Bearing Lubrication Basics

Lubrication reduces friction. It also prevents wear and corrosion, and guards against solid and liquid
contamination. Theoretically, a properly lubricated bearing operating under ideal conditions will last
forever. This is not possible in reality, of course. But a properly lubricated bearing has the best chance of
achieving its maximum service life.

The lubricant forms a film between the bearing's rolling and sliding surfaces, so that metal contact is
minimized even under heavy load. Rolling bearings are normally lubricated with grease or oil. In special
cases a solid lubricant is used.

Oil Versus Grease

Why one type of lubricant is used instead of another depends on bearing size, speed, type, load and
operating environment.

Grease which is actually oil with a soap thickener added, is used for bearings operating under normal
speed and temperature conditions. It is simpler and less expensive to apply than oil; offers better
adhesion and better protection against moisture and contaminants. Approximately 90% of bearing
applications employ grease.

Oil is used where speed and/or operating conditions make it impossible to use grease, or where heat needs
to be transferred.

Lubricant Supply system

Oil and grease require different types of supply systems. Several oil and grease supply systems exist that
meet the needs of various bearing applications. Oil supply systems include: oil baths, circulating oil
systems, spray or mist systems, and the wick feed method. Grease supply systems include: housings
(with or without grease fittings), grease chamber lubrication, and the grease quantity regulator.

Cleanliness

Lubricant cleanliness is essential, since even minute contaminant particles can affect a bearing's operating
performance and shorten service life.

Filtering fresh oil before feeding it into the delivery system is an excellent lubrication practice. In oil
circulating systems, filters can further guard against contamination when they are suitably located in the
application.

Greases should be kept in their original containers until used. Never leave a container uncovered, since
dust and other particles from the environment will quickly collect. Wash grease guns with clean solvent
and dry thoroughly before use. Keep new bearings scrupulously clean during mounting. Inspect and
thoroughly clean bearings that have been disassembled for relubrication (see article on bearing mounting).
Lubricant properties

Viscosity is the most important lubricant property that should be considered during lubricant selection.
Viscosity is the ease with which a liquid flows, and is the guiding principle in lubricant selection. Film-
forming ability (film thickness) is related to lube type, rotational speed, temperature and viscosity.
Consistency is the degree of stiffness in a grease.

Lubricant can also have anti-oxidizing, rust inhibiting and anti-wear and anti-foaming properties.

Lubricant selection criteria differs for various bearing types and sizes. Contact your bearing
manufacturer, equipment manufacturer or lubricant supplier for detailed selection information.

Relubrication

Oil change intervals depend on operating conditions and oil quantities. For most oil bath systems, yearly
changes are acceptable. "Closed" mist systems exist that reuse the oil; here, oil sampling can help
determine acceptable frequency of change intervals. Also, large circulating systems that filter and de-
water oil are available; "make-up" oil is needed to maintain volume.

Greased bearings must be relubricated if the grease's service life is shorter than the bearing's expected
service life. The relubrication interval is that time period at the end of which 99% of the bearings are still
reliably lubricated.

Contact your bearing manufacturer for relubrication charts covering all types of rolling bearings.

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