AutoGlossy

Grease, Oil Life Estimates, Predicting Lube Life in Bearings

Bearing Oil and Grease Life Study

How can we estimate and predict the lube life of the products we use in the cars we service. Well, we all understand the principles of friction. Heat and contaminants are the biggest enemies of bearing grease and oil. Think of all the components that need lube, from bearings to internal Engine Component Parts. In Bearings there are three types of lubricants: Synthetic oils, mineral oils and grease. Synthetics last longer at elevated temperatures. Many have special low temperature and low flammability properties. Many also have properties that tend to absorb water (hydrolysis), but this excellent feature also tends to shorten the life of most phosphates, silicates and ester synthetic oils. I hope I am not losing anyone here.

But this is important so please stay with me. Avoiding hydrolysis can be achieved with special additives, desiccated air or filtration with activated alumina or clay based fullers Earth. What kinds of Synthetic and mineral oils exist? Silicones, Alkyl silicates, alkyl phosphates, mineral oils, Polyglycols, Polyphenyl ethers, Silicones, Poly Esters, Synthetic hydrocarbons and Diesters.

Mineral oil deteriorate quickly when they oxidize or react chemically with dissolved oxygen. This increases the oil acidity causing varnish looking deposits, this shortens bearing life. Additives can extend oil life by interrupting oxidation chain reactions. You can increase coverage by adding additives as this process takes place. How do you know when to change it? You can test it electrochemically, micro scale oxidation test, differential thermal analysis, or high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry. Grease contains thickening material additives and also contains oil, either synthetic or mineral? A grease can fail once 1/2 of its oil content is gone. In this case noise from the bearing will alert you. A good book to read on this subject is "Applied Tribiology-Bearing Design and Lubrication"

"Lance Winslow" - If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs

Resources: Asthma Prevention 0td117 Alternative Mens Haircuts Kjøkken Basement Refinishing Ideas

Related articles:

The Best Online Source for Quality Ford Explorer A/C Condensers and Other Ford Parts Goes On Sale
Ford Parts Discount - the country's top dealer of OEM-quality Ford parts, proudly features the best Ford Explorer parts and millions of other Ford aftermarket and replacement auto parts at very l
2005-10-09 - by Chuck Smith

Result of Report: Accidents Increased at Intersections with Red Light Cameras
WASHINGTON, D.C. - There is no safety benefit from red light cameras at intersections, according to a report in the Washington Post, and innocent drivers continue to receive tickets. Red light
2005-10-09 - by David M. Bresnahan

XM Satellite Radio has one and now so does Sirius.
Sirius unveiled its new Portable Satellite Radio Digital Player Combo recently. Now you can record and use the playback function in your car! Weighing in at less than 4 ounces, the Starmate repla
2005-10-09 - by Scott Fish

Troubleshooting Your Fords Alternator and Other Electrical Parts
What's the most important part in your car? You would probably answer it's the engine. The engine, of course, is very essential since combustion takes place here. It is often referred to as the "
2005-10-09 - by Jay Stevens

Superior Quality Replacement Parts: Reviving Old Mercedes Benz Luster
No other name in the industry has ever matched Mercedes Benz' prestige and high reputation. Through the years, Mercedes Benz has always been an icon for luxury and high performance cars and accor
2005-10-09 - by Tracy Dawson