Method for determining whether lubricating oil has deteriorated

Lubricating oil is very important for the operation of bearings, and the quality of lubricating oil directly affects the service life of bearings, especially precision bearings have higher requirements for lubricating oil. If the quality of the lubricating oil is too poor or deteriorates, it will directly affect the working and service life of the bearings, so it is necessary to ensure that the lubricating oil does not deteriorate. The importance of lubricating oil to bearings goes without saying, so when using bearings, it is necessary to always check the lubricating oil to ensure that the lubricating grease does not deteriorate. However, some friends do not know how to determine whether the bearing lubricating oil has deteriorated. Today, we will tell you several methods to identify whether the bearing lubricating oil has deteriorated.

1. Oil droplet tracing method

Take a clean white filter paper and apply several drops of oil onto it. After the lubricating oil leaks, if there is black powder on the surface and there is a feeling of obstruction when touched by hand, it indicates that there are many impurities in the lubricating oil. Good lubricating oil has no powder, and it feels dry and smooth with yellow marks when touched by hand.

2. Oil flow observation method

Take two measuring cups, one containing the lubricating oil to be inspected, and the other empty on the tabletop. Lift the measuring cup filled with lubricating oil 30 to 40 centimeters away from the tabletop and tilt it, allowing the lubricating oil to slowly flow into the empty cup. Observe its flow situation, and the high-quality lubricating oil should flow in a slender, uniform, and continuous manner. If there is a sudden increase or decrease in oil flow, and sometimes a large piece of oil flows down, it is said that the lubricating oil has deteriorated.

3. Hand twisting method

Twist the lubricating oil between the thumb and index finger and grind it repeatedly. A better lubricating oil hand will feel lubricity, less debris, and no friction. If you feel a large friction sensation such as sand particles between the fingers, it indicates that there are many impurities in the lubricating oil and it cannot be used again. You should replace the lubricating oil with a new one.

4. Illumination method

On a sunny day, use a screwdriver to lift the lubricating oil at a 45 degree angle to the horizontal. Compare with sunlight and observe the condition of oil droplets. Under sunlight, it is clear that there are no debris in the lubricating oil, which is considered good and can continue to function. If there are too many debris, the lubricating oil should be replaced.

The above is an introduction to how to determine whether the bearing lubricating oil has deteriorated. A high-quality lubricating oil flow is slender, uniform, and continuous; If the flow rate fluctuates rapidly and sometimes there are large blocks flowing down, it indicates that the lubricating oil has deteriorated. After the bearing lubricating oil deteriorates, it is dark black, with more foam and emulsification. Grinding with fingers, it has no sense of viscosity, astringency or odor. Dropping on white paper, it is dark brown, without yellow soakage area or many black spots. If not replaced in a timely manner, it will accelerate the wear of components, affect their service life, and even cause safety accidents.