Used wrong/Old grease in Stabilizer Links?

[EdwardC]

My '07 Element was creaking up front, most noticeable when braking and the front end dove down. I swapped out the stabilizer links for Moog parts that had zerk fittings. I had a tube of Super Tech Moly-Lithium Grease, so I used that. It was quiet for a few months, then I noticed a similar creaking and a slight knock. I took a look while I was rotating the tires and saw that the entire stabilizer link was wet with oil, as if the grease was separating and leaking out. I pumped in some more grease and it quieted down again. I pulled out the tube to read it and it has a drop point of 350, and doesn't have the NGLI GC-LB logo. I noticed some of the grease was also "dripping" out the bottom of the grease gun. I've had this tube close to 7 years now, could it just be old? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Moly-Grease-14-oz/16928003 Is that the wrong stuff? I already picked up a tube of Mystik JT6 High Temp (as i found mentioned in other threads) that has the GC-LB rating and will pump that through the links next time it starts to make noise. Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[SVTCobra]

As you mentioned your grease has separated. Most greases are only good for 2 to 3 years. The separation is the lubricating oils releasing from the thickening agent which is what you saw dripping from your grease gun. If you opened the gun you should also find a lot of thick grease left behind. Buy a new tube and purge the stabilizer links. Use an aluminum complex grease if you can find it since it is 100% waterproof.

 

[EdwardC]

Thanks, makes sense! I didn't think it had such a short life, unlike motor oil. But it kind of makes sense since there are the thickeners/solids in it. I'll toss that old grease.

 

[Merkava_4]

<span style="font-family: 'Verdana'">Never heard of grease fittings for stabilizer links. Interesting. </span>

 

[Jimzz]

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4

Never heard of grease fittings for stabilizer links. Interesting.

I've seen some on aftermarket links. I think its over kill IMO and more likely to cause issues when over greased.

 

[Bgallagher]

Originally Posted By: Jimzz

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4

Never heard of grease fittings for stabilizer links. Interesting.

I've seen some on aftermarket links. I think its over kill IMO and more likely to cause issues when over greased.

I have aftermarket links with grease fittings. While I agree with the above, I usually give it a pump or two every six months until I see a slight swell. If this will allow for higher durability who knows but in the meantime it seems to be working just fine for me! I use the Lucas Xtra in everything and it seems to do the job.

 

[EdwardC]

I'm hoping with proper greasing, they will be the last set of links I put on, who knows though. Follow up question, any tips on getting the old grease out, without dis assembly? I plan on pumping in new stuff until I see it come out, but with Jimzz's comments, I'm now concerned about over greasing. I was torn between the Lucas Red N tacky and the Mystik JT6 while at walmart, went with the Mystik, but I'm thinking either would be fine.

 

[AMC]

You don't need to get the old grease out. The super tech grease you used is a lithium base grease and so are mystik jt6 and Lucas red and tacky. They will all mix just fine and get along just fine. Between your choices for new grease, I would use the mystik and not think twice. It is good stuff!

 

[EdwardC]

Perfect, thanks everyone! I'll be sure to report back if these links start to get noisy.