Lubricating grease is a mixture of three main components: lubricating fluid, performance enhancing additives, and thickener. The lubricating fluid can be petroleum-derived lubricating oil, any of various synthetic lubricating fluids, or vegetable-based oil.
I have noticed lubricant leaking from a seal. What is happening? If the seal has been in service for an extended period of time, it may simply be worn out. Seals are sacrificial components in most machinery designs, and they are intended to be replaced periodically. If the seal is in new equipment or has […]
Elastomeric seals are used in many types of equipment. Does lubricating grease affect seals? It is important that any seal in contact with a lubricant is compatible with that lubricant. The base oil in a grease may soften, harden, shrink, or swell elastomers used to make seals. It is advisable to check the compatibility of […]
What is a lubricating paste? Lubricating paste typically contains fine particles of a lubricating solid such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide and a small amount of oil. The consistency of a paste depends on the amounts of particles and oil.
What are anti-seize compounds? Anti-seize compounds are formulated to prevent mating surfaces from seizing under high loads. For example, anti-seize compounds are used on threaded connections and static joints so that they can be disconnected easily.
What does “EP” (Extreme pressure) mean in the name of a lubricating grease? The term “EP” refers to extreme pressure, which means the grease is formulated with additives that increase its load carrying capacity. EP greases are capable of withstanding conditions under which ordinary grease may not provide sufficient performance: heavy applied loads, shock loads, […]
What is food grade lubricating grease? Lubricating grease that is formulated for use in food processing plants is generally food grade. Food grade greases are registered as H1 for use in applications where lubricant may have incidental contact with foodstuffs.
What is waterproof lubricating grease? Waterproof lubricating grease is a grease that is formulated to resist water and its effects. This type of grease repels water, forms an excellent seal against water, and provides protection against rust and corrosion.
What information should be included on the label of a container of in-service lubricating grease? The following information should be included on the label of a sample of in-service lubricating grease: Customer or company name and contact information The date that the sample was collected The designation of the equipment from which the sample was […]
What kind of containers are suitable for the collection and shipment of samples of in-service lubricating grease? The preferred containers are open mouth jars made of unbreakable high density polyethylene or other materials that are impervious to grease. Although glass containers are impervious to oil and grease, they may break. Some commercial testing laboratories supply […]
Should I keep samples of in-service lubricating grease? Samples of in-service lubricating greases should be tested promptly to obtain current status of lubricants and machinery. If there is a delay in shipping samples, they should not be exposed to direct sunlight, elevated temperature, or moisture. Laboratories typically dispose of grease samples after they test them. […]
How do I get a sample of in-service lubricating grease analyzed? Certain commercial laboratories specialize in the testing of in-service lubricants. Several of these laboratories analyze in-service lubricating grease. These labs can be found through on-line searching. Samples can be shipped via US Mail or other delivery services if packaged properly, or may even be […]
What tests are run on in-service lubricating grease samples? Key tests for in-service grease samples include: Appearance – The appearance of in-service grease can tell much about the condition of the equipment from which it was obtained. A small amount of the grease spread thin on a white ceramic tile will allow the analyst to […]
How do I collect a sample of in-service lubricating grease from a bearing for CBM? The key to successful CBM for any in-service lubricant is to obtain a representative sample of the lubricant for analysis. In the case of in-service lubricating grease, it is imperative to obtain a sample of grease that has been in […]
Isn’t CBM applicable only to oil-lubricated equipment, such as hydraulic systems? CBM is useful for any lubricated system. In-service lubricant samples may be collected from any equipment and the lubricant analyzed to check its suitability for continued service. This includes grease-lubricated equipment.
I have heard about CBM-What does CBM mean? CBM stands for Condition Based Maintenance of in-service lubricants and equipment. CBM is a strategy for checking in-service lubricants and machinery in order to identify and possibly predict the likelihood of failure. CBM can reveal when a machine is operating properly, or when mechanical failure is just […]
There is a burnt odor around a grease lubricated bearing. Is that a concern? A burnt odor may indicate overheating of the bearing. A burnt odor suggests that the grease may have been oxidized or thermally degraded. It is prudent to investigate the source of a burnt odor, and to determine its cause. If the […]
What is the significance of a change in color of lubricating grease during service? In-service lubricating greases can change color due to thermal degradation, oxidation, or contamination. The dyes used to color greases may lose color intensity when subjected to high temperatures. Highly oxidized greases may become very dark to black. Greases that are contaminated […]
Does the color of lubricating grease have any significance? The color of unused lubricating grease can be natural (light tan to black, depending on the formulation), or colored with a dye. Black greases typically contain molybdenum disulfide or graphite, both of which impart a dark gray to black color to the grease. The natural color […]
If I drive through deep water (as during a flood), does that affect the lubricating grease in my car’s wheel bearings? Driving through water that is deep enough to cover a car’s wheel bearings can cause contamination of the grease with water, or even wash the grease out of bearings. After driving through deep water, […]
What lubricating grease should be used in automotive wheel bearings that are exposed to a wide range of temperature conditions? Most lubricating greases for automotive wheel bearings must meet the NLGI GC-LB or SAE J310 requirements. Both of those specifications require that the grease must operate over a temperature range of -40 °C (-40 °F) […]
What lubricating grease should be used in automotive wheel bearings under low ambient temperature conditions? Most lubricating greases formulated for use in automotive wheel bearings are NLGI 2 grade and are designed to operate at temperatures as low as -40 °C (-40 °F). The NLGI GC-LB or SAE J310 specifications require the grease to operate […]
What is a general purpose lubricating grease, and what types of applications could it be used in? General purpose lubricating greases are sold in many retail outlets, such as auto parts stores, hardware stores, etc. They are typically packaged in a 14 oz. (400 g) tube for use in a grease gun or in a […]
Why are there so many different types of lubricating grease? Why do some cost more than others? There are many different types of lubricating grease because there are many different types of applications where grease is used. Many greases are formulated to have specific properties unique to the application for which they are intended. Electric […]
What types of lubricating grease are needed for the lubrication of a heavy duty (Class 8 in the US) truck? Several types of lubricating grease are needed to properly lubricate a heavy duty (Class 8 in the US) truck: Wheel bearing grease – Some wheel bearings are “lubed for life” while others require regular relubrication. […]
Is every grease a lubricating grease? Lubricating grease is a specific type of product designed for the lubrication of industrial, automotive, and other mechanisms. It is formulated from lubricating oil (petroleum, vegetable, or synthetic), performance additives, and a thickener. It is distinguished from other materials that are commonly called grease, such as cooking oil, animal […]
Can the grease in my boat trailer wheel bearings contaminate the water? In some locations, there are strict regulations to protect water from contamination. For those cases, there are specialty lubricants formulated with biodegradable base fluids and environmentally friendly additives. In other cases, greases that are designed for wheel bearing lubrication have been found to […]
What lubricating grease should I use in my boat trailer wheel bearings? How often should they be re-lubricated? Generally, a lubricating grease designed for automotive wheel bearings is sufficient. Look for the NLGI GC or GC-LB service mark on the product label. If the boat trailer is used in salt water, a specially formulated product […]
What type of lubricating grease should I use to lubricate my fishing reel? There are many different types of fishing equipment for fresh and salt water fishing. Always consult the manufacturer of your equipment for their lubricant recommendation. Greases for fishing reels are specialty products, typically sold by the reel manufacturer. Those products are formulated […]
