X ,y ,travel Screws

[dlane]

Hi all, quick question: is it good to clean the black old oil off the X Y Z travel screws on mill ?.
If that would be good , any suggestions on best way and solvent ?.
The one shot I was told has vectra heavy / med ,Is there a better screw oil ?.
Got a bunch of repetitive cuts to make and don't want to ware out machine screws.
Thanks
Derrick

 

[T Bredehoft]

I use white lithium grease on my lead screws, others may have other choices.

 

[tertiaryjim]

That oil is black due to contaminates and should be cleaned.
Oderless turpintine or some low flamability cleaners are best.
Disassemble if possible. If the oil from the ways is black, disassemble is a must.
Use the recommended oils for lube. Grease is too thick for proper lube in many machine components.
Grease also collects dirt and swarf which turns it into lapping compound.