Bearing greases compatibility

[Gilles Gour]

Does any one know what exactly is the grease used by Subaru in it's cars
wheel bearings? The nature of the tickening base would be of utmost
importance.
Thanks in advance for all inputs.
Gilles (Montreal)

 

[Rick Courtright]

Does any one know what exactly is the grease used by Subaru in it's cars
wheel bearings? The nature of the tickening base would be of utmost

Hi,

As a general rule, most greases used today are lithium based, though I
have a tub of "hi temp disc brake grease" that's an aluminum complex
base. Then we add some synthetics that I don't know about at all. Really
old time greases were sodium based, and they would react with lithium
and bleed excessively. Many years ago I got in the habit of washing
everything out and starting fresh if I didn't know exactly what's in
there to start, and do that same thing to this day. I don't know what
Subaru's using, but I do know they've tried a few different types in
their CV joints. Don't know if they've done the same with wheel
bearings, but I'd start clean if it were my car. Then you can add grease
"safely" as required since you know what's in there. (Some people say
NEVER add grease, but I haven't seen a problem when I've done it.)

Best of luck, and Happy New Year!

Rick

 

[Gilles Gour]

Hi,

As a general rule, most greases used today are lithium based, though I
have a tub of "hi temp disc brake grease" that's an aluminum complex
base. Then we add some synthetics that I don't know about at all. Really
old time greases were sodium based, and they would react with lithium
and bleed excessively. Many years ago I got in the habit of washing
everything out and starting fresh if I didn't know exactly what's in
there to start, and do that same thing to this day. I don't know what
Subaru's using, but I do know they've tried a few different types in
their CV joints. Don't know if they've done the same with wheel
bearings, but I'd start clean if it were my car. Then you can add grease
"safely" as required since you know what's in there. (Some people say
NEVER add grease, but I haven't seen a problem when I've done it.)

Best of luck, and Happy New Year!

Rick

Thanks for the reply.
I'm asking cause I'm about to replace front axles (96 Legacy, 200,000
kilometers) and just want to replace also the inner bearing grease seal
but not touch the bearing itself. I want to put some synth grease behing
the seal to keep its lips lubricated (one inner and one outer lip) Was
afraid I would mess things up. Maybe I'll just use a minimal amount.
Happy New Year to you too!

 

[Rick Courtright]

afraid I would mess things up. Maybe I'll just use a minimal amount.

Hi,

Just checked the tub of Valvoline Syn-Power synthetic out in the garage,
and it says nothing about either the base soap, or about mixing with
other grease. For the use you're looking at, I don't think I'd worry at
all.

Again, best of luck!

Rick