Resultsbee.com

Although similar, synthetic and mineral oils offer different properties and are not interchangeable. Bearings in some applications use oil, but grease is the lubricant of choice for 80 to 90% of bearings. Grease consists of about 85% mineral or synthetic oil with thickeners rounding out the rest of the&n

Proper grease specification requires all of the components of oil selection and more. Other special considerations for grease selection include thickener type and concentration, consistency, dropping point and operating temperature range, worked stability, oxidation stability, wear resistance, etc

For intense friction and high-speed applications, an oil is typically the best choice. But other components that endure heavy loads or move vertically typically require a grease. Grease is engineered to stay in place and provide a longer lasting barrier between metal components, such as wheel-bearings.

When two incompatible greases are mixed, one of two things generally happens: the mixture hardens and will not release any of the oil or the mixture softens and releases all of the oil. In either case, the end result is basically the same; there is effectively no lubrication.

Silicone lubricant safely lubricates, waterproofs and protects metal and non-metal surfaces such as rubber, plastic and vinyl. Silicone grease is safe on rubber and actually helps to keep it soft. Any other grease with a mineral oil base will degrade natural rubber.

The manuals usually say grease every 50 hours, though some professionals usually do every 25 hours because grease is cheap insurance against pin wear. Also, putting in a little bit of grease in every fitting frequently is better than putting in a ton all at once and then leaving it for ages.