Dark colored drive shaft and black looking grease

[badrano]

The last 2 seasons when I pull the outdrive for winterizing, to me it seems that the drive shaft has changed color and gotten darker. Also the grease is really black compared to the fresh grease color of green.
I just don't seem to remember this in previous years. Is this normal or is it a sign of something going "bad"?

 

[Fun Times]

The last 2 seasons when I pull the outdrive for winterizing, to me it seems that the drive shaft has changed color and gotten darker. Also the grease is really black compared to the fresh grease color of green.
I just don't seem to remember this in previous years. Is this normal or is it a sign of something going "bad"?

Might need a photo of this if possible...

 

[Chris1956]

When you say grease do you mean gear oil (it is known in certain circles as grease) or grease on the driveshaft, or what?