What grease for wheel bearings, motors and wet work
Match four things: temperature, water, speed and how the grease is applied. For most car and LCV wheel hubs, that is lithium-complex NLGI 2 (GC-LB where listed). For electric motors, polyurea or a quiet lithium complex, often NLGI 2 or 3. For wet pins and marine, calcium sulfonate or a dedicated waterproof calcium — not a cheap hydrated cup grease on a hot hub.
Start with the job
Wheel bearings / hubs
Lithium complex NLGI 2, preferably NLGI GC-LB. High dropping point, shear stable, water washout (ASTM D1264) in check. Do not pack a hub with hydrated calcium cup grease.
Electric motors
Polyurea for sealed-for-life and long drain; lithium complex where relubrication is planned. Watch base-oil viscosity for the speed factor (n·dm). NLGI 3 if the motor is vertical or hot.
Wet work, king pins, marine deck
Calcium sulfonate complex or aluminium complex. Water spray-off and rust scores matter more than a 260 °C dropping point you will never see.
Centralised systems
Softer NLGI 0, 00 or 1 so the pump can move it. The thickener still has to match water and temperature.
Thickener chemistry is unpacked in lithium vs lithium complex vs calcium and grease formulation explained.
What to read on the TDS
- Thickener — lithium, LiX, calcium, CaSX, polyurea, clay.
- NLGI — stiffness. 2 is general bearings; 3 for high speed/vertical; 0–00 for auto-lube.
- Base-oil viscosity — high-speed motors want a lower KV40 than a slow, loaded pin.
- Dropping point — a ceiling, not an operating temperature. Run well below it.
- Four-ball / Timken / water washout — only if the duty is EP or wet.
Application grease FAQ
Is EP2 the right hub grease?
EP2 only means NLGI 2 with extreme-pressure additives. A lithium EP2 chassis grease can still be the wrong hub product if dropping point and washout are poor. Look for lithium complex and GC-LB.
Can I use motor grease in a wheel hub?
Usually no. Motor greases are often quieter and lighter in EP; hubs see water, heat from brakes, and shock. Use a hub-rated complex grease.
Why does grease leak from a hub cap?
Overpacking, too-soft NLGI, heat thinning, or a failing seal. Relubrication volume is a method, not “until it squirts”.
Lubechem formulates hub, motor and wet-service greases for manufacturers
If you want to see how thickener, NLGI and base-oil viscosity are chosen together, start with the grease formulation guide.
See how a grease is built →