Waterproof Grease --Aluminum or Calcium Complex

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Mar 8, 2005
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49
Location
KY
I am in need of a waterproof grease. Its only purpose is to provide a barrier to the intrusion of water.
The application is Honda ATV brake hubs. The hubs are designed to use grease in grooves around and within circular flexible seals that rotate with the brake hub and are in contact with a metal backing plate. The grease barrier between the hub and the backing plate is the only thing that keeps the water out of the brakes.

Lithium marine greases do not last one ride if I have to ford much water. Since I will have to order the grease I was wondering if anyone could comment on the waterproof characteristics of the aluminum vs calcium complex greases or which one would be best for this application.
 
How about a silicone grease? I was having issues with Super-Lube getting washed out of my polyurethane bushings when I used to DD my Mustang. Switched to Jet-Lube NLGI #3 silicone grease and it lasts multiple times longer between greasings.
 
Aluminum greases are great when immersed in salt water as sodium will not really break the bonds of the detergent molecules to the aluminum ions. But calcium greases will do well in fresh water. So either should do you fine
 
I recommend a sliicone grease like Krytox

BMW motorcycles of the oilhead vintage use needle bearings on pivot points for the final drive that are very poorly water sealed. I have replaced them several times. Last time, I washed out the bearing and packed thoroughly with silicone grease and then on assembly but in a barrier of more silicone grease. Never had a problem again.

Rod
 
Originally Posted by ragtoplvr
I recommend a sliicone grease like Krytox

BMW motorcycles of the oilhead vintage use needle bearings on pivot points for the final drive that are very poorly water sealed. I have replaced them several times. Last time, I washed out the bearing and packed thoroughly with silicone grease and then on assembly but in a barrier of more silicone grease. Never had a problem again.

Krytox is not a silicone, that is the point of the material.

There are fluorosilicone greases such as Molykote 3451 which cost a whole lot less than Krytox.
 
I always used Bel Ray on the dirt bikes. I believe it was an aluminum compound and it was commonly available at motorcycle shops.
 
Bel-Ray Waterproof grease is an aluminum complex grease modified with barium complex grease. It is probably one of the most water resistant greases available and will act as an excellent seal against infiltration. It is available in a lot of motorcycle and powersports shops in small tubs.
 
Originally Posted by berlyn
^^ great info here, thank you. If only the access to their TDS's was easier.. At least in EU.

It sounds almost like Buzzy's Slick Honey, which is what pushbike mechanics use on the pivot points of full-suspension mountain bikes as well as suspension forks and rear shocks.

Here's the US TDS for that Bel-Ray stuff: http://www.belray.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Waterproof-Grease.pdf
 
I love SlickHoney! Except its quite thin. And a like golden, well, honey color. I'm not sure what base it is made of but it spread THIN very nicely. I love it for brake and shifter cables, just pinch some on your fingers and rub it on the cable. Leaves a light sheen thats great for lubrication and corrosion protection while minimizing dirt attraction. Also works very well for repacking old cartridge bearings if replacements are on backorder! I can't say for sure but I highly doubt its a #2.
 
Originally Posted by pburchett
I am in need of a waterproof grease. Its only purpose is to provide a barrier to the intrusion of water.
The application is Honda ATV brake hubs. The hubs are designed to use grease in grooves around and within circular flexible seals that rotate with the brake hub and are in contact with a metal backing plate. The grease barrier between the hub and the backing plate is the only thing that keeps the water out of the brakes.


I know Shimano uses a calcium-based grease in their bike hubs, partly for that reason. The Dura-Ace Special Grease is rumored to be relabeled Agip Autol Top 2000 grease or Motorex Bike Grease. The Shimano stuff is made in Germany instead of Japan so it's not an Kyodo Yushi(the major Japanese grease supplier)/Idemitsu/Shell Japan/Dow Japan product. It's pricey through for the Shimano or Motorex stuff, and Agip/Eni distribution in the US is close to nil.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/shimano-dura-ace-grease
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/motorex-bike-grease-2000

WD-40 is also using a calcium sulfonate(OBCS) thickener in their True Multi-Purpose Grease and supposedly Red Line CV-2 is OBCS or Ca-complex. Home Depot used to sell the WD-40 Specialist line of greases but discontinued it. Amazon has it and the Red Line stuff is easy to find.

Motorcycle wrenches like the Bel-Ray stuff, and most "marine" wheel bearing greases are Al-complex which the Bel-Ray is.
 
Calcium sulfonate complex for water resistance.

Check the water washout #'s for a good calcium soap grease vs anything else.

And FWIW some of the best chassis greases at very good prices are marketed by CAT and fortified with 5% MoS2. Their severe service greases are all Ca soap bases.
 
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