Why is grease applied to large vehicles?
2 Answers
Grease is used for lubrication. 1. Situations where grease cannot be injected: In most cases, grease cannot be injected into the leaf spring pin because the grease outlet hole of the pin faces downward and is pressed against the leaf spring bushing. Under the force of gravity, the outlet hole and the bushing fit tightly together, blocking the hole and preventing grease from being injected. 2. The role of lubricating oil: Lubricating oil adheres to the surface of parts, preventing contact with water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases. When the pressure in the engine cylinder rises sharply, it suddenly increases the load on the piston, piston ring, connecting rod, and crankshaft bearings. This load is transmitted and lubricated through the bearings, cushioning the impact load. Extended information: Precautions: 1. Engine temperature: Due to high environmental temperatures, the engine is prone to overheating. If the engine frequently operates at high temperatures, it can easily cause premature oxidation and deterioration of the lubricating oil, leading to a decrease in viscosity and loss of lubrication function. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the engine cooling system in summer to ensure it functions properly and avoid engine overheating. 2. Lubricating oil selection: In summer, multi-grade or single-grade oils such as 40, 50, 15W/40, or 20W/50 should be selected. Since the viscosity of lubricating oil changes with temperature, the viscosity decreases when the oil is heated, which can lead to rapid consumption of lubricating oil. Therefore, it is particularly important to frequently check the oil dipstick in summer and replenish it promptly if there is a deficiency. 3. Lubricating oil-related faults: Vehicles that are frequently heavily loaded or older should use lubricating oil with higher viscosity to avoid excessively low oil pressure caused by low viscosity, which could lead to unnecessary faults. Oils such as 50 or 20W/50 can be selected. Additionally, always monitor the engine coolant temperature and oil pressure. If any abnormalities are detected, stop the vehicle immediately to identify the cause and resolve the issue before continuing to drive.
In all my years driving heavy-duty vehicles, greasing has always been a crucial part of routine maintenance. Simply put, it involves applying lubricating grease to the chassis, bearings, and joints of the vehicle, such as the suspension system and bogies. This significantly reduces friction and wear, preventing parts from rusting or seizing up. I remember one time when I skipped greasing, the chassis started squeaking, and later I found the bearings were worn out—costing me thousands in repairs. Greasing also helps reduce operational noise, making driving quieter and more comfortable. For heavy-duty vehicles that frequently haul heavy loads or go on long hauls, this maintenance step can't be taken lightly. I recommend checking every few thousand kilometers or every three months, applying a few pumps with a dedicated grease gun. Skipping this to save a few bucks could lead to major repairs or even compromise safety, so I never overlook it.
