1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Sway Bar Grease

Marine grease is what I use, supposed to hold up to water well.......and I already have it for the boat trailer..

 

I use Energy Suspension's Formula 5 lube... I was able to order an 8oz tube from a local auto parts shop (it was a special order, but only took 2 days) and 'hand packed' it into a grease gun. It's the stuff that ships with the H&R bar that I purchased, but they only give you a 1oz capsule.

It's massively sticky (I use rubber gloves whenever I use that gun) and once on your hands, takes massive amounts of soap to get it off. I figured that's a good thing

 

I use plain old green lithium crap that's in my grease gun. Never squeeks.

 

Petroleum based grease will degrade both rubber and polyurethane; over time the bushing will become tacky (more so than the lube) and exacerbate friction, or in the case of rubber, can crack. Use a non-petroleum based synthetic grease for long life. Energy Suspension's lube is appropriate albeit a bit pricey. I use Super Lube with PTFE on just about all applications that don't require a lighter moly or graphite base; besides being bushing friendly, it's high temp resistant.

 

I'll report when my bushings stop working due to using the wrong grease. Stay tuned. For a long time.

BTW - that Super Lube is GOOOOOOD stuff... used it decades ago in the bike business and loved it then.

 

This stuff seems to last the longest. Many swaybar bushings have zirc fittings to ease the lubing (is that a word?). I recommend removing the bracket and bushing to inspect and clean by hand. It adds a little time to the project but it ensures that you get a good lube between the shaft and bushing (okay, now I'm blushing).

 

I use Green Grease that is available at local auto parts stores. It is a waterproof synthetic polymer grease. Here is a link to the website Green Grease....The Best Grease Money Can Buy!....Just ask anyone who has used it!......
I purchased the mini kit with a small grease gun, hoses, and small grease tube.