Some car enthusiasts do not know the names of car components. Therefore, during the repair process or during communication with service specialists, difficulties may arise. CV joint is a joint of angular velocity.

There are two types:

• external - for rotating the wheel hubs directly;
• internal - to transmit torque from the engine to the wheels.

Components of the unit

The unit has been known to mankind for a long time and is indispensable in cars. The design is simple and proper maintenance will serve reliably and for a long time.

Components of the CV joint:

• body - in the form of a bowl;
• clip with oil - located inside;
• separator - annular hole;
• six balls - like in a bearing.

For trouble-free operation of the device, it is required timely service. Since the unit contains rubbing parts, they need to be lubricated for the following purposes:

• reducing friction;
• reduce wear;
• reducing the load on rubbing parts;
• protecting metal from corrosion.

Oil does not last long and should be changed periodically. But questions arise:

1. Which mixture should you choose?
2. How to do it?
3. How much mixture should I fill into the CV joint?

About lubrication

Each vehicle component has its own operating and maintenance features. Before purchasing anything, you should read the instructions and find out the recommended lubricant.

Lubricant selection

If the manufacturer does not indicate which lubricant to use for CV joints, then you can use a universal product. You should choose carefully, since the device is operated under serious loads.

For your information!

All lubricants are made from petroleum. Beware of fakes.

• In auto stores you can purchase a special mixture, which differs:;
• high viscosity

strength.

• This is required to keep the substance on the surface of moving parts even at high temperatures. The oil features:
• stability of characteristics under changing conditions;
• anti-corrosion properties;

the ability to retain its original characteristics for a long time.

When to change the lubricant Replacement of the viscous substance in CV joints is carried out in:

• following cases
• with a unit mileage of over 100 thousand km;
• when replacing the assembly boot;

when replacing the CV joint itself.

• in the car's operating manual - not always;
• always on the packaging.

Disassembling the unit and lubricating it

Disassembly of the internal CV joint (TRIPOD)

Attention! Remember the locations of the parts of the assembly. Make marks. Everything should go back to its place, especially the balls.

Parsing algorithm for replacement:

1. Unscrew the hub nut.
2. Discard the balls.
3. Loosen the inner CV joint boot.
4. Bend the posts.
5. Get the part.
6. Remove the retaining ring.

Lubrication

Attention! Prepare materials in advance to remove old grease. Solvent must not be used.

The removed parts must be cleaned to a shine. It is advisable to use paper to remove old grease, and a towel for final cleaning and polishing.

Algorithm for lubrication of parts during its replacement:

1. Fill the bottom of the grenade with the mixture.
2. Assemble the hinge.
3. Install the retaining ring.
4. Drive in the axle.
5. Check that the TRIPOD marks match.
6. Pour the mixture into the entire assembly.
7. To get the lubricant out, put a small amount of it in the boot.

Disassembly of external CV joint

1. Press down on the ball separator.
2. When pressing tightly, you can knock through a plastic or wooden part.
3. When taking out the balls, you need to remember their places. For this, a cardboard with holes is useful; you need to insert them there so that when you return, you don’t mix up the places.

Lubrication

Lubricant replacement algorithm:

1. Clean all parts from old substances.
2. Rinse and dry.
3. Inspect parts for damage.
4. Place the lubricant in the glass.
5. Lubricate the cage and insert the balls exactly into place.
6. Insert the clip into the glass and secure the separator.
7. Remove excess grease.

Remember! The external unit will require 120-150 grams of oil, the internal one - 100-130 grams.

For clarity, you can use the video:

Indiscriminate replacement

You can replace the lubricant in the CV joint without removing it components. To do this you need:

1. Remove the CV joint itself from the car.
2. Insert the tip of the tube and press the oil into the assembly.
3. Press the tube tightly and wait until the color of the substance changes to fresh.
4. Wipe the part, removing excess substance.
5. Put the part in place.

Attention! This method has one drawback - a thin layer of old substance remains on the walls of the parts inside.

There is no need to rush to use the lubricated unit when driving. Costs rotate the assembly in place while the car is suspended on jacks. This is necessary to evenly distribute the lubricant over the parts.

Attention! On a car with an automatic transmission, with the wheels hanging, the pressure in the system will quickly drop.

The replacement process is not that complicated and if available minimum set tools and skills, it’s easy to do it yourself. This will save money and allow you to get a better feel for the car. And remember quality replacement CV joints cannot be lubricated without removing them. If it is not possible to remove the assembly, then it is better to go to a car service center and see specialists.

What is a CV joint?

Constant velocity joint (CV joint) – important detail, used in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. The CV joint transmits torque from the transmission to the wheels, while being subjected to serious shock loads; therefore, special lubricant is necessary: ​​it protects CV joints from premature wear and corrosion.

What types of CV joints are there?

Constant velocity joints are various designs, but in the modern automotive industry two main types are used. The first type is the classic “Rtseppa-Lebro” joint with 6 balls. This type of CV joint is now most common as external wheel drives in front-wheel drive passenger cars and off-road vehicles. all-wheel drive vehicles, less commonly used as internal or cardan joints. The second type is a tripod joint, which has smaller rotation angles, but allows more high speeds and axial displacements, used mainly as internal hinges passenger cars. These two types of hinges require two absolutely different types lubricants

Lubricant selection:

The Rzepp ball joint, due to very significant contact pressures, requires a lubricant, depending on the load, containing from 3% to 5% molybdenum disulfide. The lubricant is made from mineral basic basis, lithium complex soap is used as a thickener, and EP additives are often added to increase the load-bearing capacity. The resource of such a hinge and the lubricant itself is very large and approaches the resource of the car itself, if not rubber covers. Quite often covers break due to mechanical stress. If the rupture of the cover can be quickly determined, then it is enough to simply change the cover and lubricant; if not, then the hinge itself must be replaced. Most manufacturers supply spare parts with covers, along with CV joint lubricant in an anonymous plastic bag, often in insufficient quantities. The CV joint may require from 40 to 90 grams of lubricant. Lubricants for CV joints from various manufacturers may differ significantly from each other, both in price and in properties, and you should not assume that products with spare parts are supplied with maximum quality. That is why, Liqui Moly offers special lubricant for CV joints LM47 Langzeitfett + MoS2 in separate packages of 100 and 400 g. LM47 is significantly superior to standard lubricants and is suitable for most high loads and revolutions, contains additional (except for molybdenum disulfide) anti-seize additives based on zinc-phosphorus compounds.

Tripod-type joints, due to the increased temperature (proximity to the gearbox and design feature), require high temperature grease without solid inclusions, and the penetration (viscosity) of such a lubricant is slightly lower than that of a classic lubricant for CV joints. Tripods use a lubricant with a polyurethane thickener, first class penetration, an upper temperature range of up to +180°C and a mandatory EP complex.

The correct choice of lubricant for constant velocity joints is the key to a long service life, as well as a comfortable and safe ride.

How often do you change the lubricant?

Lubrication is provided at the factory for the entire service life of the joint, but no one is immune from surprises. The rubber or plastic CV joint boot can tear due to contact with foreign objects or overheating. Then dirt and water inevitably get into the hinge. If the problem is not detected in time, then the expensive hinge will have to be replaced and, accordingly, put into new part fresh lubricant. If you regularly check the CV joint covers, then it is enough to simply replace the cover itself and, of course, the lubricant.

2. Very Lube. You can buy it for only 200-250 rubles. Temperature Range with long-term use from - 25 to + 130 degrees, with short-term use it reaches + 150 Celsius. Used for external constant velocity joints. Looking at user reviews, we can conclude that the lubricant is quite good. Significantly increases the service life of the part. Optimal ratio of quality and price. Among the disadvantages, poor moisture tolerance is noted. This could play important role in case you often have to drive on wet roads.

1. CV joint lubrication 4. Main characteristics: water-resistant, mechanically stable, practically does not evaporate, temperature regime- from - 40 to + 120 degrees. The composition includes antifriction additives. The base is petroleum oil. Applies to most domestic cars. Its shelf life is no more than five years. Can be used in all friction units. There are no negative opinions about this lubricant. According to users, it copes well with all loads and is not at all expensive. Its price is 150 rubles. It is rightfully considered one of best options for CV joints. You can even use it on foreign cars.

Nominal quantity

How much grease should I put in the CV joint? The question interests everyone who plans to do the replacement work themselves. Regardless of the type of hinge, it is recommended to use no more than 150 grams and no less than 120. As already said, more is possible, because everything that seems unnecessary will be squeezed out of the system. If you put less, the likelihood that the CV joint will fail ahead of schedule, increases significantly. If it fails, a characteristic crunching sound will be heard when turning. If this happens, you need to change it immediately, because there may be problems with all suspension system. You can see how to lubricate the CV joint in the video below.

The topic of the article is CV joint lubricant. Which is better, why, what parameters it should have.

In practice, many motorists have many questions on this topic. If you ask every second person which lubricant for CV joints is better than the others, he may turn his head in puzzlement and not answer.

Meanwhile, the answer in theory is simple.

• It should reduce between metal parts to minimize their wear.
• Prevent corrosion.
• Be as neutral as possible to synthetic and organic polymers (meaning anthers).

However, what is simple in theory is not always simple in practice. How exactly to choose a lubricant?

You need to know that the industry today produces several products to extend the life of CV joints. They can be divided into the following types.

• Lubricants based on molybdenum disulfide. This is a new generation of materials that can be called universal. They react weakly with polymers and have excellent corrosion resistance. These include such products.

1. CV joint-4.
2. Liqui Moly.
3. Mobil.
4. Texaco.

• Lithium greases. Their basis is a foamed solution of lithium in organic acid. They perfectly compensate for the friction of rubbing pairs and relieve the load on the CV joint. For the most part, they are neutral to anther materials. Popular brands are as follows.

1. Very Lube.
2. XADO.
3. RENOLIT.

• Barium lubricants. They are not particularly popular due to their high price and poor efficiency. The only plus is that it absolutely does not react with any type of plastic or rubber.

1. Example - ShRB-4 (ShRB-4).

Now specifically about which lubricant for CV joints is better, which one should be purchased.

But first, about what No need buy for CV joint packing.

• Hydrocarbon materials. They (the same technical Vaseline) hold very poorly elevated temperatures and are destroyed.
• Graphite compounds. A constant velocity joint with such packing will not last even 25,000 km, it is better not to use it.
• Consistent compositions based on calcium or sodium. They are not resistant to corrosion.

What then is better to use?

The best lubricants for CV joints

If a motorist prefers domestic products, then you can choose from this list: CV joint-4, Litol or Fiol.

Among foreign brands, preference can be given to the following brands: Mobile, ESSO, Texaco, B.P., Liqui Moly.

Last tip. When looking for an answer to the question - which lubricant is best for CV joints - you should look at the operating instructions. There are usually answers to all questions. And you should never forget that it is advisable to replace any lubricant in the CV joint after 100,000 km.

Teor21

It would seem that nothing could be simpler than choosing a lubricant for constant velocity joints. If the package says “CV joint lubrication”, etc. – you can safely take it and use it. But, as with any other issue, there are nuances that you need to be aware of.

What is a CV joint?

Constant velocity joints (CV joints) are designed to transmit rotational motion from transmission units (reducers, gearboxes) to the wheels at a constant speed. Moreover, it does not depend on the movement of transmission units, suspension or wheel rotation angle.

By design, this unit consists of an internal and external hinge, which are attached to the axle shaft. The inner CV joint is installed in the transmission unit, and the outer CV joint is installed in the wheel hub.

There are four main types of CV joints:

• Ball
• Tripods
• Crackers
• Twin gimbals

A ball CV joint ensures transmission of rotation using balls that slide in special grooves in the hinge body. Thanks to its ability to transmit high torque, large steering angle and minimal backlash between elements this type hinges are widely used in front wheel drive cars as an outer wheel joint.

Due to the design features, the ball CV joint does not compensate for the axial movements of the transmission and suspension units. Other designs serve this purpose.

Tripod CV joint is one of the most common types. It allows you to compensate for axial movements. In the body of such a unit there is a three-beam fork with rollers on needle bearings (tripod, three-pin). This design allows axial and angular movements. During axial vibrations or rotations, the rollers move along the guide grooves of the housing. Today, such units are used as internal wheel drive joints.

The cam joint is subject to overheating, so this mechanism mainly used in trucks, where the angular velocity of rotation is not high.

Paired cardan shafts are two hinges that are fastened together. Thanks to this, they are compensated for each other's uneven rotation. Initially, such CV joints were installed in American cars 20s of the last century. Later they were placed in American SUVs. Today, this type of joint is found in some models of trucks, tractors and construction equipment.

CV joint lubrication requirements

It should be remembered that any kind of lubricant cannot be put into the CV joint, since it depends on the resource and performance of the unit. Moreover, a certain lubricant must be applied to different joints. For example, in ball bearings a material that has high extreme pressure properties is required, and lubricants with solid particles (molybdenum disulfide, graphite) should not be used in tripods. It should also be remembered that the lubricants must be different for external and internal CV joints.

The CV joint lubricant should reduce friction and prevent premature wear and protect against scuffing. This is due to the fact that the assembly is subject to high loads, including vibration and shock, which increase the load and, without proper lubrication, will destroy the part.

If maintenance is not carried out in a timely manner, torque transmission is reduced and an unpleasant knock appears when turning the steering wheel.

In addition, the lubricant must provide protection against corrosion, withstand temperature changes and adhere well to surfaces. One more important requirement is to reduce fuel costs due to transmission losses.

It is also important that the lubricant is compatible with the elastomers and polymers from which the boots are made. Otherwise, it will destroy the seals and water, dust and other contaminants will begin to enter the assembly.

TOP 5 lubricants for internal (tripod) CV joints

EFELE MG-251

1 place

EFELE MG-251

– the best domestic grease for servicing internal CV joints of cars. Made on the basis mineral oil and polyurea. Operating temperature range from -20 to +180 °C.

In addition to internal CV joints and other components automotive technology The lubricant is used in sliding and rolling bearings, sliding guides of equipment in the textile, cement, and steel industries, conveyor systems, cooling units, electric motors, blowing fans, furnaces, etc.

The material has high extreme pressure, anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties, and excellent heat resistance. It pumps well into the CSS, is resistant to leaching and is distinguished long term services.

EFELE MG-251 is the best grease for servicing internal CV joints. Thanks to high operational characteristics and low cost, this material takes 1st place in our TOP.

Kluber Stabatherm GH-461

2 place

Kluber Stabatherm GH-461

Kluber Stabatherm GH-461 is a mineral oil and polyurea based grease designed for servicing internal CV joints. Operating temperature range from -20 to +180 °C.

The lubricant can be used in drying and firing furnaces, plain bearings lifting devices foundries, conveyor systems, cooling baths, bitumen pouring machines, equipment for the automotive, glass, ceramic industries, etc. It is also suitable for use in centralized systems lubricants

The material protects against corrosion, wear, and is resistant to washout and high temperatures. It pumps well and has a long service life.

Kluber Stabatherm GH-461 lubricant is similar in characteristics to EFELE MG-251, but the price of foreign material is much higher.

Mobil SHC Polyrex 222

3 place

Mobil SHC Polyrex 222

Mobil SHC Polyrex 222 is a synthetic polyurea grease. Used for servicing internal CV joints. Operating temperature range from -30 to +160 °C.

In addition to internal CV joints, lubricant is used in industrial equipment, the components of which operate at high temperatures, in particular it is intended for rolling and sliding bearings. It can be mixed with other polyurea or lithium complex greases.

Mobil SHC Polyrex 221 is resistant to stress, corrosion, high temperatures and water wash-off. In addition, the material does not oxidize under high temperatures.

Imported lubricant loses first place not only in terms of heat resistance, but also in cost, which is several times higher than that of the leader in the ranking.

Total Altis MV 2

4 place

Total Altis MV 2

Total ALTIS MV 2 is a universal grease for internal CV joints. Made from mineral oil thickened with polyurea. Operating temperature range from -25 to +160 °C.

Lubricant is used as a primary material added to components at the factory. Can be used in high-speed fans and electric motors. Suitable for anti-friction bearings, steering systems, and components of general industrial equipment.

The material has thermal stability, protects against corrosion, has good adhesion to metals. It is lead free and heavy metals and does not lose its properties during storage.

Total ALTIS MV 2 loses to the first three places in terms of performance. As for the cost, it is slightly more expensive than EFELE MG-251, but much cheaper than Mobil and Kluber lubricants.

MS CV joint tripod

5 place

MS CV joint tripod

"MS CV joint tripod" lubricant is a mineral grease based on a lithium complex. Operating temperature range from -40 to +160 °C.

The material is intended for internal CV joints any Vehicle. In addition, it can be used in rolling and sliding bearings, where a lubricant with NLGI-1 consistency is required.

MS CV joint tripod lubricant does not contain solid additives (graphite, PTFE, molybdenum disulfide), penetrates into friction zones due to its consistency, and protects against wear and scuffing.

By characteristics this lubricant loses to other representatives of the rating, and there are complaints about the quality of the product.

Types of lubricants for CV joints

Grease for CV joints has many varieties. Therefore, it is quite difficult for an unprepared car enthusiast to understand the variety of materials presented and purchase the necessary ones. Among all the lubricants, lithium, barium and molybdenum disulfide-based lubricants can be distinguished.

Lithium CV joint greases

Lithium greases are the most common materials for servicing transmission components. They are made on the basis of mineral or synthetic base oil, which is thickened with lithium soap. They have good anti-corrosion, extreme pressure and anti-wear properties. Such materials are most often used in tripod joints, which require soft lubricant free of solid components.

Anthers in hinges, where they are used lithium greases should be inspected regularly for damage. The thing is that such materials are filled with abrasive particles and destroy the assembly.

Many lubricants in this category are neutral to the polymers and elastomers from which the CV joint boots are made. However, some materials can destroy such seals. Litol-24, graphite and molybdenum disulfide lubricants should also not be used in joints.

CV joint grease with molybdenum

As technology has advanced, lithium greases have become less and less effective. The problem was solved by adding to the composition lubricants molybdenum disulfide. Their properties were similar to their lithium counterparts. Distinctive feature became the ability to withstand high loads, as well as improved anti-corrosion properties. The new lubricants also had better compatibility with the rubbers and plastics from which the boots are made.

Lubricants based on molybdenum disulfide are used primarily in ball joints.

Usually a bag of lubricant is included with the new boot. You should not trust it, since the chance that it could be a fake is very high. Therefore, before using the lubricant, you should check its consistency. To do this, just apply some of it on a sheet of paper. If the material is not thick enough or raises other suspicions, its use should be abandoned.

The disadvantages of molybdenum disulfide lubricants include low water resistance. Even with a small amount of moisture getting under the boot, the material turns into an abrasive that damages the internal surfaces of the CV joint. Therefore, when using such materials in hinges, it is necessary to regularly check the condition of the seals.

Also incorrect is the information that a lubricant with molybdenum disulfide can restore a damaged unit. If a crunch appears in the CV joint, this means only one thing - the mechanism should be repaired or replaced.

Barium lubricants

Most lubricants that were created to service CV joints have proven to be ineffective or expensive. The exception is barium-based lubricants, which are a worthy alternative to lithium and molybdenum lubricants. They have high lubricating properties and perfectly protect components from wear.

Main advantages barium lubricants consists of high water resistance. In addition, they effectively prevent corrosion, wear and scoring. Also, barium-based materials are fully compatible with polymers and elastomers.

The disadvantages of such lubricants are the complexity of production and high cost. The only domestic product that has become widespread is ShRB-4. You can buy it instead foreign analogue, but in this case you should be prepared to spend a lot of money.

It should also be noted that barium greases have low resistance to low temperatures. During active use of the vehicle, it is recommended to check the condition of the lubricant as often as possible and replace it.

What lubricants should not be used?

Lubricant manufacturers claim that their lubricant guarantees reliable operation nodes, although in reality the situation is different. For example, graphite grease cannot be used in hinges, since it is intended for servicing bearings. The service life of the unit where such material was used will not exceed 20-25 thousand km.

In addition to graphite lubricant in hinges, the use of hydrocarbon-based materials, for example, technical petroleum jelly, is not recommended. The whole point is that, despite the high operational properties, they begin to collapse already at +45 °C. Therefore, such materials are not suitable for work in heavily loaded units.

Also, do not use sodium or calcium based lubricants in the hinges. They are suitable for servicing bearings, control cables and other moving joints, but are not intended for use in CV joints and other heavily loaded components. It's all about their weak anti-corrosion protection. After such lubrication, the hinges will become unusable after 15-30 thousand kilometers.

Lubricant replacement

Changing the lubricant in the CV joint is an activity that will require some time and skill. Nevertheless, even an inexperienced car enthusiast can do this, the main thing is to follow the procedure.

First of all, you should remove all the elements that hold the CV joint: ball rods, supports. The assembly should be removed carefully to avoid damage. Then marks should be made on the hinge body and its seating location so that the mechanism can be easily installed in its normal place.

After removing the CV joint, it must be disassembled and cleaned of old grease. For this purpose, the external and inner side node. Internal surfaces can be wiped with a thick rag or paper. Do not use soap or car shampoo, as these products may degrade the quality of the lubricant. There are special cleaners for such purposes.

Next comes filling the node new lubricant. The outer part should be filled to the limit. Excess lubricant should not be removed, as during the running-in process it will enter the hinge. Interior filled to 3/4 of the volume. Then the CV joint is assembled back and installed in its original place.

A small amount of lubricant should be placed inside the boot and distributed evenly over the surface. After all these procedures are completed, the chassis elements are installed in their original places.

Remember that CV joint maintenance should be carried out every 60 thousand kilometers, and during active use - after 40 thousand kilometers.