Friction pairs of cast iron and bronze have been tested in liquid media (water, ethanol, hexanol, hexane) containing free abrasives. The characteristics of friction, dispersion and hardening of the abrasive surface layer are strongly governed by the chemical structure of the liquid used in the tests. Metals show the maximum wear. Dispersion and hardening of SiC during friction in the distilled water. When the molecular mass of alcohol increases (the concentration of OH-groups reduces) the abrasive effect of SiC diminishes and friction characteristics improve. The obtained data are explained by the fact that flushing SiC with water reduces resistance to oxidation due to the disassociation of water molecules on the surface and their replacement with silanol structures which intensify oxygen diffusion into the surface layer. Hydrated and oxide structures are a possible cause of stronger dispersion and abrasive effect of SiC when metals rub in the media with high concentrations of OH-groups.