Anyone using calcium sulfonate bearing grease

[friendly_jacek]

Hi,
I did some research a year ago and concluded that calcium sulfonate has to be the greatest thing for marine use. Water resistant and anticorrosive (thanks to sulfonates). Could not help but noticed that Walmart stocks Lubrimatic brand (dark green and stinky) for a decent price.

So, I repacked my new boat trailer bearings with Lubrimatic calcium sulfonate and keep using it via stock EZ-lube fittings. However, I noticed that after a few towing trips the grease becomes slightly softer and turns black. It is not mixed with water though. No oil separation either. BTW, I did that Bob's palm test and this grease does not mix with water at all and it is tacky. The bearings seem OK and run cool. I guess the softening could be just the natural propensity of this grease after being worked out in the bearings.

Anyone heaving a similar experience?
Is there a reason to switch to an aluminium-based grease (as preffered on this forum).
Should I repack freqently? It is very easy with EZ-lube (duh!).

Thanks

 

[RB Shannon]

I've been meaning to look at the calcium type greases, Lubrimatic Marine seem's to have pretty decent specs.for what they have listed in their catolog. Dropping point is 550*F, 4 ball weld is 620 kgf, 4 ball wear scar is .45 with a 55 Timkin load. Redline states on their website not to be concerned if it darkens(with their grease) but they use a non soap base. But I think I would want to repack the bearings if they were mine. Ive seen white aluminum complex food grease start to darken in less than a day under wet conditions, mostly in plain type bearings, I assumed it was oxides from the metel bearing surfaces suspended in the grease but I'm not sure. As for the softening I would assume that the bearings shearing the grease did this also. I have to make a run to the hardware store tomorrow, I think I'll get a tube of the Lubrimatic Marine to try out in something.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Thanks Shannon.

Maybe I should try used grease analysis...

 

[RB Shannon]

Here's the spec's for Lubrimatic Marine from their data sheet, the MSDS list's the manufacturer as Chemtool.

I think the spec's look really good except for water wash out at 67% which I think if they added a little more tack would get better but I think it would effect the low temp low torque which is a maximum of 15 if I remember right. I'm wondering if the darkening and softening might be from incompatabilities with the previous grease. From what I found so far on the Calcium Sulfonate thickeners sounds pretty impressive. Here's a PDF from Crompton
Calcium Sulfonate Greases (Crompton)


Lubrimatic Marine NLGI#2 GCLB

Test Method Result

Penetration @ 77°F D-217
Unworked =276
Worked 60 Strokes =279
Worked 10,000 Strokes =287
Worked 100,000 Strokes =296

Roll Stability (% change) D-183 =293(+5.0)

Rust Protection D-1743 =Pass

Dropping Point, °F(°C) D-2265 =550°F (288°C)

4-Ball EP Performance D-2596
Load Wear Index =72
Weld Point, Kgf =500

4-Ball Wear Protection D-2266
Scar Diameter, mm =0.45

Timken OK Load, lbs. D-2509 =65

Wheel Bearing Life Test, hrs. D-3527 =120

Water Washout D-1264 =0.4
@ 175°F, %

Water Spray Off, % D-4049 =67

Oil Separation, % Loss D-1742 =.17

Base Oil Characteristics
Vis @ 40° cSt D-445 =219
Vis @ 100° cSt D-445 =18.7
Vis @100°F SUS D-2161 =1000
Vis @210°F SUS D-2161 =85
Viscosity Index D-2270 =96

Low Temp Torque-Wheel
Bearing D-4693 =9
-40°C, N • m

 

[friendly_jacek]

Thanks Shannon for posting these specs.
I saw them a year ago, but could not find them this time.
Excellent oil separation.
Water washout 0.4% at 175F is the lowest I ever seen (disclamer: I am not an expert though...).
67% water sprayoff sounds high but I am not sure how relevant in bearings.

Re: "I'm wondering if the darkening and softening might be from incompatabilities with the previous grease."
It is a possibility, I acctually experimented with this grease before putting it in. It slightly softened when mixed with lithium complex grease. But I repacked a year ago and keep adding via EZ-lube fitting from time to time. The old grease should be all gone by now.
I guess I will keep using it (I have some left) and observe. The great thing about EZ-lube that you see the old grease while you pump new one. I would be weary to put it in and "forget" it till the next year or till the bearing goes.