Contamination is a primary cause of component wear or failure. You should identify the source and take corrective action to remedy the contamination; doing so will ultimately help extend component and lubricant life while improving equipment reliability. Three general sources of contamination include:


1. Built-in contamination – Contamination from component manufacturing process or from the installation process.

2. Self-generated contamination - Contamination from system components worn or damaged by other contamination particles.

3. External ingression - Contamination from external sources.


The following elements can help identify contamination:



Use this chart to better understand common contaminants, their effects and remedies.