Gear Grease? What is it?

[Jim Mullen]

Hi,
What type of grease is this. Lithium grease?
Thanks,
Jim

[Rick Russell]

In article <JOe0b.148867$It4.73745@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net>,
Jim Mullen <heatherandjim@comcast.net> wrote:
> Hi,
> What type of grease is this. Lithium grease?

If it's clear grease, then it's silicone grease. Silicone grease is
used protect and buffer plastic and metal parts while providing
viscous coupling. That is, it makes things stick together just a
little bit. It's often used in gear differentials to prevent them from
freewheeling when one of the wheels goes off the ground.

If it's black or white grease, then it's probably primarily for
lubrication, and provides very little viscous coupling. It might have
lithium compounds in it.

For example, I use thick silicone grease in the rear differential on
my E-Maxx, but I use more traditional black lubricating grease in the
front differential. That way I get good rear traction and
straight-line acceleration, but smooth steering.

Rick R.

[Jim Mullen]

Thanks,
I can't believe the stuff I didn't know when I was a kid doing this hobby. I
can see its going to be a learning experience.
Thanks again,
Jim Mullen
"Rick Russell" <rickr@is.rice.edu> wrote in message
news:bhtled$62v$1@joe.rice.edu...
> In article <JOe0b.148867$It4.73745@rwcrnsc51.ops.asp.att.net>,
> Jim Mullen <heatherandjim@comcast.net> wrote:
> > Hi,
> > What type of grease is this. Lithium grease?
>
> If it's clear grease, then it's silicone grease. Silicone grease is
> used protect and buffer plastic and metal parts while providing
> viscous coupling. That is, it makes things stick together just a
> little bit. It's often used in gear differentials to prevent them from
> freewheeling when one of the wheels goes off the ground.
>
> If it's black or white grease, then it's probably primarily for
> lubrication, and provides very little viscous coupling. It might have
> lithium compounds in it.
>
> For example, I use thick silicone grease in the rear differential on
> my E-Maxx, but I use more traditional black lubricating grease in the
> front differential. That way I get good rear traction and
> straight-line acceleration, but smooth steering.
>
> Rick R.
>