mm wrote:
What's with my grease gun?

Toss it, the thing is junk. Buy a decent grease gun, some lube tubes
and READ THE LABELS and follow directions.

Is lithium grease what I should be using, say for tie rod ends and
ball joints?

No. Both need a high pressure grease. Litrhium is best for low pressure
applications that may be subject to water, like boat trailer bearings.
Moly greases are better for higher stresses.

snip

Hope this helps.

Joe