Wheel Bearing Grease Disoloration 96 C280?

[Martineau Gauda]

Hi,

I am preparing to replace the front wheel bearings and races. No noise just over 150,000 miles on orignal bearings.

I removed grease cap from front wheel and looked at the grease. The grease was the original green Mercedes grease but was now very dark, almost black inside the hub. There was no burnt smell. On the front end of the spindle it was the normal bright green color.

Is this discoloration normal with ageing Mercedes grease.

Thanks