Calcium vs. Lithium Grease Which is Best for Bearings

Not every machine requires the same type of grease, making it confusing to select the right one. Two of the most common types are calcium grease and lithium grease. To choose the best one for your equipment, it’s essential to understand how each type works, the features it offers, and what your machine requires to run smoothly. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences to help you make the right choice for your industrial application.

What is Lithium Complex Grease?

Lithium complex grease is a strong, all-purpose grease used in various machines and vehicles. It’s called soap grease because lithium soap helps make it thick and stable.

This grease is similar to regular lithium grease, but with enhanced strength and performance. It can handle higher temperatures and harsh working conditions.

Key Features of Lithium Complex Grease:

• Works well in wet conditions
• Handles high heat
• Performs under heavy pressure
• Helps stop wear and rust
• Stays stable and lasts longer
• Resists oil separation

Where Is It Used?

You can use lithium complex grease in:

• Car wheel bearings
• Ball joints, pins, and shackles
• Industrial machines
• Construction and mining equipment
• Anti-friction and plain bearings

It’s also affordable! A 400g cartridge typically costs between £1.50 and £2.00, making it a budget-friendly option for both industrial and automotive applications.

How is Calcium Sulfonate Grease Different?

Calcium sulfonate grease is different from lithium complex grease because it has natural strength and doesn’t need many added chemicals to perform well.

You might see two similar names: calcium grease and calcium sulfonate grease.

• Calcium grease is a basic soap-based grease.
• Calcium sulfonate grease is enhanced with acids and additional processing to make it stronger and more durable.

Why Use Calcium Sulfonate Grease?

This grease is ideal for demanding tasks and challenging environments. It handles heavy loads and lasts longer between re-greasing.

Top Features:

• Very water-resistant, even in saltwater
• Strong corrosion protection
• Works in hot and cold conditions
• Handles extreme pressure
• Helps stop wear and tear

Where Can You Use It?

• Bearings, sliding parts, and anti-friction components
• Cars, trucks, construction, mining, and factories
• Chassis, ball joints, universal joints, and wheel bearings

A 400g cartridge of calcium sulfonate grease costs around £3.00. It’s more expensive than lithium grease, but you get top performance for the price.

Calcium vs. Lithium Grease: What’s the Difference?

Shear Stability

Shear stability refers to how well grease retains its thickness when subjected to pressure. Grease should maintain its thickness for an extended period to function correctly. Scientists test this using the ASTM D217 test.

This test demonstrates that calcium sulfonate grease is more effective than lithium grease. It retains its shape better when subjected to high pressure.

High-Temperature Performance

When grease gets hot, it can liquefy. The dropping point indicates when this occurs. Calcium sulfonate grease melts at 315°C, while lithium grease melts at 260°C. That’s why calcium sulfonate is better for machines that get very hot, like in factories.

Oxidation Resistance

When grease gets hot, it can start to oxidize, or break down. This makes the grease hard and less valuable. Calcium sulfonate grease lasts longer in hot conditions compared to lithium grease. It takes more time to oxidize, which means it provides better protection for machines.

Grease Compatibility

Grease is made by mixing oil and soap. But not all types of grease mix well together. If you mix the wrong ones, it can damage machine parts, like motor bearings.

Lithium and calcium greases can mix with most common greases. However, calcium sulfonate grease should not be combined with greases made from bentonite clay, polyurea, or calcium complex, as this may cause problems.

Calcium Thickened Greases

There are different types of calcium greases. The most common ones are calcium, calcium complex, and calcium sulfonate complex.

Calcium and calcium complex greases are made using soap thickeners. But calcium sulfonate complex grease is different. It’s a non-soap thickener with a special structure known as a micellar structure.

The complex greases include an additional component called complexing agents (such as special acids). These help the grease perform better. They make it stronger and more stable in the face of things like heat, water, and pressure.

Calcium sulfonate complex greases are the most advanced type we offer at Fubex Lubricants. They excel at withstanding high heat, pressure, and water. They also help protect against rust and corrosion.

Which is Better: Lithium Complex or Calcium Sulfonate Grease?

Multi-purpose grease means it can be used for multiple purposes. For example, lithium grease works well for both car chassis and wheel bearings.

In the past, calcium grease was used for chassis, and sodium grease was used for wheel bearings. Calcium grease is effective at resisting water but struggles in high temperatures. Sodium grease can handle heat, but doesn’t resist water very well.

When lithium grease emerged, it proved superior to both calcium and sodium greases. That’s why it became the most common multi-purpose grease.

Now we have two top types: lithium complex and calcium sulfonate. Between the two, calcium sulfonate grease is often the better choice.

Here’s why:

• It remains strong under high pressure and continues to function effectively in high temperatures.
• It doesn’t require many extra chemicals (called additives) to perform well.
• It lasts longer and doesn’t break down easily.
• It stops rust better than lithium grease.
• It has excellent water resistance and won’t wash away.

Even better, calcium sulfonate grease is compatible with lithium greases, making switching easy. It also works in many different industries, making it a top pick for high-performance, multi-purpose grease.

To find the best grease for your vehicle or machine, refer to your owner’s manual or consult a professional.

Usage of Calcium and Lithium Greases

Grease is a thick or semi-thick lubricant. It’s made by mixing oil with special thickening agents, such as soap. The oil can be mineral or vegetable-based.

When grease is used, it becomes thinner while the machine is running. This is called shear thinning. It helps the grease flow more smoothly and protects the moving parts, just like oil.

Grease is ideal for machines that can’t be oiled frequently. It stays in place longer and also works as a seal to keep out water, dust, and other harmful stuff.

Calcium and lithium greases are often used in bearings and other moving parts. Since grease is thicker than oil, it can cause more friction; however, it also provides better protection in the long run.

Which Grease Do We Recommend?

We recommend both calcium sulfonate and lithium complex greases—it depends on your specific needs. Both are great multi-purpose greases, and each has its advantages.

But if we had to choose, calcium sulfonate is the better option in most situations.

Need grease for:

• High temperatures? Go with calcium sulfonate.
• Wet or salty conditions? Calcium sulfonate again.
• Heavy loads? Still calcium sulfonate.

It’s a strong, long-lasting grease that performs well almost everywhere.

So, why pick lithium complex grease? The main reason is cost. It’s usually cheaper and still performs well in many typical jobs. Please note that calcium sulfonate may be slightly more challenging to pump and somewhat more expensive.

Ultimately, both greases are excellent for maintaining the smooth operation of your machines. Just consider the job for which you need it, your budget, and the working conditions.

Need help choosing? Contact our team at Fubex Lubricants or explore our comprehensive selection of greases right here!

Final Takeaways

When it comes to choosing between calcium sulfonate and lithium complex grease, both are excellent options—but the best one depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly grease that still gets the job done, lithium complex is a solid pick. 

However, if you require extra strength, longer life, and enhanced protection in challenging conditions, calcium sulfonate grease is the clear winner. It performs better in high-heat, wet environments, and under heavy loads. 

No matter which one you choose, both greases will help protect your bearings and keep your equipment running smoothly. Still unsure which one to choose? Reach out to our team at Fubex Lubricants—we’re here to help you pick the perfect grease for your job!

FAQs

Q1: Is calcium grease better than lithium grease?

Yes, calcium sulfonate grease can withstand higher temperatures, melting at 315°C compared to 260°C for lithium. It’s preferred for tough industrial jobs.

Q2: Is calcium grease good for bearings?

Yes, calcium grease works well in wheel bearings, steering gears, and other car parts that are subjected to high loads and heat. It’s also used in parts of the braking system as a reliable lubricant.