Hello Mitch Kingpin bushings are almost always bronze, which has much greater allowable bearing loading than brass or babbitt. Some are bronze with plastic liners or inserts, if you can believe that. I believe it because I saw the bushings. I might not believe it if I hadn't seen them. Whatever you do is OK.
Why are you "under the impression that molybdenum disulphide damaged copper alloy (brass, bronze, babbit) bearing surfaces?" I do not doubt your good faith belief. I just do not believe it is correct or founded on the facts. FWIW, babbitt contains only a very small percentage or perhaps only traces of copper, IIRC. True Babbitt (named for its inventor) is a largely tin alloy. There are several white metal bearing alloys. The cheaper ones (all are high priced) contain lots of lead and are unsuitable for heavy or pounding loads. The good stuff is largely tin. So called Nickel Babbitt is I think actually an old brand that contains traces of nickel. I believe you will find the grease manufacturers recommending their moly grease for general use including just about everything. I can tell you that I use it for everything except white grease applications, and plenty of others do the same. So far it has worked fine for me. Here is what a tube of moly grease that I bought at Wal~Mart, home of low prices, says on the tube: "Provides protection with molybdenum disulfide to establish a superior film strength on working surfaces and withstands heavy loads, water attack and shock loads. Contains rust and oxidation inhibitors and extreme pressure additives for long lubrication life. Use for automotive, industrial, mining and construction ball and roller bearings, bushings, slides, chassis points, ball joints, U-joints, backing plates, wheel bearings and more. Especially suited for the most severe multi-purpose service in construction, manufacturing, farming and fleet industries. Also will not turn to gold or silver or draw flies." Wait - I confess! I just made up that last. It may turn to gold or silver or draw flies if used on Mercedes kingpins. Darn! If you go to Chevron, Mystik, or any of the other grease and oil manufacturers, I am quite sure you will find the same sort of language, and you will not find language to the effect that molybdenum disulfide damages copper and/or tin alloys. I put it to you that if the above language were not true, and in truth and fact molybdenum disulfide damaged copper and/or tin alloys, Wal~Mart would become the happy hunting ground for the class action lawsuit gang on those grounds alone. So would all the other grease and oil manufacturers. Who in his right mind would concoct such a situation? I suppose you can put me down as being in favor of molybdenum disulfide grease. I think the facts are on that side. Others may believe as they wish. Robert, enabler of ed Mitch Haley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote > Date: 10/14/2007 4:07:48 PM > Subject: Re: [MBZ] King pin Grease > > I was under the impression that molybdenum disulphide damaged > copper alloy (brass, bronze, babbit) bearing surfaces. > What are the kingpin bushings made of? > > Mitch. _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
