Grease bleeding explained
Bleeding of grease cannot be cured. So make sure you prevent it!
What is “bleeding”?
A lubricating grease consists of three elements: the synthetic or mineral base oil (70 – 95%), thickeners (5 – 30%) and additives. The last group gives the grease its specific properties and is always dissolved in the base oil. Not in the grease.
Bleeding means the grease loses part of the base oil. Since the base oil contains the additives, the grease will lose an important part of its properties and will no longer be able to fulfill its intended function.
When does grease bleed?
Bleeding is almost always a matter of time. It occurs in packaging units that have been stored in storage areas for too long. The grease (the thickener) can be compared to a natural sponge: over time it dries out, it becomes hard and can no longer retain the base oil.
What to do when grease is bleeding?
The only solution is to dispose of the grease (in accordance with laws and regulations). Stirring doesn’t help. Don’t ignore the bleeding by using the grease anyway, it can cause great damage to your machines.
How to prevent it?
As indicated: bleeding is a matter of time. So don’t give the grease that time: do not buy too much, but in such quantities that the lubricant is used before it can start bleeding in the packaging. Go for quality instead of quantity. This ultimately leads to lower costs!
