5 Myths About Lubrication

Many lubrication programs are built on outdated myths that quietly sabotage equipment reliability and inflate maintenance costs. This article debunks five of the most common myths like “all oils are the same” and “more grease is better”. This article offers practical fixes that can change lubrication from a routine task into a reliability strategy. Don’t let bad habits drain your uptime or your budget.

Headspace Air

Many maintenance teams overlook the headspace above the oil level in equipment, where pressure changes pull in moisture and contaminants that quietly damage equipment. Adding desiccant breathers, condition monitoring devices like Machine Vitals, and oil analysis helps protect lubricants and spot problems early.

High Cost of Contamination

Contamination is a major, often overlooked threat to industrial gearboxes and hydraulic systems, causing nearly 20% of gearbox failures and up to 90% of hydraulic system breakdowns. These failures lead to significant repair costs and costly downtime, but investing in proper filtration systems can prevent these issues and offer a strong return on investment by safeguarding operational efficiency and profitability.