In This Issue:

• Today's Tip: Tip for Transporting Drums

• Book Bits: Deterioration of Stored Lubricants

• Q & A: Use the Right Grease

Today's Tip

Tip for Transporting Drums

• When shipping a 55-gallon drum a long distance, consider placing a sheet of one-inch foam on the pallet. Wiggle the drum downward and strap securely. The foam helps to take up the space and reduce the flexing of the bottom panel of the drum when traveling. This results in less leaks from cracks. (Submitted by Dave Wolman, president, Motul Lubricants. Thanks Dave!)

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Book Bits

Deterioration of Stored Lubricants

From "Lubrication Fundamentals"

Lubricants can deteriorate in storage, usually as a result of one of the following causes:

• Contamination, most frequently with water

• Exposure to excessively high temperatures

• Exposure to low temperatures

• Long-term storage

Some contaminated or deteriorated products can be reconditioned for use, while others must be degraded to inferior uses, destroyed, or otherwise disposed of. In addition, portions of some contaminated products can be salvaged for use. The course of action to follow depends on such factors as the amount of product involved and its value. This information needs to be evaluated relative to the cost of reconditioning or salvaging, the type and amount of contaminants present, the degree of deterioration that has occurred, and the effect of the contamination or deterioration on the functional characteristics of the product as well as environmental, health and safety issues.

More information about the book "Lubrication Fundamentals"

Q & A

Use the Right Grease

"A mechanic friend suggested I use CV joint grease containing molybdenum disulfide for my passenger car front-wheel bearings. How do the lube experts at Noria feel about such a recommendation?"

If in doubt about what grease to use in wheel bearings, we would suggest you consult the vehicle manufacturer and/or the bearing manufacturer. In general terms, light vehicle wheel bearings are adequately lubricated with an NLGI (National Lubricating Grease Institute) Grade 2 multipurpose or EP grease with base oil viscosity about 200 cSt and meeting NLGI Service Category GC, which covers service typical of wheel bearings operated in passenger cars, trucks and other vehicles under mild to severe duty.

Greases containing Moly are recommended for roller bearings subjected to very heavy loads and shock loading, especially in slow or oscillating motion such as found in universal joints and CV joints. If such greases are used in high-speed bearings, problems can be experienced with roller 'skidding' where the bearing roller fails to rotate through the full 360 degrees due to reduced friction and, as a result, the roller develops flat spots thus reducing its service life.

In addition, CV joint grease is often manufactured to NLGI Grade 1 and would therefore not be suitable for automotive wheel bearings.

Hugh Lundin, Senior Technical Consultant, Noria UK Ltd.

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