Copper grease on bolts

[TheLurker]

So, who puts copper grease on bolts before re-installing them? I know some people put it on wheel bolts to stop them ceasing, and I have seen mechanics use it when reassembling suspension bits. It makes it easier to go back together, and easier to take apart again later on.

But, I have always thought that it could be too easy for the nuts/bolts to come loose when you don't want them to, and have bits of your car dropping off when going down the motorway. Not good...

Over to PH for their view.

[XanderH]

I almost always do. So long as the bolt is done up to the correct torque setting it should be OK.

[TheLurker]

XanderH said:

I almost always do. So long as the bolt is done up to the correct torque setting it should be OK.

But it must change the torque setting as there is less friction between the threads?

Badley explained, but I hope you get my point.

[steveo3002]

pretty much always on my own cars , makes life easier next time

[GadgeS3C]

I do. A mis-spent youth working on Jap motorbikes with screws made of cheese. Do always consider the application though and whether loctite might be more appropriate.

[voicey]

I use copper-ease when the bolt and the hole are of different material (most commonly a steel bolt into an alu componant). As said above, the torque setting is different than when "dry".

[stuttgartmetal]

SEIZING FFS

[stuttgartmetal]

doogz said:

stuttgartmetal said:

SEIZING FFS

"Cease" with the grammar nazi-ism

[redgriff500]

Copper slip is "anti seize" NOT grease.

It will not cause things to magically undo later.

But shouldn't be used on critical parts where correct torque is essential like head bolts.

[GadgeS3C]

Believe me, on Jap bike cheese screws, without anti-seize, they do "cease"

[PAULJ5555]

stuttgartmetal said:

SEIZING FFS

Who cares, BBBBBBBOOOORRRRRRRRIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGGG

[mikecassie]

I wouldn't use copper grease when in contact with aluminuim components. I work in the offshore industry where a lot of aluminuim is used and we use a different type of grease, apparently the copper accelerates the corrosion of aluminuim when in contact with salt water. I'm not an engineer or chemist, but have had it drilled into me for many years not to do that, so I use the same principal when working on my car. No copper grease near the Alloy wheels etc. I managed to source high temp grease without copper to use on the pads etc when I had alloy calipers. It seems to be as good as copper grease.

[TheLurker]

Thanks for the answers. What happens if it is used with nylock nuts?

[Bricol]

Precisely. I use a PTFE anti-seize compound I bought a couple of pots off in Germany in 2000-ish. Works well.

I plaster the area where here is contact with the component (bolt shoulder through mounting eyes and suspension bush sleeve) and only a smidgen where the nut might sit.

Bri

[CO2000]

TheLurker said:

Thanks for the answers. What happens if it is used with nylock nuts?

Nothing but watch out for the nylon melting if any chance of what you are bolting getting hot.

Also I think nylocks are softer than normal nuts.

[davepoth]

Nylocs everywhere, and copper grease too. They stay on, and come off easily.

[mickrick]

You should never use anything on wheel studs. It's the best way to strip them.
It reduces the friction on the thread, so makes them easier to overtighten.

For anthing near alloy us Teff-Gell.
http://www.tefgel.com/#

If I put anything on threads or fittings, I use a marine grease called 2-4-C marketed by Mercury Marine.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/QUICKSILVER-MULTI-PURPOSE-2-...
(I work in the marine industry, but no connection with any of the above).

Copper grease is good for smearing onto the back of brake pads to stop them squealing.

[stuttgartmetal]

PAULJ5555 said:

stuttgartmetal said:

SEIZING FFS

Who cares, BBBBBBBOOOORRRRRRRRIIIIIIIINNNNNNGGGGGGGG

whooooooooooosh

[Kentish]

mikecassie said:

I wouldn't use copper grease when in contact with aluminuim components. I work in the offshore industry where a lot of aluminuim is used and we use a different type of grease, apparently the copper accelerates the corrosion of aluminuim when in contact with salt water. I'm not an engineer or chemist, but have had it drilled into me for many years not to do that, so I use the same principal when working on my car. No copper grease near the Alloy wheels etc. I managed to source high temp grease without copper to use on the pads etc when I had alloy calipers. It seems to be as good as copper grease.

You are absolutely right, it does accelerate a reaction in many alloys.

Lithium grease is quite inert and better for use with mixed metal component assemblies (likes alloy wheels and steel hubs and bolts).

[LuS1fer]

I do. I also have a tub of aluminium grease as, being silver, it is less messy in visible places. I also use it on the backs of wheels to stop it seizing to the hub.