Grease Guide for Trucks and Equipment: Lithium vs Moly vs Synthetic

Grease protects the parts that oil cannot reach: chassis joints, kingpins, U-joints, fifth wheels and wheel bearings. Pick the wrong grease and you get faster wear, washed-out joints and more downtime. Here is how to choose.

Understanding NLGI grades

Grease thickness is rated by the NLGI scale. NLGI #2 is the most common grade for trucks and equipment. Softer grades such as #1 or #0 pump more easily in very cold weather and are used in some centralized lube systems.

The main grease types

• Lithium and lithium complex — the general-purpose choice for chassis and many wheel bearings. Lithium complex handles higher temperatures than plain lithium.
• Moly (molybdenum disulfide) grease — adds extra protection for heavily loaded, slow-moving parts such as kingpins, U-joints and fifth wheel plates.
• Synthetic grease — flows better in extreme cold and resists breakdown at high heat. A good choice for severe service and very low temperatures.
• Specialty greases — such as high-temperature brake and caliper grease, made for jobs regular grease cannot handle.

Do not mix greases without checking

Some grease thickeners are not compatible with each other. Mixing them can soften the grease and cause it to run out of the joint. When switching types, purge the old grease fully.

Winter greasing tips

• Grease the chassis at every PM — winter road salt and slush wash grease out faster.
• Use a grade that pumps well in the cold for outdoor equipment.
• Clean the grease fitting before connecting the gun to avoid pushing dirt in.

Frequently asked questions

What grease should I use on a truck chassis?
A quality NLGI #2 lithium complex grease is the common choice. Use moly grease for heavily loaded joints if the manufacturer recommends it.

What is the difference between red grease and other grease?
Color is just dye. Choose by thickener type, NLGI grade and the job, not by color.

How often should a truck be greased?
Follow the manufacturer's PM schedule. Severe service and winter conditions usually call for more frequent greasing.

Grease we carry

Shop Shell Rotella HD Red Grease cartridges, CRC Sta-Lube Synthetic Brake & Caliper Grease and Liquid Wrench White Lithium Grease, or browse our Lubricants collection.

Related guides: Gear Oil Guide · Rotella vs Delo vs Delvac

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