Silicone Grease Question

I have read that silicone grease is helpful when installing tight rubber bushings. Is that the same thing as lithium (white) grease? Is there something else that will help ease the installation? I know that petroleum based products can be harmful to rubber.

I can't seem to locate "silicone grease" at the local parts dealers. They look at me like I'm crazy. Have all my new suspension parts in hand and need the right lubricant so that I can do the work this weekend.

Nic
'85 300CD

[MikeTangas]

I think you can accomplish the same thing with Molly (mollybdium [sp]) grease. Kind of an opaque/clear thick lube. Used a lot of the stuff when I worked in the oil patch.

[MarkM]

White grease is petroleum based. I use a product called "Syl-glide"...availailable at Peb Boys and (I think Auto Zone). This is a silicone grease intended specifically for maintaining/rejuvenating rubber materials, among other uses. Usually hanging near products in tubes (silicone gasket, glues, adhesives, etc.) Comes in a red, white and blue plastic tube.

[savagetom]

Ask for Syl-Glide at a NAPA store. They should have it.

Thanks, got it.

Nic

[Billybob]

If you don't have a NAPA or its closed most hardware stores carry it in the plumbing section. Ace hardware sells a 1-2 oz.. container for $3.00.

[MarkM]

Silicone grease is a totally different animal from petroleum grease. Petroleum grease consists of hydrocarbon polymers, whereas silicone grease consists of silicone polymers (polysiloxane).

The benefits of silicone grease are: good dielectric properties, non-corrosive, excellent oxidation resistance and thermal stability, superior hydrolytic stability and water washout resistance, broad operating temperature range (-70°F to 400°F),
chemically inert and compatible with a wide range of substrates. Thus it is a great substance for lubricating rubber bushings, rubber window guides, protecting rubber seals, lubricating o-rings, lubricating electric contacts, door locks, throttle linkage, etc.

Please note, however, that under high force metal to metal lubricating conditions (wheel bearings, gears, etc.), silicone grease does NOT have superior characteristics over the correct petroleum product. For those lubrication needs, a good quality petroleum grease, or a synthetic petroleum (hydrocarbon) grease is the best.

I use silicone grease for many, many automotive and other applications....almost all related to lubricating/protecting rubber parts. But dont use it where petroleum grease is the preferred product!!

Mark