The duration of the lubricating effect of lubricating oil (or grease) on steel wire ropes is influenced by multiple factors and varies significantly, typically ranging from one month to six months. In extreme environments, it may be even shorter (such as a few weeks). The following are the key influencing factors and their corresponding approximate duration periods to help plan the maintenance frequency reasonably:

I. Core Influencing Factors and Duration Reference
Type of grease
The environmental resistance and anti-loss capabilities of greases with different properties vary significantly:
Common calcium-based grease: It is suitable for dry and normal temperature environments. It has poor water resistance and lasts for about 1 to 3 months. It is prone to loss when exposed to water or high temperatures.
Lithium-based grease (extreme pressure type) : It has strong water resistance and wear resistance, is suitable for medium load and humid environments, and lasts for about 3 to 6 months.
Calcium sulfonate-based/polyurea compound grease: Resistant to high temperatures (above 150℃), salt spray and dust, suitable for harsh environments such as mines, coastal areas and metallurgy, with a lasting effect of 4 to 8 months
Steel wire rope Special lubricating Grease (with anti-rust additives) : Targeted formula, balancing lubrication and rust prevention. It lasts for 3 to 6 months under normal working conditions and about 2 to 4 months in harsh environments.
Usage environment
In dry, normal temperature and low-dust environments (such as indoor cranes and elevators), the lubrication effect is the most stable and can last for 4 to 6 months.
In damp, rainy or high-salt spray coastal environments: Grease is prone to being washed away by water or eroded by salt spray, and the duration is shortened to 1-3 months.
High-temperature environments (such as metallurgy and forging) : When the temperature exceeds 80℃, grease is prone to softening and loss, and the duration may only last for 1-2 months. When the temperature exceeds 120℃, special high-temperature grease is required; otherwise, it may be shortened to 2 to 4 weeks.
In environments with a lot of dust and intense friction (such as mines and construction sites) : Dust mixes into the lubricating grease to form sludge, accelerating the failure of lubrication, which lasts for about 1 to 2 months.
Ii. Precautions for Extending the Lubrication Effect
Pre-treatment cleaning: Before lubrication, thoroughly remove rust, old oil sludge and dust from the surface of the steel wire rope to ensure that the new grease can fully adhere to the surface of the steel wire and the gaps of the rope strands, which can extend the duration by 30% to 50%.
Apply in full and evenly: Avoid "dot application". Use a brush or a special tool to press the grease into the interior of the rope strands (ensuring that the gaps are filled), forming a uniform oil film on the surface to reduce local loss.
Environmental protection: For steel wire ropes exposed to harsh environments, protective covers (such as dust covers and rain covers) can be used to reduce the erosion of grease by the outside world and indirectly extend the effect.