Choosing the correct industrial lubricating grease for bearing lubrication is a critical decision in industrial operations. Among the most commonly compared options are high temp bearing grease and lithium grease. While both are widely used, they are designed for very different operating conditions and performance expectations.

Understanding the differences between these two grease types is essential for reducing bearing failures, optimizing maintenance intervals, and controlling long-term operating costs. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison to help industrial users make informed decisions based on real application requirements.

---

1. Understanding the Basics

What Is Lithium Grease?

Lithium grease is one of the most widely used general-purpose greases in industrial and automotive applications. It typically uses a lithium soap thickener combined with mineral base oil.

Common characteristics include:

• Moderate temperature capability

• Good mechanical stability

• Wide availability and low cost

• Suitable for general machinery and light-to-medium duty applications

Lithium grease is often selected for its versatility rather than extreme performance.

---

What Is High Temp Bearing Grease?

High temp bearing grease is formulated specifically to perform under elevated temperature conditions where standard greases fail. It may use lithium complex, calcium sulfonate, polyurea, or other specialized thickener systems combined with high-quality base oils.

Typical characteristics include:

• Higher continuous operating temperature

• Strong resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation

• Better oil retention at high heat

• Designed for demanding industrial environments

High temp bearing grease is engineered for reliability rather than general-purpose use.

---

2. Temperature Performance Comparison

Lithium Grease Temperature Limits

Standard lithium grease typically performs well up to:

• Continuous temperature: 120–130°C

• Short-term peak: around 150°C

Above these limits, lithium grease tends to soften, bleed oil excessively, or oxidize rapidly.

---

High Temp Bearing Grease Temperature Limits

High temp bearing grease is designed for:

• Continuous operation: 160–220°C (depending on formulation)

• Intermittent peaks: up to 250–300°C

This makes it suitable for equipment operating near furnaces, kilns, ovens, or in high-load continuous-duty environments.

---

3. Oxidation Resistance and Grease Life

Temperature accelerates oxidation, which directly impacts grease service life.

• Lithium grease oxidizes relatively quickly at elevated temperatures, leading to hardening and deposit formation.

• High temp bearing grease incorporates advanced antioxidant systems that slow oxidation and maintain lubricating properties for longer periods.

As a result, high temp bearing grease generally supports longer relubrication intervals under heat.

---

4. Load-Carrying Capability

Load conditions vary widely across industrial equipment.

Lithium Grease Under Load

• Suitable for light to moderate loads

• Limited protection under heavy shock or sustained high load

• Performance decreases rapidly as temperature increases

High Temp Bearing Grease Under Load

• Designed to maintain film strength at elevated temperatures

• Often includes extreme pressure and anti-wear additives

• Better suited for heavy-duty bearings and slow-speed, high-load applications

---

5. Speed and Mechanical Stability

Bearing speed is another critical factor.

• Lithium grease performs well in moderate-speed applications but may suffer from oil separation or shear breakdown at higher temperatures.

• High temp bearing grease is formulated to maintain mechanical stability under thermal and mechanical stress, making it suitable for both low-speed heavy-load and high-speed elevated-temperature applications, depending on formulation.

---

6. Oil Separation and Evaporation

At elevated temperatures, oil evaporation and separation become major failure modes.

• Lithium grease tends to lose oil rapidly when exposed to sustained heat, leading to lubrication starvation.

• High temp bearing grease is designed to control oil release and minimize evaporation, ensuring continuous lubrication over longer periods.

---

7. Resistance to Water and Contamination

Industrial environments often involve water, steam, dust, or debris.

• Lithium grease offers limited resistance to water washout and contamination.

• Many high temp bearing greases provide improved water resistance, corrosion protection, and sealing properties, depending on thickener type.

This difference becomes critical in steel plants, cement factories, and outdoor high-temperature equipment.

---

8. Compatibility and Grease Changeover

Compatibility is an important operational consideration.

• Lithium grease is compatible with many common greases, which simplifies use in mixed systems.

• High temp bearing grease compatibility depends on thickener type and must be evaluated before changeover.

Improper mixing can lead to softening, hardening, or oil separation.

---

9. Maintenance Frequency and Labor Cost

Maintenance cost is not only about grease price.

• Lithium grease often requires more frequent relubrication in high-temperature applications.

• High temp bearing grease supports extended relubrication intervals, reducing labor, downtime, and safety risks associated with frequent access to hot equipment.

For large industrial operations, this difference can significantly impact total cost of ownership.

---

10. Typical Application Comparison

Applications Suitable for Lithium Grease

• General industrial machinery

• Light-duty bearings

• Moderate temperature environments

• Applications with frequent maintenance access

Applications Suitable for High Temp Bearing Grease

• Furnace conveyors and kiln bearings

• Steel mill and cement plant equipment

• High-temperature electric motor bearings

• Continuous-duty industrial processes

---

11. Cost vs Long-Term Value

Lithium grease is typically lower in initial cost, making it attractive for non-critical applications. However, in high-temperature environments, frequent relubrication, premature bearing failure, and unplanned downtime can significantly increase overall costs.

High temp bearing grease may have a higher upfront price but often delivers better long-term value through extended service life and reduced maintenance intervention.

---

12. How to Choose Between High Temp Bearing Grease and Lithium Grease

When making a selection, consider:

• Actual continuous operating temperature

• Load and speed conditions

• Environmental contamination

• Accessibility for relubrication

• Maintenance strategy and labor cost

• Required equipment reliability

If operating conditions approach or exceed the limits of lithium grease, high temp bearing grease becomes the more reliable choice.

---

Conclusion

The difference between high temp bearing grease and lithium grease is not simply about temperature ratings. It is about how grease performs under sustained heat, load, and real industrial operating conditions.

Lithium grease remains a practical solution for general-purpose applications, but when equipment operates at elevated temperatures or under continuous-duty conditions, high temp bearing grease provides superior protection, longer service life, and better operational reliability.

Selecting the right grease based on actual application requirements is essential for maximizing bearing life and controlling maintenance costs.

---

Industrial High-Temperature Grease Solutions from Aleman Moil

Aleman Moil provides industrial high-temperature bearing grease solutions engineered for demanding operating environments. With consistent formulation control, bulk supply capability, and technical support, Aleman Moil helps industrial users achieve reliable lubrication performance and long-term operational efficiency.