when maneuvering in the parking lot.

Lithium greases

The oldest option, which arose together with the CV joint. For thickening base oil lithium soap is used. They work well at medium to high temperatures and have strong adhesion.

They quickly return to their characteristics after short-term overheating. However, at subzero temperatures, the viscosity rises sharply, to the state of paraffin. Accordingly, the working layer breaks and the hinge begins to wear out.

Is it possible to lubricate the CV joint with lithol?

Trying to understand which lubricant is better for CV joints in the middle lane, drivers are looking closely at Litol-24. Despite the lithium additives, this compound is not suitable for CV joints.

The only way to use it (given the affordability) is to "fill" the knot after replacing the torn boot and follow to the place of repair. Then flush the joint and fill it with the correct grease.

To determine which lubricant is best to use for CV joints, I recommend watching this video

The principle "you can't spoil the porridge with butter" does not work in this case. Information about how much grease is needed in the CV joint, in technical documentation to the car no... The principle is as follows:

• the hinge cavity is filled grease completely, without the formation of air bubbles;
• then the part of the assembly is coated with an anther;
• a boot is put on, and slightly squeezed by hands: excess grease is squeezed out along the semi-axis;
• after removing it, you can crimp the clamps.

"Excess" grease when the hinge is heated can tear the boot.

How to flush a CV joint from old grease - video