Originally Posted by Zahndkile
I would like to discuss grease qualities and application.
I don't want to restrict the discussion to those greases I just want to keep it scientific.
If you really do, then here it is. I have to do this on every machine I design or spec out and work very closely with OEM's including Timken, SKF, XOM and many others. ( that's why I have to stay vendor neutral) The selection process doesn't change.
The lubricant is specified ( base, thickener and additives) based on the load (axial and radial) combined with the specific operating conditions for that piece of equipment. Anything else is just an endless "less filling- tastes great" discussion that will end nowhere.
So first get the bearing data ( material, hardness, finish, contact angle, number/type of media, clearance) along with ISO fit for the shaft and races on the vehicle combined with the design running tolerance.
Second- get the vehicle ( application) specifics in terms of bend moments, RPM, estimated load ranges (axial and radial, temps etc.)
Then add any possible environmentals ( mud holes, road salts and so forth) that will interact with the assembly.
Then you can estimate an L-10 life and determine the lubrication requirements ( type, quantity, frequency) a proper lubricant must have in your application.( go to SKF or a few others and play with the application calculators and stuff- good learning)
Lastly,monitoring in actual usage will allow you to further dial in your lubrication requirements based on your actual conditions.
At that point any grease that meets the requirements of the application will deliver acceptable performance regardless of the name on the tube.
Granted a bit truncated but that's the actual science and process to develop lubrication specifications on the front end of any machine made.