One of the most important aspects of bearing maintenance is proper lubrication. Ball bearing maintenance is essential if you want to avoid premature bearing failure, and of all of the steps you need to take to maintain your bearings, almost nothing is more important than proper lubrication.
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Why Proper Bearing Lubrication Matters
One of the most important aspects of bearing maintenance is proper lubrication.
Ball bearing maintenance is essential if you want to avoid premature bearing failure, and of all of the steps you need to take to maintain your bearings, almost nothing is more important than proper lubrication.
Why is proper rolling bearing lubrication so important?
When your bearings are properly lubricated, it will:
- Reduce the abrasions and friction caused by metal-on-metal contact.
- Properly transport and dissipate the heat that is generated by friction.
- Prevent corrosion and rust.
- Extend the service life of your bearings.
- Prevent anything from contaminating and subsequently interfering with the bearing’s rolling elements.
As you can see, proper bearing lubrication is essential for many reasons. And though it may seem simple enough to lubricate your bearings, it’s easier than you might think to get it wrong.
Common Bearing Lubrication Mistakes
Although lubrication is vitally important for your ball bearings, it’s even more important to lubricate your bearings properly. It’s all too easy to end up making one of the following bearing lubrication mistakes:
Mistake #1. Using too much or too little lubricant.
When you’re lubricating your bearings, it’s important to use the right amount of grease or lubricant. If you use too much, heat cannot be properly dissipated, and it will cause wax to build up on the bearing, making it sticky and preventing it from moving properly. Too little grease can lead to friction, which will wear down your bearings.
Mistake #2. Using the wrong lubricant.
Contrary to popular belief, not all lubricants are made equal, and they’re not all compatible either. Oil and grease each have unique pros and cons for different applications, and to ensure you pick the right lubricant, check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Mistake #3. Using grease and oil together.
While both grease and oil can be beneficial in their own ways, you should never use them together.
Mistake #4. Failing to re-grease bearings.
Lubricating your bearings at the time of installation is important, but you’ll need to re-grease your bearings in the future. If you don’t lubricate your bearings at the appropriate intervals, it will eventually lead to machinery failure.
Mistake #5. Allowing the lubricant to get contaminated.
Not only does the lubricant help to ensure that your bearings roll smoothly, reducing friction and wear, but it also plays an important role in sealing the contact surface in order to prevent water or contaminants from getting in. Always make sure that your lubricant remains uncontaminated.
Turn to HCH Bearing Americas for high-quality ball bearings you can rely on.
Proper ball bearing lubrication is a key part of ensuring that your ball bearings work properly, and that their services lives are as long as possible. However, regardless of how careful you are about lubricating your bearings properly, if you don’t start out with the right, high-quality ball bearings, you won’t get the efficiency or reliability you expect.
But, with HCH Bearing Americas on your side, it’s easy to find the perfect ball bearings for any and every need. Contact us today to get started.