Bearing Lubrication Basics

Grease is the default

Grease stays in place, keeps dirt out and suits most speeds. Housings are usually delivered pre-filled with grease and fitted with a grease nipple.

Use the right amount

Over-greasing is as damaging as under-greasing: it heats the bearing and pushes out the seals. A common guide is to fill 30–50% of the free space inside the housing.

Re-grease on a schedule

Re-greasing intervals depend on speed, temperature and contamination. Clean, slow machines can run thousands of hours; dirty, hot or fast machines need greasing much more often.

• Wipe the grease nipple before pumping.
• Pump slowly and stop when fresh grease appears at the seals.
• Keep the grease grade consistent and never mix incompatible greases.

When oil is the better choice

Oil lubrication suits very high speeds or high temperatures, because oil carries heat away better than grease and can be circulated and filtered.