Look at the components:
- Base oil type
- Thickener type
- Base oil viscosity.
Base Oil Viscosity
Most general-purpose grease will have a viscosity of ISO 460 or higher
Base Oil Type
Assess the conditions in which the grease will perform- High and/or low temperatures
- Load and pressure (look for extreme pressure, anti-wear additives)
Thickener Type
The thickener is what holds the lubricant in place.
- Must be compatible with the equipment manufacturer recommendations
- Types of thickeners
- Lithium
- Lithium complex
- Calcium sulfonate complex
- Aluminum complex
- Polyurea
Consider the uses of grease
- Cables
- Plain bearings
- Rolling-element bearings
- Linear bearings
- Ball screws
- Slideways and seals