Lithium Grease, also referred to as Lithium Soap Thickened Grease, is one of the most widely used multi-purpose lubricating greases across automotive, industrial, construction, marine, and general engineering sectors.
It is manufactured by thickening mineral or synthetic base oil with lithium soap (typically lithium stearate or lithium 12-hydroxystearate). This structure gives lithium grease its characteristic smooth texture, high temperature tolerance, excellent water resistance, and strong mechanical stability.
Due to its balanced performance, lithium grease has become the industry-standard multipurpose grease, capable of replacing several specialized greases in everyday lubrication applications.
Composition & Manufacturing
1. Base Oil
Lithium grease is formulated using mineral oil (most common), or semi-synthetic
and fully synthetic base oils for higher temperature or extended service life
grades.
The base oil determines lubricating film strength, low-temperature performance, and load-carrying capability.
2. Thickener – Lithium Soap
Common lithium soaps include lithium stearate and lithium 12-hydroxystearate.
This soap structure holds oil in a stable matrix, resists softening under shear, provides excellent water resistance, and delivers a higher drop point compared to calcium-based greases.
3. Additive System
Depending on grade and application, lithium grease may contain anti-wear additives,
extreme pressure additives, oxidation inhibitors, rust and corrosion inhibitors,
and anti-foam agents.
Key Performance Characteristics
Excellent Water Resistance
Lithium grease maintains a stable lubricating film even when exposed to water
splash or high humidity, preventing wash-off in wet or outdoor environments.
High Drop Point (190–220°C)
Retains consistency at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for wheel
bearings, electric motors, and machinery operating under moderate heat conditions.
Outstanding Mechanical Stability
Resists softening or hardening under repeated mechanical stress and performs
reliably in vibrating or rotating equipment.
Corrosion & Rust Protection
Protects steel, iron, and alloy surfaces from moisture, oxidation, salt, and
environmental contaminants.
Good Pumpability
Flows easily through centralized lubrication systems and is compatible with
manual grease guns and automatic dispensers.
Oxidation Resistance & Long Service Life
Slows oil degradation under heat and oxygen exposure, reducing sludge formation
and extending re-lubrication intervals.
True Multi-Purpose Performance
Suitable for bearings, joints, slides, and general lubrication points, reducing
inventory complexity by replacing multiple grease types.
Typical Mechanical & Physical Properties
Appearance: Smooth, buttery, off-white to amber
Thickener Type: Lithium soap
NLGI Grades: 00, 0, 1, 2, 3 (NLGI 2 most common)
Drop Point: 190–220°C
Worked Penetration (NLGI 2): 265–295
Base Oil Viscosity @ 40°C: 90–120 cSt
Operating Temperature Range: −20°C to +130°C
Water Washout: Very low
Copper Corrosion: Pass (1a rating)
Oxidation Stability: High
Available Grades & Variants
By NLGI Consistency
NLGI 00 / 0 for centralized lubrication systems,
NLGI 1 for cold climates and light machinery,
NLGI 2 as general-purpose standard grade,
NLGI 3 for high-temperature or vertical applications.
Lithium EP Grease
Fortified with extreme pressure additives for shock loads and heavy equipment.
High-Temperature Lithium Grease
Uses synthetic base oil for extended temperature range and longer service life.
Lithium vs Lithium Complex Grease
Lithium grease offers good water resistance and lower cost,
while lithium complex grease provides a much higher drop point and superior
performance in high-temperature or heavy-duty applications.
Packaging Options
Cartridges: 400 g / 500 g
Tins: 1 kg / 5 kg / 10 kg
Buckets: 15 kg / 20 kg
Drums: 180–182 kg
Bulk supply available for industrial users
Applications
Automotive Sector
Wheel bearings, chassis lubrication, ball joints, U-joints,
suspension systems, and electric motor bearings.
Industrial Machinery
Bearings, shafts, pumps, compressors, conveyors,
electric motors, and fans.
Construction & Heavy Equipment
Excavators, loaders, cranes, pivot points, linkages,
and heavy-duty bearings.
Marine & Outdoor Equipment
Corrosion-prone lubrication points and water-exposed bearings.
Household & Maintenance
Hinges, sliding mechanisms, garage doors, bicycles, and tools.
Advantages of Lithium Grease
Wide operating temperature range, excellent water resistance, long service life, true multi-purpose applicability, cost-effective formulation, and easy global availability.