This subject comes up alot in astronomy ( another hobby I have ). In astronomy the need is for a clean lubricant that wont harm aluminum, nylon, brass, plastic, has good temperature range properties, etc. The amateur astronomist needs a grease for their telescope mounts that will perform over a wide range of temperature ( freezing winter to hot summer ) and will not attack the materials used in the mount that may cost thousands of dollars. The problem with most lithiums is that the "lithium soap" tends to separate from the base oils, and run out making a mess. Think of what peanut butter looks like when it has sat for awhile.. oil floating on a stiff solid. Lithium grease was designed as a non-staining grease.
The general consensus is that a premium food grade synthetic grease offers the best of most worlds. These look like vaseline, and are rated for just about any use. The one most are using is called SuperLube by Synco. It is even an excellent dielectric, so it's safe around electronics.
here is a link: **broken link removed**
Radio Shack used to stock a product called "lube gel with PTFE" that is SuperLube rebranded. The synco stuff is available in many auto parts store, marine/boat dealers parts places, and some "big box" stores.
BTW, I have nothing to do with Synco, I just like and use the product.