To avoid metal-to-metal contact between the rolling components, raceways, and retainers, anti-friction bearings must be greased. Furthermore, lubrication shields the bearing from corrosion and wear, aids in heat transfer, aids in keeping out solid and liquid contamination, and lowers bearing noise. A bearing's likelihood of living up to its optimum service life is greatest when it is properly greased.

Lubricant failure has many causes, including:

·        Insufficient lubricant quantity or viscosity

·        Deterioration due to prolonged service without replenishment

·        Excessive temperatures

·        Contamination with foreign matter

·        Use of grease when conditions dictate the use of static or circulating oil

·        Incorrect grease base for a particular application

·        Over-lubricating

·        Mix greasing

Detect lubrication failure

Lubricant defects can be identified by the presence of discolored (blue/brown) raceways and rolling elements. The result is excessive wear on the rolling elements, rings and cage, leading to overheating and subsequent catastrophic failure. In addition, if the lubrication of the bearing is insufficient or the lubricating performance of the lubricant is lost, it will not be possible to form an oil film with sufficient holding capacity. As a result, metal-to-metal contact occurs between the rolling elements and the raceway, causing adhesive wear.

Types of adhesive wear include scraping, galling, seizing and abrasion. These defects occur when the lubricating film is too thin to allow the microscopic projections to weld together at the sliding interface between the two mating parts. After the protrusions are welded together, the sliding force tears the metal from one surface, forming small cavities on one surface and protrusions on the other. These flaws lead to even greater damage. Adhesive wear starts at a microscopic level, but once started it progresses steadily. Knowing when to lubricate your bearings and how much to lubricate is paramount to preventing wear.

Lubricant Choice

Obviously, lubrication is essential to the functionality and lifespan of a bearing. Bearings are likely to wear out early and could contribute to the failure of other equipment if they aren't lubricated. The following are the three primary issues with bearing lubrication:

Choosing the proper quantity is important since rolling element bearings work best at their ideal temperature when only a small amount of lubrication is applied. The amount of lubricant needed also relies on the additional tasks it must complete, like cooling and sealing.

Choosing the appropriate type - Grease or oil can be used to lubricate rolling bearings. Solid lubricants can be utilized in specific circumstances.

Keep your lubricant clean.

The selection of lubricant is influenced by factors such operating temperature, rotational speed, load, and the working environment.