Improved Greases Through Use of High Density Polyethylene

Improved automotive chassis, body, and multipurpose greases can be formulated using high density polyethylene. These greases provide excellent frictional properties in automotive suspension bearings as indicated by both bench and field tests. Steering torque measurements have shown reductions in suspension friction up to 35%, compared to grease containing no polymer. Oxidation tests under both static and dynamic conditions show high stability for this grease component. High density polyethylene also improves the apparent viscosity versus temperature relationship, thereby functioning similarly to a viscosity index improver. Greases containing high density polyethylene as the sole thickener or as a major component can give 100,000 miles of satisfactory performance in sutomotive ball joint application.