Synthetic bearing grease vs. conventional
10-01-2014, 08:33 PM
#1
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Synthetic bearing grease vs. conventional
I've been using Amsoil synthetic in my trailer bearing for years. It seems that after running it for a while, it turns to pudding! Are all the synthetics "thinner" in viscosity than conventional grease? I pulled a hub today, and when set on it's side,the grease just ran onto the floor. Thank God I had cardboard down! Is this normal? I put in Mobil 1 synthetic, not sure if that's any better. I know conventional grease is a thicker viscosity, am I worrying about nothing?
10-02-2014, 10:57 AM
#4
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Well, I'm not too excited about it if it's water! I thought it was the grease breaking down from the heat. On my last trailer, I tried the oil bath hubs from Kodiak, but they were problematic and I finally gave up and went back to bearing buddies. This trailer has the easy lube spindles, which is nicer.
10-03-2014, 07:22 PM
#5
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Quite a few folks believe that by nature "synthetics" are thinner regarding viscosity. This couldn't be further from the truth. Synthetic greases do flow and lubricate better at low and high temps due to their synthetic basestocks. It does sound like you might be getting water contamination. Most greases will separate and you get oil coming out of suspension, however this does not impact its ability to lubricate.
I guess the real question is, why do you think you need synthetic grease? If a trailer bearing is in good shape, most conventional greases will suffice as temps aren't out of control. Try mystic, I've always had great results using it with trailers, And in this application, it definitely should suffice.
I guess the real question is, why do you think you need synthetic grease? If a trailer bearing is in good shape, most conventional greases will suffice as temps aren't out of control. Try mystic, I've always had great results using it with trailers, And in this application, it definitely should suffice.
10-03-2014, 07:30 PM
#6
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Quite a few folks believe that by nature "synthetics" are thinner regarding viscosity. This couldn't be further from the truth. Synthetic greases do flow and lubricate better at low and high temps due to their synthetic basestocks. It does sound like you might be getting water contamination. Most greases will separate and you get oil coming out of suspension, however this does not impact its ability to lubricate.
I guess the real question is, why do you think you need synthetic grease? If a trailer bearing is in good shape, most conventional greases will suffice as temps aren't out of control. Try mystic, I've always had great results using it with trailers, And in this application, it definitely should suffice.
I guess the real question is, why do you think you need synthetic grease? If a trailer bearing is in good shape, most conventional greases will suffice as temps aren't out of control. Try mystic, I've always had great results using it with trailers, And in this application, it definitely should suffice.
10-03-2014, 08:43 PM
#7
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I've been running the Mystick red stuff (conventional) that you can buy at Wal*Mart for many years. I usually buy a case of it and keep a tube in the trailer tool box along, with spare parts; plus the grease gun; in case of failure when on the road.
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10-04-2014, 09:42 AM
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I have noticed "water like" grease coming from my gun from just sitting in a hot garage as well as coming from a bearing buddy cap.
My last trailer I went with Schaeffer Oil and it seemed to do a really good job.
My last trailer I went with Schaeffer Oil and it seemed to do a really good job.
10-12-2014, 08:55 PM
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I also recommend the Scheaffer grease, I replaced all bearings race etc on my trailer this spring. I use it in everything. Had one seal go out, my fault, when I pulled cap off water ran out. When I pulled bearings out there was no visible effects of the water mixing with grease, still tacky and full between rollers. Make sure to use the #221 and not the #238. I read somewhere to put some of the grease on your finger and run it under water trying to smear it, most "marine grease" I found you could basically wash away to nothing! Just my experience, give it a try. Good luck!
