Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

[Michael C.]

Along with many other parts I've replaced the front wheel bearings on my 69 with new Timkens. Repacked using the cone shaped device with grease gun. The hubs have been reinstalled for months while I've worked on other areas of the car. I've noticed that some of the grease has liquified and is dripping from the grease caps. The grease gun has been sitting on a shelf in the shop and liquid grease is coming out there as well (fortunately the gun is in a plastic pan).

In the beginning I used a new cartridge of Mobil 1 Synthetic NLGI GC-LB (claims to be suitable for wheel bearings). Was this a bad choice? I've purchased a cartridge of MasterPro Hi-Temp Disc Brake Wheel Bearing Grease NLGI #2. Is this better? I don't look forward to cleaning the new bearings, but I definitely don't want liquified grease slinging everywhere.
Thanks,
Mike

[Patrick H.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

I've seen the same thing with Mobil 1 synthetic, and it's dripping out of a front wheel bearing on a chassis sitting in my shop.
You're not alone.

[Joe L.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

I've seen the same thing with Mobil 1 synthetic, and it's dripping out of a front wheel bearing on a chassis sitting in my shop.
You're not alone.

Michael and Patrick------

The condition described is due to the oil in the grease separating from the soap. One thing that will cause this is mixing greases of different bases. So, before one uses a new grease, one needs to remove all traces of any previous grease. However, it might be that Mobil 1 synthetic is prone to this "on its own".

What do I recommend and use for wheel bearings? GM #1051344. Still available from GM after many years.

[Michael C.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

Thanks for info Joe. Because I used brand new bearings and seals, and the hubs were totally clean, it sounds like this issue is a "character flaw" of this Mobile 1.

A quick internet search finds the recommended GM grease only in a tub. I haven't called any local dealers yet, but I'm hoping to find it in a cartridge.

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

Thanks for info Joe. Because I used brand new bearings and seals, and the hubs were totally clean, it sounds like this issue is a "character flaw" of this Mobile 1.

A quick internet search finds the recommended GM grease only in a tub. I haven't called any local dealers yet, but I'm hoping to find it in a cartridge.

Mike

Mike------

As far as I know, this grease is only available in a tub. If, per chance, it's become available in a tube, it will have a different part number. That's the problem with getting it in a tube. While GM definitely offers greases in a tube, determining whether they are the same a the 1051344 might be difficult or impossible.

[Michael C.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

Joe,
Would you accept this statement made by Valvoline for their 615 grease? "Suitable for use where GM Part number: 1051344, Chrysler MS-3701 are recommended."

[Joe L.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

Joe,
Would you accept this statement made by Valvoline for their 615 grease? "Suitable for use where GM Part number: 1051344, Chrysler MS-3701 are recommended."

Mike------


I think it would be fine. However, I'd still be partial to the "real McCoy".

[Leo G.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

Joe , Would 1051344 be acceptable for use in ball bearings on solid axle front ends? I will add my thanks to for sharing your vast experience and knowledge. t
Thank you sir.

Drive em safe
Leo

[Joe L.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

Joe , Would 1051344 be acceptable for use in ball bearings on solid axle front ends? I will add my thanks to for sharing your vast experience and knowledge. t
Thank you sir.

Drive em safe
Leo

Leo------


Yes, it would be fine and is what I'd use if I had a C1.

[Bill M.]

[Leo G.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

Thanks Joe

[Richard F.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

As soon as I read the title of your post I knew it was MOBILE ONE. I stopped using many years ago for that reason.

[Gary R.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

I stopped using Mobil1 15 year ago for the same reason. I once used it in steering boxes and until found it weeping red oil, sitting unused. It is not going to dilute and run out, but the oil will separate, and it spreads out a lot creating the illusion of a massive oil leak. Look for a high drop point grease.

I have been using Lucas Red and Tacky or Timken red automotive grease on the rear bearings I setup the past 15 years since, I never had an issue. The red & tacky is just that- tacky. The Timken red automotive grease, not their other greases, has been hard to find since Covid.

For boxes I don't use a lithium grease at all, and it works the best of what I used over the years.

[Duke W.]

Re: Wheel Bearing Grease Liquifying

There have been many reports of Mobil 1 synthetic grease separating, so maybe it should be avoided.

Consider a non-synthetic base NGLI #2 grease that's states on the label "for disk brakes" or equivalent, and such a grease should have a drop point of at least 400 degrees F. The drop point is the temperature that the solids will separate from the oil.

Also keep in mind that over time separation will occur, so greases have shelf life of no more than a few years. If you have an old tub of grease and see liquid at the top, separation is occurring so it's best to throw it away and buy a new tub.

This same grease is okay for chassis grease points and the steering gear. The steering gear needs a high drop point grease due to its proximity to the exhaust manifold.

Check out what's available locally and then check out their Web pages to see if they meet the above criteria.

Duke