Just 1% water in gearbox oil can reduce bearing life by up to 90%.

With water in gearbox oil, the effectiveness of a gear lubricant is compromised when the oil and water do not separate and the oil becomes diluted.

Its destructive effects on bearings can be worse than that of particle contamination, depending on conditions. As with dirt ingress, vigilant control must be exercised over water in gearbox oil to minimize its accumulation in the lubricants and its damage to bearing surfaces.

Experts agree that using a gear oil that quickly separates from water is the most effective way of