How to Tell if Lubricant Needs to Be Changed
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Lubricating oil that has degraded often appears dark black, foamy, or emulsified. When rubbed between your fingers, it should feel smooth and not sticky. If it smells burnt or has an unusual odor, or if it leaves a dark brown stain on white paper without showing any yellow oily spots or black particles, it may be time for a change.
Failure to replace old lubricant in a timely manner can lead to increased wear on components, reduced service life, and even safety hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the condition of the lubricant and replace it when necessary.
Here are several simple methods to identify whether lubricant needs to be changed:
1. **Oil Flow Test**: Take two measuring cups. Fill one with the lubricant and place the other on the table. Lift the filled cup 30-40 cm above the table and tilt it so the oil flows into the empty cup. A high-quality lubricant should flow smoothly, evenly, and continuously. If the flow is uneven, slow, or has sudden surges, the lubricant may have degraded.
2. **Hand Rubbing Method**: Rub a small amount of lubricant between your thumb and index finger. A good lubricant should feel smooth and lubricious, with minimal friction and no debris. If you feel resistance, sandiness, or a rough texture, it indicates the presence of impurities, and the lubricant should be replaced.
3. **Light Inspection Method**: On a sunny day, use a screwdriver to pick up some lubricant and hold it at a 45-degree angle to the horizontal. Expose it to sunlight and observe the oil droplets. If there are no visible wear particles and the oil looks clear, it is still in good condition. However, if there are many particles, the lubricant should be changed.
4. **Filter Paper Test**: Place a few drops of lubricant on a clean white filter paper and wait for the oil to seep through. If you see black powder or feel resistance when touching the spot, it means the lubricant contains a lot of impurities. Good lubricants should leave no residue, feel dry to the touch, and appear yellow.
Regular maintenance and inspection of lubricants are essential for ensuring the proper functioning of machinery and preventing costly damage. By using these simple tests, you can easily determine whether your lubricant is still effective or needs to be replaced.
Related Bearing Knowledge:
- Device method for cylindrical inner space in SKF bearings
- SKF bearing inspection and fault handling
- Analysis of rolling bearing clearance in high carbon chromium steel
This article is from China Bearing Network. Please cite the source when sharing.
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