Originally Posted by Pete Hamer
Sorry, I'm not a grease specialist. I suspect you aren't either. There might be a bit more to this subject than you or I know. As a professional bicycle mechanic I consider it worth investigating claims made by people with no credentials on public bike forums before I apply them in my work. Especially when they contradict what I read in credible bicycle repair manuals. Here is a quote from the Barnett's manual Volume 1, fifth edition, page 1-8, "Not all greases are suitable for bicycle use. Bicycle bearings operate in a relatively low temperature range, so grease designed for automaotive use often does not become effective at bicycle operating temperatures.". And from the AMSOIL site "Base Oil - Many different types of base oil may be used in the manufacture of a grease, including petroleum (napthenic, parafinic) and synthetic (PAO's, esters, silicones, glycols). Just as with motor oils and transmission fluids, the viscosity of the base oil is the most significant property. A lighter, lower viscosity base oil is used to formulate low temperature greases, while a heavier, higher viscosity base oil is used to formulate high temperature greases." If you know something that can convince me that you are right and the Barnett's manual is wrong I would like to hear it. Until then I'll continue to listetn to the experts. Whining about price isn't a valid argument either.
No, but I am a licensed Mechanical Engineer (not practicing) who recognized BS when he sees it.
Grease not becoming effective? What a load of crap. The purpose of grease is to reduce friction... period. The specs and additives and all the other hooey is intended to help it continue to do so in extreme environments. Grease designed for automotive use is still considered "all-purpose; unless you are using something
really purpose specific like Lubri-Plate it just doesn't matter.
And, temperature resistance is not always related to viscosity, but you keep listening to "the experts";their jobs depend upon it.