Lubricants: Spray, Grease or Paste

Spray, grease, or assembly paste: which do you need?

Situation	Product type	What it solves	What it does not solve
Light, accessible moving parts: hinges, locks, cables, sliding mechanisms	Lubricant spray	Stiffness, squeaking, light corrosion, dirt-free smooth movement	Heavy wear, seized bolts that need penetrating force, bearing lubrication under load
Bearings, chassis joints, suspension pins, trailer lubrication points	Grease	Persistent film under pressure and load, long-term protection in exposed or high-load locations	Mechanical damage, worn-out bearings, or parts that need to come apart cleanly
Bolted connections, press-fit parts, spark plugs, exhaust fittings	Assembly paste	Prevents seizing from heat and corrosion, makes future disassembly easier	Thread locking, vibration resistance, or ongoing lubrication between service intervals

Which spray for which situation?

The practical difference between spray types matters more than most people expect. A multi spray combines light lubrication with a penetrating action, making it the first choice when something squeaks, binds, or is mildly corroded. A PTFE spray deposits a more durable, low-friction film and is the better choice when you want longer-lasting lubrication on cables, gear mechanisms, or precision sliding parts. Dry sprays leave less residue than wet lubricants and attract significantly less dirt, which makes them well suited to interior mechanisms, plastic-on-metal contacts, and bike components where a clean surface matters.

Squeaky door hinge, stiff lock, mildly seized part, or first-time lubrication: Lindemann Friction Free 300ML. Apply a thin layer and wipe off any excess to avoid attracting dirt. Most plastics and rubbers tolerate this product, but check the label before spraying near sensitive trim or seals.
Cables, gear mechanisms, bike derailleurs, or any precision sliding part where a clean, durable film matters: Lindemann PTFE Universal Spray 300ML. The PTFE film lasts longer than a standard multi spray and does not leave a wet, dirt-attracting residue.

Keep all sprays away from brake pads, brake discs, drums, clutch friction surfaces, and tyre tread. Contamination of any friction surface is a safety issue, not a maintenance inconvenience.

Which grease for which application?

Grease type	Typical application	Heat and load note	Key limit
EP2 general-purpose	Chassis lubrication points, suspension pins, trailer joints, general heavy-duty pivots	Handles high load and shock load; not for sustained high heat	Not for food-contact environments; check thickener compatibility before mixing
High-temperature grease	Wheel bearings near disc brakes, brake caliper slider pins, exhaust-adjacent components	Formulated to stay stable where standard grease would melt or run out	Not a substitute for correct brake maintenance
Ball bearing / bearing grease	Rotating assemblies, wheel hubs, bike hubs, auxiliary bearings	Moderate temperature and speed; suited to rolling contact	Many modern car wheel bearings are sealed and non-serviceable; check before opening
Food-grade grease	Equipment used in food logistics or food-processing environments	Meets food-safety certification; not inherently superior for automotive use	Choose this only where food-safety compliance is required

For chassis joints and trailer maintenance, Lindemann EP Grease is the practical choice. Where components are exposed to sustained heat, such as wheel bearings near disc brakes, brake caliper slider pins, or parts close to the exhaust, standard grease will melt or run out. Use Lindemann HT-G High Temperature Grease 400gr in those locations.

Mixing greases with different thickener types, such as lithium-based and calcium-based, can reduce the consistency and performance of both. If you are unsure whether a new grease is compatible with what is already in a bearing or joint, remove as much of the old grease as possible before applying the new product. Bearings should not be packed completely full: overfilling causes heat build-up and can accelerate wear rather than prevent it.

When do you need assembly paste?

Assembly paste prevents bolts, spark plugs, and exhaust fittings from seizing due to heat and corrosion, so that future disassembly stays straightforward. It is not a thread locker and does not prevent loosening from vibration. Apply a thin film to threads or mating surfaces during assembly only, and keep it well away from brake and clutch friction surfaces. Lindemann MP790 Assembly Paste 250gr is suited to spark plugs, exhaust bolts, wheel bolts, and press-fit bushings.

Apply here:

Threaded connections that are exposed to heat or corrosion: exhaust bolts, spark plugs, and similar fittings
Press-fit connections and mating surfaces that need to come apart cleanly at a later service

Never apply here:

Brake pads, brake discs, brake drums, or clutch friction surfaces
Any surface where friction is required for safe operation

Assembly paste reduces friction on threads, which means the same torque wrench setting will result in higher clamping force than on a dry thread. Check whether your vehicle manufacturer specifies adjusted torque values when anti-seize paste is used, particularly on wheel bolts and spark plugs. Some manufacturers do not permit anti-seize on certain fasteners at all, so consulting the OEM guidance for your specific vehicle is the right step before applying it.

What must never be lubricated, and when to go to a garage

Never apply lubricant spray or grease to:

Brake pads
Brake discs
Brake drums
Clutch friction surfaces
Tyre tread

Contamination of any friction surface with lubricant creates a serious safety risk and requires immediate professional attention, not a wipe-down.

Go to a garage when:

A part is still noisy, stiff, or rough after lubrication
There is visible play, heat, smoke, or leakage from a component
The component is safety-critical, such as steering or suspension
You are unsure which lubricant is correct for the application

These lubricants are for external moving parts only. They do not replace engine oil, gearbox oil, or differential fluid, and they cannot repair mechanical damage such as a worn bearing or a bent hinge pin. Using them correctly on external parts, such as hinges, locks, bearings, and chassis joints, does not affect your vehicle manufacturer's warranty. Warranty issues arise from misuse, for example contaminating brake components or applying products inside the engine or fuel system.

How often should you lubricate?

Sprays: when movement becomes stiff or noisy, or preventively every few months on frequently used parts such as door hinges and locks. Wipe off excess after each application.
Greases: at service intervals or according to the OEM schedule, typically once a year or longer depending on use and exposure. Trailer and chassis points may need attention more frequently if the equipment is used in wet or dirty conditions.
Assembly paste: only during assembly or reassembly. It is not a recurring maintenance product.

For exact intervals and quantities, follow the guidance on the product label and consult your vehicle's owner manual.

Not sure whether a spray or a grease is the right choice for a specific part? Start with the load: if the part moves freely and carries little weight, a spray is usually enough. If it rotates under pressure or sits in an exposed, heavily loaded joint, grease is the more reliable option.