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Over time, average grease has a tendency to cake and dry out. This is because oil has a natural tendency to drain out of the grease thickener, and this process is only expedited when the grease is subjected to heavy loads.
In time, complete drying and lower quality grease can reach a state of consistency ranging from hard putty to sandstone, depending on the thickener type and degradation conditions.
There are many causes for grease dry-out. Incompatible Grease. Accidental mixing of grease can lead to accelerated de-gelling and oil separation. For example, organic clay grease clashes with soap-thickened grease, and a mixture of a calcium sulfonate grease and a lithium based grease will cause problems if mixed.
To sum up, always use a good quality grease.
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