Describe Lubrication Types and Application Amounts Per Bearing
Publish Date: 6 Oct 2025
Bearings need proper lubrication to reduce friction, prevent wear, and extend their life. There are two main types of lubrication for bearings—grease and oil. Both the type and the amount of lubricant are critical for reliable bearing operation.
Types of Lubrication for Bearings
| Lubrication Type | Typical Application | Advantages | Typical Application Amount / Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease Lubrication | Most common for rolling element bearings. Suitable for normal speeds and moderate temperatures. | Stays in place, protects against dirt and water, and requires minimal maintenance. |
Bearing: Fill 30–40% of the free internal space. Housing: Fill 30–60% of available space. Use less (closer to 30% or lower) for high-speed to prevent overheating. |
| Oil Lubrication | Used for high-speed, high-load, or high-temperature applications. |
Provides cooling, but systems are more complex and need more maintenance. |
Oil Bath: Cover ≈ 50% of the lowest rolling element (horizontal shaft) or 70–80% (vertical shaft). Oil Drip: 3–6 drops per minute (approx. 0.1–0.15 mL/min) per rolling surface. Other Methods: Oil mist, oil splash, circulating oil, oil-air, and injection (very small, metered amounts). |
Summary Table: Lubricant Types and Application Guidelines
| Type | Application Method | Typical Amount | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grease | Manual grease gun or pre-packaged | 30–40% bearing space | Most general purposes |
| Oil Bath | Immersion | Covers 50% of rolling element (horizontal) | High loads, moderate speed |
| Oil Drip | Drops/min | 3–6 drops/min | High-speed, light bearings |
| Oil–Air | Metered injection | Very small amounts | Very high speed/spindles |
Following the right lubrication type and application amount ensures optimum performance, less maintenance, and longer bearing life.
