TR4/4A Grease for IRS Axle Shaft Splines

[RJS]

What would you recommend?

I am considering Lucas Red N Tacky #2
https://www.lucasoil.com/products/display_products.sd?iid=46&catid=2&loc=show

-OR-

Sta-Lube Moly Graph
https://www.crcindustries.com/ei/product_detail.aspx?id=SL3330

I am installing new axle shafts and plan to remove, clean and re-lube on an annual basis.

Cheers

Bob

 

[TR3driver]

Given that choice, I would probably go for the Sta-Lube. They've been around for a long time (since 1933 according to the web site) and I've never had a problem with their products. In fact I'm pretty sure that's what is in my grease gun now, and I just repacked some front wheel bearings the other day with their "disc brake" wheel bearing grease.

But I don't have anything in particular against Lucas, except their "oil treatment" sounds bit too much like STP to me.

 

[JerryVV]

I like the Lucas for sliding surfaces

 

[poolboy]

I don't see how you could go wrong with either one if you stick to the annual ritual...(as I do, btw and about the only way the outer U-joint is going to get grease)
How many miles you figure ?

 

[RJS]

While I am sure both would be fine, I think I will go with the Lucas. It has a much higher drop point than the Sta-Lube. The high viscosity will serve to cushion the shocks that cause the clicking noise and driveline snatch that splines can cause. It also "markets" that it has lots of anti-seize for sliding joints. Although moly and graphite are very slippery, I am less concerned about the metal on metal wear of the splines as the movement is so slight.

Last and very minor, I read that moly and graphite are dry lubricants which can dry out and cake over time.

All this is very subjective but, had to make a decision one way or the other.

Bob
PS: I do 750 to 1,000 miles per year so, I think will pull the axle shafts every other year.

 

[DougF]

I would go with the Lucas. The tack serves a couple purposes, it stays in position better and it serves as a better barrier to dirt. Less tacky greases allow dirt to mix in with them in time causing them serve as an abrasive. If I didn't have access to my sales samples, I would be using Lucas.