Grease has a superior stop-start performance
Oil drains which risks a dry start but that is not the case with grease as seals and connectors can retain grease better than oil.
Machines are meant to function smoothly however in order for this to happen you must remember to periodically grease them there are obviously positives to greasing a bearing but also there are cons we will be discovering them today and discussing when each is appropriate and which is better.
A proper lubricant can mean prolonging the life of a bearing or neglecting lubricating will be the end of your bearing’s lifespan. The true question is how to preserve the bearing?and ensure you get the most out of it,the answer is simple lubrication.
Friction is essential for movement nothing can function without moving parts not even the human body,we need friction to drive manufacture or anything else that can come to mind the list is truly endless.
However friction is both a friend and a foe yes friction a clearly essential part of the life cycle of machines yet under or over estimating when to grease a bearing or not may lead to a costly replacement.
Here are the mistakes people make when it comes to lubrication.
Lubricating according to time instead of condition as even if it is not in use you must still ensure its functionality and it’s range regardless of the wear&tear even though lubricating periodically is essential It could mean the death of your bearing making it unfit for use
Over and under lubrication, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing, too much grease is damaging to the bearing as it too much grease raises the temperature of the bearings which in itself could decrease the effectiveness of the lubricant making it useless.
Using a “listen only ultrasound instrument” isn’t enough as no two people hear the same and there is no way to remember what the bearing sounded like a month ago.
To answer the question, there is no definitive answer as it truly depends on the bearing and the conditions in which it is being used therefore when asking yourself this question you must first ask yourself this question how have I been using and treating this bearing? Once you answered this question you will have an answer to the question to grease or not to grease?
Don’t confuse greasing with lubricating a machine with oil as grease performs the same function as oil but thicker and lasts longer also unlike grease oil flows freely enabling it to conduct and carry away unwanted heat this keeps oil-base oil viscosity stable and reduces the risk of heat induced oxidation and additive depletion.
Unlike oil, the churning of grease in gears and bearings results in high energy consumption losses and heat generation.energy consumed in a similar application may be only a fraction of that of grease.
Using grease immobilizes dirt and impurities and transports them to filters.