Wheel Bearing Grease

[cray]

I have been reading up on repacking bearings and decided to give it a try. I am still a little confused on what type of grease to use. I always hear high speed grease or marine grease in the instructions.

What is better, heat resistant high speed or water resistant marine?

The stuff i have found so far says one or the other, not both.

My trailer does not have brakes and I make long trips 500+ miles with heavily loaded trailer.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Great question I was wondering about the Amsoil grease. Anybody know if it is better?

[jeffreyd]

best grease i have ever used. holds in place, does not run away and is recommend for some of the most important pieces of equipment. Our OEM fire truck mfg only recommend amsoil grease for aerial ladders including the slides. I swear by it.

[Surface Tension]

I use waterproof wheel bearing grease.

[harvey lee]

+1

[motley man]

Been using regular wheel bearing grease for 45 years and no problems. Just make sure to inspect tightness of nut and that the cotter pin is there before each long trip. I always have extra bearings, races and caps along.

[theoilman]

The API (American Petroleum Institute) allows a grease to be called 'waterproof' if it is as low as 85% water-washout resistant.

AMSOIL's WaterProof grease, blue/green in color, product code GWR carries a 99.1% water washout resistance rating.

AMSOIL's Multi-Purpose grease, red in color, product code GLC carries a 98.4% water washout resistance rating.

They both carry speed ratings over 3000 rpm, and dropping point 550 def F. Both high temp and high speed rated.

Which for boat trailers? I have many customers using the red GLC on fresh water only with bearing buddies, they give them a shot or two every 4 or 5 times in the water, and have not had to tear them down after over 5 years. But if you are in brackish or salt water the water-proof makes a big difference.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Can you mix Amsoil grease with what is already there, or do you need to start new with it?

[Surface Tension]

Normally you don't want to mix different types of grease. Doing a complete clean, inspection, new seals, and repacking is always a good thing. IMO if water has gotten to the bearings, having waterproof grease, non washout is just a short term benefit of till a complete clean and repack because the bearing will eventually rust. If there is any grease slung on the inside rim its time.

[theoilman]

I agree with Frank, a clean out and complete inspection is an excellent idea.

Technically, almost all wheel bearing greases today are either a lithium or a lithium complex, and all these are compatible, so you don't have to worry about getting absolutely all of the old out.

However there are a few waterproof greases that are a urea base - these are NOT compatible with lithium or lithium complex base.