Clutch spline lubricant? Microlube GL 261? Molykote Longterm

[eddie]

Bentley manual recommends Microlube GL 261 for the clutch disk/input shaft splines and Molykote Longterm 2 for the pivot pin and slave cylinder pushrod. What are good equivalents without going to down to the BMW dealer?

What type of lubricants are Microlube GL 261 & Molykote Longterm 2? Can they be used interchangeably?

In the past I have used High Temperature Moly wheel bearing grease for both applications.

I pulled the worn out Getrag 280 out of the 300,095 mile M5 this morning. The clutch disk splines had no (zero, nada, zilch) lubrication left! Lots of orange powder (RUST!) all over the internals. No wonder the clutch was squeaky upon engagement. There was lots of lubrication on the outside of the transmission. Both the input shaft seal and output shaft seals were leaking badly.

The clutch disk friction surface was only worn 25%. 0.440" is the thickness of this used disk. New thickness is 0.490" with 0.282" being the minimum specified thickness.

Thanks Eddie

[ddstl]

I got a glazed look of confusion from the parts guy at the local dealer when I asked him about Microlube GL 261 & Molykote Longterm 2. Told me he'd never heard of either one. Maybe Brian DPP would know.

I used Moly lube sparingly when I put my new clutch in two years ago--others have as well. Available at local auto parts store for 2-3 bucks.

HTH

Jim

[rexmo]

I think the advice I gathered when doing this last was to use white lithium grease or CV joint grease.

[patrick]

Honda Moly 60 paste works well for this.

http://powersports.honda.com/the_goods/ ... GoodsDir=2

[John in VA]

Last time I was at the dealership my partsguy walked me over to their most experienced wrench to see what he was using, as I was planning the clutch replacement in the E30 - he uses anti-seize.

[Threeshifter]

I recently used a molybdenum disulphide based grease for both applications. I assumed that this is pretty close to Molykote. I used the same grease on the shifter linkage. The grease came in a package of 3 small tubes which was nice because I only needed a little bit and the other 2 tubes could be kept sealed.

[patprice]

I tend to shy away from anti sieze or moly lubes because in the event of overheating they tend to leave crunchy solids behind. I have seen clutches replaced because the disc was stuck on the splines due to anti sieze drying up.
All that said I use the lube that Sachs supplies with their clutch discs.I usuallt hoard the little packets and use them as need to.

[patprice]

Microlube was replaced by Esso Unirex in about 2000. It was found to be a better lubricant
BMW part# 83 23 9 416 138

As a sidebar if your release bearing has a plastic sleeve BMW reccomends not greasing it as clutch wear particles may stick to the grease and build up between the bearing and the shaft.