Hello to All;
What components should be lubed with EP and AW greases?
Is there a detriment to mixing the two greases?
Thanks for your assistance.
Original Post
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If you are talking about Mobil AW ****** and EP greases they are similar as both are lithium based grease most commonly used in bearings and couplings. As a rule I don't mix greases because of the possibility of additive interaction. I would look at the application and use what is best under the operating conditions. Talk to the vendor regarding mixing.
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CRB,
An EP grease is usually used in bearings under severe loading. The AW is used to reduce friction and wear in applications where the full lubricating film cannot be maintained. As far as which grease to use when, I would consult the OEM first, then talk to your lubricant supplier. Depending on the age of your equipment, there may be a better lubricant for your application. Also, I would never ever mix greases without having them tested first. You can look on tables or talk to suppliers about whether a grease is compatible, but the only sure way to know is to have them tested. Let me explain. Here are two experiences I have been involved in concerning this issue. I had two greases which were supposed to be compatible according to the supplier. The old grease was removed from a machine reservoir, but not the bearings. The two greases did not mix well, resulting in a reaction that caused the oil to separate from the thickener. This ultimately caused major bearing failure and several thousands of dollars of repair work. Lesson two. According to the charts, and the supplier, both greases in application two were compatible. Prior to mixing them, I am still a little gun shy from lesson one, I decided to have the greases tested. The greases were mixed at various percentages. They were discovered to be compatible. However, the test results showed that the mixed greases had a decrease in wear resistance and oxidation resistance from the original grease. There was also a change, not for the better, in work stability. For these two reasons, I will never recommend mixing greases without having them tested. The risk far outwieghs the cost of the test. Hope this helps. Good luck.
An EP grease is usually used in bearings under severe loading. The AW is used to reduce friction and wear in applications where the full lubricating film cannot be maintained. As far as which grease to use when, I would consult the OEM first, then talk to your lubricant supplier. Depending on the age of your equipment, there may be a better lubricant for your application. Also, I would never ever mix greases without having them tested first. You can look on tables or talk to suppliers about whether a grease is compatible, but the only sure way to know is to have them tested. Let me explain. Here are two experiences I have been involved in concerning this issue. I had two greases which were supposed to be compatible according to the supplier. The old grease was removed from a machine reservoir, but not the bearings. The two greases did not mix well, resulting in a reaction that caused the oil to separate from the thickener. This ultimately caused major bearing failure and several thousands of dollars of repair work. Lesson two. According to the charts, and the supplier, both greases in application two were compatible. Prior to mixing them, I am still a little gun shy from lesson one, I decided to have the greases tested. The greases were mixed at various percentages. They were discovered to be compatible. However, the test results showed that the mixed greases had a decrease in wear resistance and oxidation resistance from the original grease. There was also a change, not for the better, in work stability. For these two reasons, I will never recommend mixing greases without having them tested. The risk far outwieghs the cost of the test. Hope this helps. Good luck.
Hi CRB
Only greases of the same soap can be mixed ,others normally fail.
Check with your supplier for details
Only greases of the same soap can be mixed ,others normally fail.
Check with your supplier for details
