Looking for the correct grease type can be a challenge for anyone, no matter how much experience you have with machinery or automotive bearings. With so many options on the market and a wide array of companies producing grease and the chemical composition that fits certain applications, it can be overwhelming to select one that fits your needs.

That being said, grease is critical for maintaining your machinery and automotive bearings. Without the appropriate grease type, you cannot maximize your bearing’s performance. Likewise, it might potentially put your application’s efficiency at risk.. As grease reduces friction and wear, safeguards against corrosion, and protects the bearings from water, leakage, and other contaminants, it is safe to say that it is more than necessary to always use the appropriate one for your equipment. This will help your application to operate at its full potential and at the same time save you cost for any future errors brought by wrong choice of grease.

If you’re in the market for a new grease, keep reading to learn the essential considerations you need to make when choosing the right grease for the right application.

1. What are you using the grease for?

The first factor you need to consider is the intended use or application. In some cases, you may be using the grease solely for bearings, while in other cases, you may also want to apply it to other mechanical components. If the latter is the case, then you may want to consider purchasing a multi-purpose grease that has a broader array of uses than a specific type of grease.

Multi-purpose grease can be used for agricultural equipment, automotive water pumps, and washing machines, and for handling equipment and general mechanical devices. It also works excellently on bearings as it possesses the essential properties for resisting water and other forms of wear and corrosion.

When considering the usage, you also need to think about the load that the machinery will be handling. If the machinery is used in the heavy industry (such as construction and mining), then the bearings will be on the receiving end of extreme pressure and, therefore, will require a heavy-duty grease type.

2. What is the operating environment like?

Another essential consideration is the temperature and humidity of the operating environment. If it is on the hot end of the spectrum with high levels of moisture, then you certainly need to choose a high-temperature grease. Grease such as high-temperature grease is highly-adhesive and chemically engineered to perform well in applications or environments that have extreme temperature. Otherwise, you will likely have a situation where the grease can start leaking, resulting in rusting and corrosion.

Speed also plays an integral role here because the faster the rotation, the more heated the temperature of the operating environment gets. For this reason, if you are looking for grease for high-speed bearings, then you want to ensure that you are selecting one that evenly disperses the temperature around the mechanical parts to create a cooling effect. This specific type of grease is fit for applications exposed to high speed and vibration.

Keep in mind that no matter what kind of grease you use, if you over-apply it, you will increase the operating temperature. This will result in insufficient air circulation within the bearing assembly, again resulting in leakage that will damage the oil seals and other components.

3. Is the grease compatible with the machinery?

Grease compatibility results in higher machine productivity. No matter how high the quality of the grease you use, if it isn’t compatible with your machinery, then it isn’t going to work. If you aren’t sure what grease your mechanism requires, then start by looking at the manufacturer’s instructions as these will tell you the type of grease that is needed. Additionally, you can contact your grease supplier for professional advice.

One of the ways that grease is classified is with an NLGI consistency rating, which measures the softness or firmness of the grease. The higher the NLGI consistency rating number, the stiffer the grease, which is ideal for reducing the chance of leakage — something you don’t want as it may lead to premature bearing and mechanical component damage.

The worst thing you can do for your machinery is to mix two greases that aren’t compatible. If two lubricants aren’t compatible, then mixing them may cause an unexpected and undesirable (or even dangerous) chemical reaction. Therefore, you want to be very careful not to cross-contaminate any grease blends.

4. Do your bearings need to be upgraded?

The best grease in the world can’t make up for low-quality bearings, especially if these are already showing premature damage. For this reason, before investing in new grease, you may also want to have a professional look at your current bearings.

Generally, wheel bearings require maintenance every 25,000 to 30,000 miles and then replacement every 85,000 to 100,000 miles. However, if a wheel bearing fails, then it needs to be replaced immediately.

Some of the most common reasons why bearings fail are faulty installation (this can cause damage to the exterior and interior of the wheel and the bearing), as well as poor road quality and driving conditions.

Additionally, bearings constructed of low-quality materials often have poor heat-treatment, which, in turn, causes premature damage and failure. For this reason, it is imperative that you choose not only top-quality grease but also high-quality bearings. While these may cost more upfront, in the long run, they will save you a lot of time and money as you can be assured that you can depend on them for years to come.

5. Where are you purchasing grease and bearings from?

When buying essential products such as grease and bearings, you want to ensure that you are purchasing them from a reputable seller who can educate and inform you about the potential options. The best bearing suppliers in Dubai know how essential it is that you have the right products for your machinery and so they pride themselves on providing you with the best service possible. Always choose a technical partner with extensive knowledge and years of proven experience in the bearing industry as its trusted and honed market know-how will help you make the most out of your applications.

There is a wide array of offerings on the market, which can make it challenging to know what to buy. Not to mention the fact that not all products in the market are made to the same high standards. By discussing your grease and bearing needs with an expert, you can feel confident you are purchasing the right products for your machinery or automotive. And at the same time, you can freely solicit technical tips or pieces of advice as to how you can maximize your application’s performance.

Are you in the market for a new grease for your machinery and automotive bearings? Contact the MCB team to find the most suitable and tailor-made product or solution for your needs today.