4 replies to this topic

[minbin 69]

about to start rebuilding my subframes..arms..hubs and new wheel bearings what type/make of grease do i use?

i know the bearings come with little packets but is that really the best to use?

I've got some copper slip grease for the subframes mounting bolts is that any good for the other bits?

 

[rally515]

The bearing grease MUST be high temperature grease.

Copperslip is good for bolts and also the inner surface of the backplate where the shoes rub against it

[Dan]

I've got some copper slip grease for the subframes mounting bolts is that any good for the other bits?

 

 

  Absolutely not!

 

  You need to use a Lithium high melting point grease.  Castrol LM or similar.  This will be fine for all chassis grease points and wheel bearings.  If your bearings come with grease, use that (why would they come with grease that wasn't suitable?).  Do not use Coppaslip, Moly grease (or CV grease), Graphite grease or anything else.

 

  If you put Coppaslip inside the brake drums to lubricate the back plate (which is not unusual) then use a very tiny amount, just a smear.  Not only will it ruin your day if you put enough in there for it to contaminate the friction linings, it will degrade the rubber in the brake cylinder if any gets in there.

Edited by Dan, 23 May 2013 - 11:08 PM.

[tiger99]

As it happens, the correct stuff, which as Dan says is Castrol LM, happens to be one of the cheapest, so there is every reason to use it on other minor items such as door and bonnet hinges, speedo cable, etc, as well as all 8 grease nipples, regularly.

 

Don't be tempted to use it in CV joints, for which you MUST use Duckhams Molybentone, or the equivalent CV grease sold for modern cars.

 

Very old Minis with the cast iron water pump may have a grease nipple. Not sure if any of these pumps still survive, but if so, they need special water pump grease.

 

Battery terminals, preferably nothing but Vaseline.

[minbin 69]

Thanks guys..i know it's a basic question but i'd rather ask and look a bit clueless than use the wrong stuff..