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Determining Relubrication Intervals for Rolling Element


Bearings

Rick Russo

Determining Relubrication Intervals

Rolling element bearings need to be relubricated from time to time to replace grease
that has deteriorated leaked away or become contaminated; however, because the
conditions under which rolling element bearings operate can vary so widely, it requires
on-the-spot know-how to determine proper relubrication intervals.

How often should I relubricate?

Unfortunately, there is no single answer to this question. This diagram is valid for
bearings on horizontal shafts, in stationary machines, operating under normal loads and
at a temperature not exceeding 71.1°C (160°F).

Scale a: Radial ball bearings

Scale b: Cylindrical roller bearings, needle roller bearings

Scale c: Spherical roller bearings, taper roller bearings, thrust ball bearings, full
complement cylindrical roller bearings (20% Relubrication interval hours
of operation), crossed cylindrical roller bearings with cage (30%
Relubrication interval hours of operation), cylindrical roller thrust
bearings, needle roller thrust bearings and spherical roller thrust
bearings (50% Relubrication interval hours of operation)  
 

For bearings on vertical shafts, the intervals obtained from the diagram should be
halved. To account for accelerated grease aging at elevated temperatures, the interval
obtained from the diagram should be halved for every 2.8°C (27°F) increase in bearing
temperature above 71.1°C (160°F). Remember not to exceed the maximum operating
temperature of the grease. For larger roller bearings having a bore of 300 mm (11.8 in.)
and above, adequate lubrication will be obtained only if the bearing is more frequently
relubricated than indicated by the diagram, and the lines are therefore broken. Our
example yields a value of 3,000 hours or 4 months.

How much grease should I use when I relubricate?

The appropriate amount and proper re-greasing interval for bearings can be calculated
as follows:

G = 0.005 DB

where:

G = weight of grease, grams

D = bearing outside diameter, mm

B = bearing width, mm

Remember, over-packing probably accounts for more bearing failures than any other
single factor. If too much grease is present, internal friction will cause the temperature
to rise beyond its dropping point, causing oxidation of the grease and premature
bearing failure.

Determining Relubrication Intervals for Rolling Element Bearings by Rick Russo reprinted with permission of the Mobil
SHC Club. All Rights Reserved

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