Focuser grease

Got a older Meade 390 scope and the focuser grease is stiff and worn out. Is there a "solvent" that eats this old stuff off easily? I have lithium grease to use once its cleaned unless someone else has a better choice.

Alcohol and rags, but look out for getting any on the optics. Have a look at your lithium grease and make sure it has good self-cohesive properties. I've found some that don't. Don't remember the brand name off hand.

Steve