Several Indicators When Checking the Grease Status

Appearance

Normal grease has uniform color. If the color changes significantly, it may indicate a problem. For example, the grease may turn black because impurities are mixed in or oxidation occurs.

Observe the texture of the grease to see if it is uniform and fine. If there is stratification or agglomeration, it means that the structure of the grease may have been destroyed.

Consistency

The consistency of the grease can reflect its fluidity. You can use your fingers to press it for a preliminary judgment. If the grease feels very soft, it may be because the temperature is too high or other liquids are mixed in; if it becomes too hard, it may be that the grease is aged or the base oil is lost.

Dropping point

The dropping point is the temperature at which the grease changes from a semi-solid state to a liquid state. If the actual operating temperature is close to or exceeds the dropping point, the grease will become too thin and lose its lubrication effect, so make sure that the operating temperature of the equipment is below the dropping point.

Mechanical impurities

Check whether there are mechanical impurities such as metal chips and sand in the grease. These impurities will aggravate the wear of equipment parts. Check by filtering a small amount of grease and observing whether there are residual impurities on the filter.

Water content

Water can cause grease to emulsify and deteriorate, and can also cause equipment parts to rust. You can use special moisture test strips or instruments to detect the water content in grease.