Lubricants

Lubricants are special, often viscous substances intended for protection of various car assemblies from destruction. They reduce frictional energy, prevent contacting surfaces from wearing out. They have antiscoring properties and protect parts from corrosion.

What are the types of lubricants

• Liquid. They are synthetic and mineral oils, can be used for a compressor, for instance.
• Сonsistent grease is based on oils with a thickener added. They change their viscosity and properties depending on loads and can serve both as liquids and solids. They can be used in unsealed units. Depending on the thickener, plastic lubricants can be divided into:
  • Calcium. These are cheap. They are unsuitable for mechanisms that work under high-temperature conditions or that become hot when in use.
  • Sodium and sodium-calcium lubricants have a high melting point but can be dissolved in water. At present, they are used less often, excluding the compound with copper which is used to lubricate terminal of the turn signal switch, ignition switch and other appliances.
  • Lithium. They are the most widely spread. They are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not dissolve in water.
  • Barium lubricants are used for maintaining bearings and ball joints, have excellent waterproof properties, resistant to high temperatures.
  • Hydrocarbon ones are excellent for preservation of parts.
  • Bentonite lubricants are intended for using them under harsh conditions. They can withstand extreme temperatures, sometimes up to 1100 °C.
• Solid. These include powders, pastes and suspension with a high amount of solid particles. They feature the properties of solids with a low dry friction coefficient. As a rule, they are based on graphite or molybdenum disulphide.
• Dry lubricants are supplied as sprays. After drying, a wear-resistant antifriction coating is created on the treated surface. They are suitable for seat belt tensioners and rollers, supports, car window and sunroof guides, telescopic antennas, to get rid of squeaky panels and to maintain rubber seals.

Features of using lubricants

1. Make sure the lubricant is suitable for the operating conditions of the unit.
2. Apply the lubricant to the surface which has been cleaned from dirt and deposits.
3. Make sure you’ve removed the rest of the old coating: it is forbidden to mix compounds which are based on different thickeners. It is preferable to use a special cleaner for that.
4. Use as much lubricant as it is stated by the manufacturer. Both excessive and insufficient amounts can lead to premature wear and tear of a mechanism.
5. Do not use sprays near open fire: they can contain flammable components.
6. Make sure that the parts of the mechanism stay clean during the procedure: foreign particles mixed with lubricants increase the abrasive wear of the surfaces.

AUTODOC: convenient online shopping

You can buy lubricants for constant-velocity joint, bearings, pulleys, guides, timing chains and other parts in our online shop. Our specialist will help you to find the most suitable product.