Sta-Lube 3131 bearing grease question.

[38bill]

I'm working over my brakes and so I picked up some of the recommended Sta-Lube grease. My question is if this stuff is supposed to have the consistency of tar? If so I can see how it wouldn't leak out of the hubs. Thanks.

[19Fordy]

Yes. It's suppose to be stiff and fibery. Read the reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Sta-Lube-SL31...ustomerReviews

[leon bee]

I opened my first can of it the other day, you're right that is some very strange stuff. Can't remember if I used grease like that in my younger days. I packed some vintage motorcycle wheel bearings with it and loved it by the time I was done. Packed bearings felt really good in my hand.

[alanwoodieman]

great stuff, as for leaking out, that is what the grease seal is for!

[Flathead Fever]

Just make sure you clean out all the old grease. Grease not being compatible is a cause of wheel bearing failures.

[coolcoupe]

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About to take rear and front drums off and clean old grease. How do clean old bearing with and what grease to replace it ? Moe

[aussie merc]

personal choice is out of date jet fuel [super hi grade kerosene ] if you can get it if not ordinary house hold kero and rinse off with a quick spray of brake cleaner Grease any good quaility high temp bearing grease will work personal choice is timken or castrol but go to your auto store and check out the range

[leon bee]

I sink the bearings in mineral spirits overnight. Then I'm going to keep on using this 3131 on all my old stuff.

[Tinker]

mineral spirits to clean bearings works well. diesel fuel isn't bad. wear gloves, mineral spirits less a carcinogen. But I like steaks and burgers too. (bad for you, considered a carcinogen too)


as for replacement grease, i just use regular old axle grease. the same stuff that's been used for the last 50 plus yrs. I guess you could use whale blubber but I don't have a chuckwagon anymore. did though.

[38bill]

Thanks guys. Got them all packed with the 3131. My shop is still pretty cool so I hit the bearings with a heat gun while I added and worked the grease into the rollers. That seemed to help a lot.

[alchemy]

So, since the Sta-Lube 3131 is not available anymore, what is the Barn recommended replacement?

[Tim Ayers]

Dang. When and why did they discontinue it?

[alanwoodieman]

got some from my local napa store recently, try them

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by alanwoodieman

got some from my local napa store recently, try them

I just called my two go-to NAPAs. Neither have it or can get it.

[Mac VP]

We have some in stock but you’re right, they discontinued the product

[Terry,OH]

SL3131 should be used in the rear bearings only. Can use a drum brake bearing grease in the front. Both the front and rear have seals to prevent the lube from coming out.

[wingerdinger]

I'm about to re-assemble the rear hubs on my '35 model 51 truck. It does not have the conventional rubber seals, and needs a heavy grease like 3131.
I see Sta-Lube now has a 'new generation' wheel bearing grease #3111.
Can anyone tell me if this will work in place of #3131?
Thick, short fibrous grease is required

[1952henry]

Nothing else, Timken wheel bearing grease in a tub works. Timken might know a thing or two about bearings.

[corvette8n]

I emailed CRC and asked if their was a replacement for 3131, here is their answer.

Good morning,

Thank you for choosing CRC Products. Unfortunately, we do not have a replacement for this grease that is similar. It was an NLGI 2.5 short fiber grease. All of our other greases would be NLGI 2 which is thinner, and they contain thickeners that would not be compatible with the SL3131. Let us know if you have any questions.


Ben Ciesielski | Technical Service Rep - HACCP - ASE Master Technician | CRC Industries, Inc.

e: [email protected] | p: 1.800.521.3168

[19Fordy]

Gosh, it's surprising that CRC decided to stop making such a good product. Wonder why?