Grease?

This is a little off topic but important to remember with regards to grease in general.
Over greasing is only a problem when it comes to bearings as it will churn and heat up. Depending on the melting point of the grease used, the oil in the grease will separate and you are left with waxy soap. For this reason melting point is an important characteristic when choosing grease...think of brake caliper pin lubrication.
Grease is made of a soap (animal or vegetable fat and an alkali) which acts as the thickening medium to which petroleum oil or synthetic oil is added. Synthetic thickeners are sometimes used in lieu of the fats. Loose the oil and all you are left with is soap. There are additives and fillers also used (graphite for example).