What is the lubricant for the inner CV joint. What is the best lubricant for the CV joint, by what criteria to choose it

Front-wheel drive vehicles have many advantages - they are often lighter, cheaper and easier to manufacture. Also, front-wheel drive cars have more high cross-country ability in slippery areas. But there are also certain disadvantages. So, the CV joint in the drive not only ensures uniform straightness of movement, but also causes rapid wear of parts and transmission units.

In order to increase the reliability of the drive and transmission mechanisms, a special lubricant was developed, with the help of which the situation improved. Then many different products began to appear on the lubricant market, creating confusion and some inconvenience for motorists. To avoid mistakes, you should know which CV joint grease is most effective.

What tasks do lubricants SHRUS solve?

Even a novice motorist knows that the lubricant, which is used in most assemblies, solves not only the problem of reducing friction and wear of parts. It is also designed to reduce the stress on mechanisms. Lubricants make rotation easier and more free, and the car can move forward without any obstacles. Lubrication of the CV joint, in addition to reducing friction, also reduces fuel consumption and energy loss in the transmission.

The second equally important property of lubricants is the protection of metal components from corrosion. It's no secret that the bulk of all breakdowns of parts in mechanisms are the consequences of cavity corrosion. The lubricant should protect the CV joint parts from such processes and thereby ensure the durability of the assembly. A good product will save the car owner from unnecessary costs.

Types of lubricants

Front-wheel drive cars, as well as their all-wheel drive cousins, have coexisted for many decades. During this time, many varieties of lubricants for CV joints have appeared. On the whole, each team quite effectively performs its functions. But some of the proposed lubricants are corrosive towards rubber or plastic. Many compounds also do not have the proper properties to combat corrosion, and this is almost essential characteristic SHRUS grease.

Lithium based lubricants

It is a mixture of a yellowish tint and high viscosity. As temperatures drop, the viscosity increases. In cold weather, lithium grease can be applied to the part with great difficulty. Lithium compounds do an excellent job of reducing friction. In addition, lubrication reduces the loads that act on the drive mechanism and its components dozens of times.

They also note the conservation properties of these materials - it is lithium-based products that maximally protect the metal from moisture and dust, as well as other pollutants. But this cannot be said about every composition.It happens that any product does not have the necessary characteristics to combat the destruction of CV joints due to the effects of corrosion. Experts recommend that motorists regularly check the condition of the drive system and all components. The frequency of such checks is 50-60 thousand kilometers.

One of the exceptions, of which there are very few, is the domestic lithium grease "Litol-24". Russian automakers recommend not replacing it earlier than after 100,000 km. Lithium-based compounds can be safely used with any polymer coatings that are used in the manufacture of anthers in CV joints.

Brands

Today, among the manufacturers of lithium greases, domestic ones are in the lead. Many foreign firms are gradually phasing out these formulations due to the development of newer and more modern technologies. The latest developments ensure maximum protection for every part in the transmission.

Despite this, there is always a lithium SHRUS grease on sale from such manufacturers as XADO, Very Lube, Renolit.

Molybdenum Disulfide Products

Although lithium CV joint grease is highly effective, the search for new technologies and solutions continues. The composition should be ideal for all cars. As a result, a new generation of formulations was created. their feature is molybdenum disulfide. This made it possible to increase the resistance to corrosion. As shown by life tests, even after 100,000 km, no serious wear was found in the CV joints. But even this unique composition is by no means eternal - replacement will be required after a hundred kilometers.

Fear of liquid

It is noted that such compositions have a serious disadvantage. Molybdenum products are very afraid of moisture, which can get into the mechanism from the road. As a result, the composition completely loses its properties.

Brands

In order to choose the best, you shouldn't pay too much attention to the price. Often a CV joint grease with a lower price is more effective. An excellent example is the domestic production "SHRUS-4". The composition contains a lot of molybdenum, which in the best way affects the durability of transmission units. From foreign brands, we can recommend BP, Liqui moly, Mobil, Esso.

Lubricant for inner CV joint

All that is said above is relevant only for the outer hinges of angular velocities. Neither lithium nor molybdenum products are suitable for internal assemblies. The fact is that the work of the internal SHRUS takes place in more high temperatures... The effectiveness of lithium greases is lost already at 120 °, and the standard temperature for internal components is 160 °.

Polyurea-based formulations are recommended as lubricating products. Among the characteristics are high temperature resistance, resistance to exposure to liquids, and overall efficiency. A polyurea-based mixture is suitable as a lubricant for a tripoid CV joint. If balls are the basis of the internal assembly, then it is quite possible to get by with the product "SHRUS-4".

Features of internal tripoid CV joints

As for the tripoid hinges, they work due to needle bearings. If there are any solid particles in the lubricant, this will lead to the inevitable death of the mechanism. Sellers in stores are trying to sell to car enthusiasts who knows what.

The grease for the tripoid CV joint can be both domestic and imported. There are suitable polyurea products in the XADO range. Many car owners also recommend Castrol LMX, which is ideal for needle roller bearing applications.

What kind of lubricant should not be used

Drivers often become victims of marketing - they are offered the best and most reliable product, which in reality does not have the desired properties. So, in the case of angular velocity joints, it is not recommended to use graphite lubricants... Also, hydrocarbon-based products will not work. In addition, mixtures based on calcium and sodium, as well as iron or zinc, will lead to the destruction of the mechanism.

How much grease is in the CV joint

So, the outer CV joints fill lubricant so that the composition protrudes slightly beyond the boundaries of the part. You can underfill a little into the inner one - pour it so that about 3-5 mm remains to the edge.

How Do I Pick a Good Lubricant?

Today, the best option is products with molybdenum disulfide. Here, there is both high protection against corrosion and a reduction in friction in the units. As a universal grease, you can use "SHRUS-4" or "Litol-24". A best lubricant for CV joints - this is the original material recommended by the car manufacturer. So be careful when choosing.

Constant Velocity Joint (CV joint) - important mechanism in a car, responsible for the transfer of rotational motion from one axis to another. In general, this automotive unit is considered extremely reliable, but, like any other cyclically loaded rotating element, it needs timely lubrication.

The design of the hinge is similar to that of a bearing: outer ring, balls, inner ring. The fundamental difference is that CV joint - closed hinge... But the CV joint is not just a bearing. It is subjected to enormous loads and at the same time is one of the key elements of the car. Naturally, a special lubricant has been developed for this unit. It is called "SHRUS-4" and takes into account all the features of the hinge operating mode. There are various manufacturers, but all of them must indicate in the name "SHRUS-4", otherwise it cannot be used in your car.

Important! In no case do not lubricate the SHRUS with any other grease, except for SHRUS-4. This can lead to failure of the hinge.

SHRUS-4 is manufactured according to TU 38 Ukrainian SSR 201312-81. Available as a petroleum based oil using a lithium thickener. It contains anti-corrosion and anti-friction additives. There are also varieties with the addition of molybdenum disulfide, which gives excellent extreme pressure properties.

Basic mechanical and physical characteristics

• water resistance due to high adhesion (intermolecular interaction of lubricant and metal);
• antioxidant properties;
• good viscosity ensures stable condition at high temperatures;
• antiwear ability;
• low volatility;
• anti-seize;
• wide range of operating temperatures: from -40 to +120 ° C;
• stability under various external conditions.

Areas of use

SHRUS-4 is used to lubricate constant velocity joints. It can also be used for other rubbing parts of the car.

Grease characteristics

For formulations based on molybdenum disulfate.

Main functions

Good lubrication SHRUS-4 must provide at least two things:

1. Not only to reduce friction in the nodes, but also to reduce the load in these nodes. This will extend the life of your vehicle as well as reduce fuel consumption.
2. Protect metal parts from corrosion. Eliminating the risk of corrosion damage to the part will greatly increase the chances of a long and trouble-free assembly.

Views

Lithium:

This type of lubricant is very common in our country. Lithium compounds have excellent antifriction properties, and also significantly reduce the stress on the hinge nodes. Lithium greases are highly water and dust resistant. The need for replacement depends on its quality; on average, it is recommended to do this every 50-60,000 km.

Litol SHRUS-4 from Gazprom Neft, judging by the reviews, is one of the leaders in the segment. It is replaced approximately every 100,000 km.

Molybdenum:

Abroad, most manufacturers switched to molybdenum disulfide as the basis for the SHRUS-4 lubricant. This view possesses better anti-corrosion properties, as well as higher extreme pressure properties. Its only drawback is hydrophobia. When moisture gets into the lubricant, it instantly loses its effectiveness. Replacing such a lubricant is required on average every 100,000 km.

The most popular among auto mechanics is SHRUS-4 from Liqui Moly.

Lubricant for inner CV joints

Previous types of grease were relevant for external hinges and internal hinges with ball bearings, but are not suitable for internal ones due to their higher temperature (160). Most internal hinges use needle bearings. They should be lubricated with a polyurea-based formulation, which is free from the slightest solid particles. Car owners highly praise the Castrol LMX CV joint, which is designed specifically for needle roller bearings.

Among domestic analogues you can highlight the SHRUS super-4ml.

• Give preference to SHRUS-4 grease based on molybdenum disulfide;
• Do not save and buy the products recommended by the car manufacturer;
• Never use graphite and hydrocarbon lubricants;
• At self-replacement fill in the outer CV joint until the composition goes beyond the boundaries of the part, it is customary to underfill the inner one.

What is the lubricant for SHRUS is better and why is it needed? Front-wheel drive vehicles have a number of advantages over rear-wheel drive vehicles. Front-wheel drive vehicles are easier to manufacture and resist skidding on wet and snowy road surfaces. But besides the advantages, these cars also have disadvantages, such as the use of a hinge of equal angular velocity in the drive of the car, which ensures confident movement.

The CV joint is a part that contributes to rapid wear transmissions. To extend the life, it is necessary to use a specialized lubricant for the outer and inner CV joints, which increases its wear resistance and transmission components. Today, a huge number of different lubricants and car owners have to smash their brains over the question of which lubrication option will lubricate the CV joints and their joints better before choosing the right one.

What is the function of lubrication?

Motorists know that lubricants used in the joints and joints of cars not only reduce friction and prevent premature wear of machine parts. But they also reduce the load on the parts, as a result of which the parts rotate freely and the car continues to move without friction and load.

SHRUS lubrication reduces fuel consumption and transmission losses. Preventing the spread of corrosion is a very important property. It is during corrosion that the operation of the CV joints is accompanied by the appearance of an unpleasant knock, which intensifies when the steering wheel is turned and the torque is not transmitted efficiently. To prevent the CV joints from getting dirty, anthers are used. It is important not to let the grease get on the anthers, they are made of rubber or plastic, which is eaten away on contact with the grease.

When does the CV joint grease change?

The grease is replaced in the following cases:

• torn boot and its replacement;
• replacement of the hinge for adjusting angular speeds;
• SHRUS operation for more than 5 years;
• run over 100 thousand kilometers.

It is not necessary to apply a large amount of grease, this will not give better protection, but will only increase the likelihood of ruining the anthers. There must be enough lubricant so that the part is completely lubricated and no lubricant drips from it.

How much grease to fill in the CV joint? It all depends on whether it is internal or external. For the inner CV joint, 100-110 grams is enough, and for the outer one 70-80 grams.

Varieties of lubricants

Along with the question: which CV joint is better, motorists are faced with the problem of choosing a lubricant. There are many different lubricants for maintaining CV joints, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here we will consider only those that have proven themselves and are considered the most suitable.

Lithium based greases

The most common are lithium foam based lubricants in organic acid. These lubricants are yellowish in color and slightly thick. In the cold, they thicken even more, as a result of which their smearing on the part becomes a little problematic. This problem makes itself felt at a negative temperature at the beginning of the ride - you can hear the tapping of CV joints and suspension. When all the mechanisms are warmed up, the work of the car is getting better. Such lubricants reduce friction well and reduce the load on the components by up to 10 times.

A big advantage is the neutralization of trapped dust and the ability to keep moisture out of the parts. Another feature of lithium greases is that they are fully compatible with polymers that are installed on CV joints, with the exception of some hard plastics that are present on modern cars mobiles.

The disadvantage of lithium greases is that most of them do not resist corrosion well. This is what you need to pay attention to first of all when choosing this type of lubricant.

Lithium-based greases can be used such as Litol-24, Renolit, Khado. These greases have already proven themselves in the market and are distinguished by the most suitable properties.

Molybdenum disulfide greases

Due to the fact that the lithium version is not suitable for all cars, the engineers had to find a way out. The solution to the problem was a lubricant to which molybdenum disulfide was added. Thanks to this connection, the CV joint grease has acquired a high anticorrosive resistance. In addition, the amount of acid in the lubricant is reduced, which reduces the level of interaction with solid polymers. Thanks to this, it became possible to use such a lubricant on any modern cars.

If we consider resistance to friction, then in this feature, lubricants based on lithium and molybdenum disulfide are almost the same. Still, there is a big drawback in the molybdenum disulfide product. The grease completely loses its properties after water gets under the damaged boot. To prevent this from happening, you need to inspect the condition of the anthers at least once a month. You should also look under the car after heavy blows to the suspension and off-road trips.

Such lubricants are made by the most different manufacturers... Domestic production of Shrus-4 grease is not inferior to analogues from other countries, it works no worse. From foreign ones, you can use lubricants such as Mobil, BP, Liqui Moly, Esso.

Barium based lubricants

Recently, scientists have created many different lubricants for CV joints, but only one type combines the advantages of lithium and molybdenum, without having their disadvantages - barium lubricants. The main advantage of these lubricants is their high resistance to moisture. For example, if the boot bursts, the barium-based grease can be left unchanged until a lot of dirt accumulates in it.

It is equally important that such barium grease protects CV joints from all types of corrosion and does not dissolve anthers from any polymers. The only thing that this type of grease cannot boast of is the price and low resistance to negative temperatures. Barium-based lubricants are much more expensive than lithium and molybdenum because of the complexity of their manufacture and are much less common.

On the market you can find only one barium-based product of domestic production - ShRB-4.

What lubricants can not be used

In no case should you use lubricants based on the following:

• graphite (used to protect bearings);
• hydrocarbon;
• zinc;
• calcium;
• sodium;
• iron based.

They will simply lead to the destruction of the mechanism.

How to choose a lubricant

Lubricating SHRUS greases have a different appearance. Considering all the features and the internal set of characteristics of lubricants, the most suitable option, today, these are lubricants based on molybdenum disulfide. A good option Suitable for all vehicles, minimizes friction and corrosion resistance with minimal impact on the dust cover. By lubricating each joint of the CV joint, you will extend its life. But still, when choosing a lubricant, you should follow the recommendations in the instructions for your car.

Transmits torque to the wheels. In short, it is called CV joint. The device itself is quite simple. It is a ball bearing that does not rotate along its axis, as is the case in most similar devices, but across. His appearance it resembles an anti-tank grenade, and therefore received a similar nickname "grenade" among the people.

Thanks to the SHRUS front wheel drive cars were reborn in due time, because before the creation of this device, engineers could not come up with a practical technology that would transmit torque with sufficient force when turning to the front wheels. And the CV joint made it real.

When the "grenade" fails, it emits appropriate sounds that cannot be confused with the sounds made by another spare part. This is a knock or crack that is heard when starting off or when making a turn. If you hear such sounds, this detail must undoubtedly be changed. The reason is that there is no lubrication. The CV joint must be constantly lubricated. Also, it can still happen due to the fact that the driver starts off abruptly with the wheels turned out or turns at high speed.

Is not subject to. When it fails, it must be replaced. If you have a question "how to replace the lubricant?", Immediately discard it. In "grenades" there should be only the lubricant that is provided for it. It is categorically not suitable for this case. Its application is provided for completely different purposes. But some "smart people" stuff it with a CV joint. I repeat, the "grenades" should contain only CV joint grease. If you do not take into account these points, you can go to the station on a tow truck.

The CV joint grease is in the "grenade", as a rule, for the entire service life. But it happens that she leaves there. The reason is a damaged CV joint boot. Its task is to retain this lubricant. If this is detected in time, then the mechanisms can be saved, for which the boot changes and a new CV joint grease is filled. But first, it is necessary to remove the old one as much as possible, because it already contains dust and sand, which contribute to the rapid destruction of parts.

When choosing a lubricant for CV joints, pay attention to the indicators of water resistance, mechanical and antioxidant stability, extreme pressure properties, and volatility. The better they are, the greater the guarantee that your "grenades" will serve you faithfully for a long time.

How to change the CV joint boot? At first glance, it may seem that the procedure is quite easy, but this is only at first glance. After all, you need to drain the oil, unscrew the wheel, loosen all the bolts, etc. If you have experience in this matter, then you can handle it, and if not, it is better to contact special workshops. After all, if you make a mistake, then the boot will not ensure tightness, and this is already fraught with the ingress of sand and dust into the lubricant, which will very quickly lead to the failure of the entire CV joint. Then you will have to pay much more for the repair than the technician when replacing the boot.

SHRUS - a hinge of equal angular velocities or just a "grenade" - a very interesting and important detail. It transfers torque from the transmission to the wheels. This detail can be found on any modern front-wheel drive car.

The grenade is subjected to serious loads and is constantly in motion, therefore, since its invention, a large number of lubricating components have been invented, aimed at reducing friction inside the CV joint, as well as preventing the formation of corrosion. All the free space inside the CV joint is clogged with grease, after which a protective boot (cover) is put on top to prevent this grease from being washed off, as well as moisture, dust and sand from getting inside. Poor lubrication or leakage of the boot leads to the destruction of the internal components of this device, as a result of which the service life of the CV joint is reduced or its complete failure. Read how to check the CV joint.

Considering the above, we can conclude that grease for CV joints- is very important, so its choice should be taken seriously. In this article I will talk about how and by what criteria you should choose a lubricant for the CV joint, as well as what it is and what kind of lubricant for the CV joint is better.

In the question of how to choose a lubricant for a CV joint, one should be guided by the following criteria:

• Lubricant type;
• Interaction of grease with rubber and polymers ("rubber bands", gaskets, seals, anthers, etc.);
• Composition;
• Life time;
• Varieties of lubricants for CV joints;

There are many types of greases, including lithium, molybdenum disulfide, and barium greases. Now in more detail about each of them.

Lithium greases

Lithium solution greases have yellow and a thick consistency. In sub-zero temperatures, lithium grease tends to thicken. Because of this feature, these lubricating components do not begin to "work" immediately, as a result, in the cold, short-term tapping at the beginning is possible, until the grease warms up. This type of lubricant has proven itself well and is capable of reducing the load on the nodes by up to 10 times.

Possesses increased conservation properties and almost does not allow moisture to pass to the metal surface of the part. Also worthy of note is the decent dust neutralization. A fly in the ointment on this list of benefits is that not all greases of this type boast excellent corrosion resistance. It is for this reason that it is recommended to check the condition of the lubricant after every 50 thousand km.

It should be noted such an important feature of this type of lubricant, as absolute compatibility with almost any polymers that are used to protect the working surfaces of the CV joint. I mean the boot, gaskets and other rubber bands. The exception is plastic, or rather some of its types, when interacting with which this polymer can be destroyed.

Molybdenum disulfide grease

Lubricants based on molybdenum disulfide have recently been actively replacing lithium greases for CV joints. There are several reasons for this, first of all, as I said above, lithium greases are contraindicated for some types of plastics that are used in modern cars. In addition, molybdenum greases for CV joints have a longer service life, an average of 100 thousand km. It is for these reasons that lubricants of this type have recently become very popular among auto repairmen and motorists. The main advantage of these greases is their high degree of corrosion resistance. The level of friction is about the same as that of lithium counterparts. Due to the special composition in which the acid level is reduced, molybdenum lubricants practically do not interact with plastics and polymers.

Among the disadvantages is the fear of moisture. If moisture gets on the treated surface, it immediately stops "working". For example, if the boot is damaged and water gets inside the grenade, the molybdenum grease will immediately lose its properties. Given this feature, the owners of the car on which it is used given type grease is recommended at least once a month or after an off-road trip, to visually inspect the CV joint anthers for cracks, tears and other defects.

Barium greases

This type of grease can be called a worthy competitor to conventional lithium grease. Its peculiarity is that it, like its molybdenum counterparts, is not aggressive to polymers and rubber, however, unlike molybdenum disulfide lubricants, it is absolutely not afraid of moisture. The disadvantage is that the price of barium grease for CV joints is quite high. The second "stone in the garden" - poor tolerance low temperatures, as a result, such a lubricant will have to be changed after each winter, and this, as you understand, is an extra waste ...

Let's summarize

Lubrication for CV joints is vital, therefore, it is the task of every conscious motorist to monitor its presence and condition. In question what is the best lubricant for the CV joint, you should be guided by the recommendations of the manufacturer of your car, and also take into account the composition of anthers and other "rubber bands" that may be subject to destruction. In my opinion, the "golden mean", that is the best option, lithium greases can be considered, provided that anthers and other polymers are "not afraid" of this type of grease. If this option is contraindicated for you, pay attention to the second option - molybdenum greases for CV joints... They are not inferior in quality to the previous ones, but they require constant monitoring and do not tolerate moisture, so watch the integrity of the anthers. The third option is suitable for those who live in warm climates where there are no harsh winters, since barium lubricants for CV joints do not tolerate low temperatures. If finances allow for regular seasonal replacement of barium grease, then this option will be ideal in terms of characteristics and useful properties.

Going to the store to buy grease for CV joints, I advise you to pay attention to the following manufacturers: Liqui Moly, BP, ESSO, Mobil and Texaco, as well as: Litol, SHRUS-4, ShRB-4 and Fiol. The second group is represented by a domestic manufacturer, which is not inferior in quality to foreign counterparts, while it costs significantly less.

That's all for me, I hope the above will be enough for you to make your choice, I hope it will be correct! All the best and see you again on the pages.