Greased bearings can still rust in wet areas when moisture reaches the steel surface through thin spots in the lubricant film, or when the grease offers too little corrosion protection for the conditions. Water from cleaning and salty or aggressive environments can both contribute. A bearing that is greased on schedule is therefore not automatically protected against corrosion.
Interflon Food Grease EP is formulated to protect against rust and corrosion in wet environments. In the SKF Emcor test with salt water (DIN 51802), it scores 0-0, the best possible result on a scale that runs from 0 (no corrosion) to 5.
Rust is not always caused by the lubricant alone, though. Existing surface damage, long standstill periods and condensation during downtime can also play a part, and a new grease will not reverse corrosion that is already present.
Seeing rust on bearings that are greased on schedule?
A Technical Advisor can help identify which factors are at work in your situation.
