Changes in light transmission characteristics caused by various types of oil contaminations were experimentally measured with a built-in type wear monitoring device. Three kinds of iron powders of different size distribution, carbon duct, two kinds of solutions and grease were used for the test contaminants in this work. Light intensity of the transmitted light was measured with the contamination level. Results showed that the transmitted light intensity decreased linearly with the contamination concentration in the oil and the slope was affected by the size distribution. Light attenuation was also caused greatly by carbon dust, water contamination and poly-meric fibers in terms of the light absorption. As a result, it was proved that the optical measurement device could be applicable effectively for detecting any significant change in lubricating oils.