When it comes to maintaining machinery and equipment, choosing the right grease can make all the difference in performance and longevity. One question that often arises is whether moly grease and lithium grease are compatible.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of greases, explore the key differences between moly and lithium-based products, and provide information on whether you can mix these two greases without risking damage to your machinery.
Lithium Grease
Lithium grease is a widely used, general-purpose lubricant that combines a base oil, typically mineral or synthetic, with a lithium soap thickener. This thickener is created by reacting a fatty acid with lithium hydroxide, giving the grease distinctive properties, such as excellent water resistance, good mechanical stability, and high-temperature capabilities.
Thanks to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, lithium grease is popular across various applications, including automotive, industrial, and household uses. It is commonly employed to lubricate bearings, bushings, gears, hinges, and other moving parts that require a durable, long-lasting lubricant.
See: What is Lithium Grease Best Used For?
Moly Grease
Moly grease, or molybdenum disulfide grease, is a high-performance lubricant that handles extreme pressure and harsh conditions. It is formed by combining a base oil, usually mineral or synthetic, with molybdenum disulphide as a solid lubricant. Adding molybdenum disulphide gives the grease unique properties, such as excellent load-carrying capacity and resistance to wear.
Molybdenum disulfide is an inorganic compound naturally occurring as a solid, dark gray powder. It has a very low friction coefficient, making it an excellent dry lubricant. When added to the base oil in grease formulations, it forms a thin, solid film on the surfaces of moving parts and provides an extra layer of protection to prevent metal-to-metal contact.
This helps reduce wear and tear on machinery, particularly in high-pressure or high-temperature environments. As a result, moly grease is often used in demanding applications such as automotive, heavy machinery, and industrial equipment maintenance.
Since moly grease can withstand high pressures and temperatures, it’s great for automotive uses like wheel bearings, tie rods, and other chassis parts. The molybdenum disulfide forms a barrier between surfaces, even when parts get extremely hot.
Can Moly Grease and Lithium Grease Be Used Together
Mixing moly grease and lithium grease is generally not recommended, as their compatibility may be uncertain. Combining different greases can lead to inconsistencies in performance, and in some cases, it may cause the mixture to break down or become less effective. It’s advisable to use one type of grease consistently and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific application to ensure the best performance and protection for your machinery.
Order Quality Grease From Bisley International
While lithium grease and moly grease can work together, choosing a grease specifically formulated for your needs for high-performance applications is best. Bisley International offers a range of additives for lithium and moly greases for various uses, including lithium hydroxide, stearic acid and molybdenum disulfide. Contact us today for more information on how we can supply a perfect lubricant for your machinery.
Check out Bisley’s range of Grease & Lubricant Additives
