Lithium grease, mineral base oil
Mobilux EP
For standard bearings and systems.
- Shown variants operate at −20–130°C.
- EP 2 serves rolling and plain bearings; EP 0/1 serves centralised systems.
Oil selection tool
Guide · greases
Choosing bearing grease: NLGI, thickener and base oil
Choose bearing grease by NLGI grade, base oil viscosity and operating conditions. Check which properties to compare before buying.
In short
NLGI measures consistency; the base oil provides lubrication and a film between surfaces. Water, temperature or high loads may call for lithium complex, synthetic base oil or calcium sulphonate. Check the specific product.
- Mobilux EP 2 is an example for rolling and plain bearings.
- It has NLGI 2, lithium thickener and a −20–130°C range.
- Compare families in the Mobil grease range.
01Grease consistency
NLGI grades: 000 to 6
NLGI describes consistency measured by worked cone penetration under ASTM D217.
- 000Fluid
- 00Semi-fluid
- 0Very soft
- 1Soft
- 2Typical
- 3Firm
- 4Very firm
- 5Very firm
- 6Very firm
FluidFirm
| Grade | NLGI 1 | NLGI 2 | NLGI 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example and application | Mobilux EP 1: centralised systems; XHP 221 | Mobilux EP 2: bearings; SHC 100/220, Polyrex EM | Mobilux EP 3; Polyrex EM 103: vertical bearings |
02Base oil
Base oil viscosity and bearing speed
Base oil lubricates the bearing; the thickener holds it in place. Compare oil viscosity when selecting for bearing speed: NLGI 2 greases can differ.
SHC applications suggest considering lower-viscosity base oil for faster bearings and higher viscosity for slow, loaded bearings. Select the value according to bearing or machine requirements.
| Product | Base oil at 40°C | Data sheet application |
|---|---|---|
| Polyrex EM | 115 mm²/s | Electric motors |
| Mobilith SHC 100 | ISO VG 100 | Higher-speed bearings |
| Mobilux EP 2 | 160 mm²/s | Typical bearings |
| Mobilgrease XHP 222 | 220 mm²/s | Severe conditions |
| Mobilith SHC 460 / Centaur XHP | 460 mm²/s | High loads, low to moderate speeds |
| Mobilith SHC 1500 | ISO VG 1500 | Very slow, heavily loaded bearings |
Unsure which grade to choose?
Send a bearing nameplate photo or machine description, and an expert will recommend a grease.
03Grease types
Compare grease thickener types
Compare thickener and base oil together, taking temperature and water resistance into account.
Check NSF H1 lubricants and synthetic oils separately.
| Thickener / base oil | Series | Temperature stated in PDS | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium / mineral | Mobilux EP | −20–130°C; EP 004: −20–120°C | Typical bearings, water washout resistance |
| Lithium complex / mineral | Mobilgrease XHP 220 | Max. 140°C | Severe conditions, water spray |
| Lithium complex / synthetic | Mobilith SHC | 100/220: −40–150°C; 460/1500: −30–150°C; 007: −50–150°C | Extreme temperatures; speed suitability depends on variant |
| Polyurea | Polyrex EM | No range stated in the data sheet | Electric motors, low-noise operation |
| Calcium sulphonate | Centaur XHP | Up to 232°C with appropriate relubrication | Loaded bearings in water-saturated conditions |
For calcium sulphonate grease, consult on light loads, overpacking or frequent speed changes: rolling-element skidding can cause wear.
Bearing grease selection, step by step
Match grease to bearing requirements and operating conditions. Gather the parameters and check product compatibility before changing grease.
Check the manufacturer’s requirements
Identify NLGI grade, thickener and base oil viscosity. “Multipurpose grease” alone does not establish suitability.
Compare temperature ranges
Mobilux EP operates up to 130°C, XHP to 140°C, and selected Mobilith SHC variants from sub-zero temperatures to 150°C.
Establish speed and load
Consider SHC 100 or Polyrex EM for faster motor bearings. For slow, heavily loaded bearings, check SHC 460/1500 or XHP 461/462.
Consider water and grease delivery
Compare XHP for water exposure, Centaur XHP for water saturation. The manufacturer lists Mobilux EP 0 and 1 for centralised systems.
Plan relubrication and changeover
Match quantity and frequency to the bearing and operating conditions. Before changing products, check compatibility and how to remove the previous grease.
Compare Mobil bearing greases
Choose a series by speed, load, temperature and water exposure. Then compare the specific variant with the bearing requirements.
- All Mobil industrial greases
- How to choose hydraulic oil
- Which one to choose? Ask an expert
Lithium complex grease
Mobilgrease XHP
For loads and water exposure.
- Maximum recommended temperature is 140°C.
- Compare 221/222 consistency; 461/462 suits heavy loads at low and medium speeds.
Synthetic grease
Mobilith SHC
Match the variant to speed.
- SHC 100 serves faster bearings, SHC 220 demanding industry, SHC 460 heavily loaded, slower bearings.
- Check operating temperature.
Polyurea grease
Mobil Polyrex EM
For electric motor bearings.
- For ball and roller bearings, including sealed-for-life factory filling.
- Match manufacturer requirements, including quiet operation.
Avoid common bearing lubrication mistakes
Correct lubrication depends on the product, quantity and changeover procedure. Check these common mistakes before relubricating.
Mistake
Mixing without checking
Instead:
Check compatibility between the specific products first.
Mistake
Selecting by NLGI alone
Instead:
Compare base oil, speed and temperature too.
Mistake
Exceeding the temperature range
Instead:
Use Mobilux EP within its range, up to 130°C.
Mistake
Overly firm grease
Instead:
Check delivery requirements; Mobilux EP 0 and 1 are intended for centralised systems.
Mistake
Guessing the relubrication quantity
Instead:
Establish the dose instead of increasing it yourself.
Have a similar case?
Ask about grease and relubrication
Provide the bearing type, speed and operating temperature. Our specialist will help choose a grease and reply with a specific product recommendation.
Jan Kowalski
Technical Engineer for Lubricants, Mobipol
“Give me the bearing, speed and operating temperature. I will choose the grease and suggest how often to replenish it.”
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if it meets the bearing manufacturer’s requirements. “EP 2” usually combines NLGI grade 2 with EP additives supporting high load-carrying capacity. Mobilux EP 2 is one example; for higher temperatures, water exposure or high speeds, check the application table.
Consider a product with lower-viscosity base oil, such as SHC 100, or Polyrex EM for electric motors. The bearing manufacturer specifies permitted speeds and lubrication requirements.
Check compatibility between the specific products first. Account for the effect of admixture on Mobilith SHC; Polyrex EM has confirmed compatibility only with selected greases.
Mobilux EP is intended for typical bearing applications. Polyurea-thickened Polyrex EM was developed for electric motor bearings and long service at high temperatures.
Follow the machine or bearing manufacturer’s recommendations. Quantity and frequency depend on speed, temperature and contamination; there is no single interval for every application.
Sealed bearings are factory-filled by the manufacturer; Polyrex EM is also intended for this use. The manufacturer determines whether a particular bearing can be relubricated.
It describes consistency measured by worked penetration, from fluid 000 to very firm 6. Compare the grades in the table; they do not replace base oil selection.
