Grease and a better understanding of it

[new jersey mike]

I was looking to learn more about grease and came across this article and thought it would help others.

Grease Is The Word
:thumbsup:

 

[psvfd]

Good info, thanks.

 

[tracter]

Just one thing it did not mention is that you cannot mix greases i.e. those that are Lithium based are not to be mixed with clay based grease.
When you mix they turn back to oil and will wreck whatever you wanted to protect

 

[Kioti Tom]

Just one thing it did not mention is that you cannot mix greases i.e. those that are Lithium based are not to be mixed with clay based grease.
When you mix they turn back to oil and will wreck whatever you wanted to protect

Not only that, I can cause corrosion. That is what happened to some aircraft. The Boeing 767 Landing Gear trunnion mounts is one example.

Retired Airline Mechanic
Tom

 

[John Morgan]

It was a good article. What it didn't explain is the difference between Lithium Complex and others. Tracter mentioned clay based greases, which aren't compatible with any other thickener. The article also didn't address strengths and weaknesses, basic construction, emulsification or reversibility. All of those are important for a purchasing decision.

 

[tracter]

Grease is maybe not the word , the word is "Knowledge"

 

[new jersey mike]

"COMPATIBILITY?" OMG I never thought about that. Now I'm in a small panic. I guess shopping around to save save a couple of buck or just for the convenience when purchasing definitely takes back seat.

It also stresses purging the old grease as much as possible. Below is a additional info on grease and compatibility.

The Skinny on Grease Compatibility

Why don't the mfg's of the equipment state this?

 

[cdaigle430]

So I guess the best thing to do is pick just one type of grease and stick with it. Can anyone recommend a grease that is not expensive but can be used for backhoe and loader zercs along with mower deck bearings?

 

[wrooster]

So I guess the best thing to do is pick just one type of grease and stick with it. Can anyone recommend a grease that is not expensive but can be used for backhoe and loader zercs along with mower deck bearings?

CRC/STA-LUBE Sta-Plex Premium Red Grease (NLGI #2). It is available in tons of places, has excellent water washout resistance, and is an EP (extreme pressure) type.

SL3190 -- Sta-Plex™ Extreme Pressure Premium Red Grease, 14 Wt Oz

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/SL3190-Sta-Plex-Extreme-Pressure-Cartridge/dp/B000KKJRMW]Amazon.com: CRC SL3190 Sta-Plex Extreme Pressure Premium Red Grease, 14oz Cartridge: Industrial & Scientific[/ame]

Wrooster

 

[John Morgan]

Now we're back to topic. All Lithium Complex greases emulsify with moisture. Manufacturers use polymers to prevent wash-out reducing the percentage making it appear to the public it performs well. The polymers they use also raises the dropping point, however, the more polymers the less amount of oil. Oil is the lubricant.

Furthermore, water is heavier than oil. Basic Jr. High School science. As moisture emulsifies the Lithium it displaces the oil reducing the lubricating ability of the grease. Increasing grease consumption and metal wear. So that "cheap" grease your using is costing you much more than the price of the tube.