Mixing Greases

Hi all. So here I am again asking for information from the most informative and helpful folks I know regarding a 2017 Tacoma 4x4 off road access cab. I am in the process of greasing the two zerks located on the front propeller shaft.

Here are the questions: the owners manual calls for Lithium based chassis grease NLGI 2. Well I proceeded to use the grease in my grease gun which turned out to be Molybdenum Disulfide NLGI 2 Lithium 12 Hydroxy Stearate black grease, GC-LB which contains mineral oil. I ran out of the aforementioned grease following an infusion of the grease in the front zerk and about half of what is needed in the back zerk. So I purchased a Master Pro Multi-Purpose Lithium Grease NLGI 2 and the color is brown.

1. Can I mix the Master Pro Multi-Purpose Lithium Grease NLGI 2 which color is brown with the Molybdenum Disulfide NLGI 2 Lithium 12 Hydroxy Stearate black grease, GC-LB?

I do not want to cause any damage to my u joints on the front propeller shaft on my buddy. Your opinions and recommendations are fully appreciated as usual. Thank you all in advance.

Zenny

 

You are over thinking this for sure, imagine how many different types are used at shops.

Ujoints fail due to lack of lubrication, wear and rust. Not contamination.

Over greasing will do more harm than mixing.

 

How does over greasing cause a problem?

 

Pushes the dust seals out, lets water in. It's not a big deal but it does happen.

Biggest culprits are DIY's who push a whole tube in, and the idiot mechanics with pneumatic great guns.

 

Yes, they are compatible.
https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/29337/understanding-grease-compatibility

 

U-joints have one-way “expulsion seals” that are meant to purge excess grease. You cannot “blow-out”’a u-joint by over-greasing, but you can make a mess.

The problem with mixing greases is there can be a reaction between the dissimilar metals that are used as lubricants in the different greases, which can reduce the lubricity of the grease. Lithium, calcium, molybdenum, and aluminum are all metals, and are all used in various greases as high pressure lubricants. If dissimilar metals are mixed in a fluid, they can react and form oxides that may not lubricate, resulting in premature wear etc.

As long as you stick to a grease that is primarily Lithium based, you are likely fine. U-joints are not high-tolerance parts regardless, and mixing greases may not be as big a deal as it is in a jet turbine, or a CV joint etc.

 

Thanks for posting, I've also never seen a blow out seal on a u joint. Just makes a mess and flings excessive grease on the underside

 

I cannot thank you all enough for your knowledge and comments. I certainly feel more confident in my quest to do whats right for my Tacoma and not cause any harm. My take is that if I use any lithium based grease and no matter what color it is, I should be able to mix without harm...being careful not to over grease. Thank you all again and further comments are appreciated.