Can I use CV-Joint grease in bearings for my MTB?

Question

I have a 5 year old MTB. It needs a lot of lubrications. I re-packed the bearings with the grease from my CV-joint grease used on car's CV-Joint. The grease is mainly molybdenum grease. Is it okay to use? I would think it is better than conventional bearing grease since it is a higher grade. Also, it is way cheaper than most bearing grease sold at your local bike shops. One of my friend told me it is a bad idea just because it is not a "bike grease". So far, it seems to work better than the old conventional bearing grease. Can you tell the pro and cons? If you don't think this is a good idea, can you tell me why? Thanks.

Answer 1

It's a little thick, but it'll work ok.  "Bike" greases are thinner and a little more slippery because they don't need the same sort of shear properties as heavier duty greases might.   If you have a few bucks in your pocket, go down to Walmart or the local Ace hardware and pick up a one pound tub of white lithium grease.  It's better for the purpose than the moly grease, doesn't stink to high heaven, and it's cheap.  One pound is more than you'll ever use for your bike.....but it's cheap.   But yes, the grease you have will work...won't hurt anything at all.  

Answer 2

I don 't use bike specific products on my cars, and I don't use car specific products on my bikes. the ammount of grease you get in a tube, is more than you'll use for a long while. don't be so cheap! when you ruin your bike trying to save a buck, it'll cost loads more when the shop gets involved with fixing your mistakes!

Answer 3

NO!

That grease is waaaay too heavy and will not only slow you down but also put a lot of stress on the parts. Keep in mind that bike parts are a lot smaller and lighter than car parts- especially CV joints. It is also a high temperature lube which means it stays very stiff.

Clean the stuff out and use white lithium grease.

Answer 4

I don't see anything wrong with it.