Sealing, lubes, etc.

[tr6web]

I was wondering if anyone could explain all of the different types of lubes, sealing compounds, etc. in general. When I read posts, people are saying "make sure you lube this and that", and when I go to the auto parts store, I'm never sure what to get. Any help defining these would be appreciated.

 

[tr6web]

Doesn't anybody have something to tell me? I need help! How about "packing things in grease"? What type of grease are we talking about?

 

[Bugeye58]

Mike, if you look in the front section of your service manual, there should be a section on recommended lubricants. That is a pretty good guide. I generally use a multi purpose, high temp grease for whatever needs greasing. Kendall Super Blue works for wheel bearings, as well as chassis grease.
If you are rebuilding brake calipers, or cylinders, you would use either the special brake assembly grease, or more commonly, clean brake fluid to make things go together right.
For engine assembly, there are special high pressure film assembly lubes that are used on cam followers and cam lobes. Normally called assembly lube. I just use motor oil for lubing the pistons, rings, and bearings.
Anything that passes through a rubber seal, such as a crank pulley, or pinion flange, for example, should be lubed with whatever lubricant they are normally exposed to, which is a pretty safe rule of thumb to follow in all cases.
As a fantastic, general purpose sealant, I've been sold on Hylomar for years, and it's never failed me yet. I personally detest RTV. (silicone)
This isn't rocket science, after all, and if you have a specific request, by all means ask.
Jeff

 

[tr6web]

Thanks Jeff. Just that info you posted is a big help, especially since you listed names of products. I feel like a dummy, but as I'm getting more and more into my 6, I want to do some of the "bigger" jobs myself and these "fluids" are new to me. Thanks again.

 

[tr6web]

What kind of grease should I use for new u-joints? Any recommendations?

 

[Geo Hahn]

Assuming the U-joints on a '6 have grease zerks I would use the same stuff as elsewhere on the chassis -- cartridge grease with 'moly' in it.

 

[tr6web]

Should I use the same type of "moly" grease when I put together the sliding shaft and slip joint assembly? In other words, for the rear hub and axle, I have them off the car and apart. I've put in new u-joints and greased. Now it has to go back together. When I initially removed them, I noticed the grease was "grayish". Any help?

 

[Bugeye58]

Mike, the same grease that you used on the U joints will be fine.
Jeff

 

[tr6web]

Thanks, Jeff. I got some "moly" grease and it looked just like the old stuff that was in there. I finished an entire rear hub and side today. New u-joints, new paint (rust encapsulator, and engine enamel), new shock link, new spring, new spacer, new brake line, new brake hose, new brake shoes, and new rear wheel cylinder. Whew! Now I just need to put my rebuilt MC and clutch back in, fill and bleed, and hopefully it will start up...it's been about 9 months. Thanks for everyone's help.