Bearing Lubrication

Bearing Lubricant Plays Critical Role in Reducing Friction, Heat, and Wear While Protecting Internal Surfaces from Corrosion and Contamination

Bearing lubricant requirements vary considerably based on bearing type, operating speed, load, temperature, and the environment in which the bearing operates. Because each bearing type demands specific lubricant properties, it is imperative to use a high-quality product matched to the OEM’s viscosity and consistency specifications.

We can help with this by recommending lubrication reliability best practices, including the right oil or grease, for most bearing types. In fact, we have years of documented success helping our customers maximize uptime while reducing maintenance costs.

Qualities of High-Performance Lubricants for Use in Bearings

High film strength to maintain a protective lubricant layer under heavy loads and shock loading conditions
High viscosity index for stable performance across wide operating temperature ranges
High-quality anti-oxidation package for extended service life and drain intervals
Filterable without additive depletion to maintain oil cleanliness throughout service life
Low-temperature pumpability and high-temperature stability for reliable operation in extreme environments

Excellent rust and corrosion protection to safeguard bearing surfaces in humid or contaminated environments
Superior demulsibility properties to rapidly separate water and prevent emulsion formation
Nonfoaming in use to prevent cavitation and ensure consistent lubricant delivery
Extreme pressure (EP) additives to protect against metal-to-metal contact during boundary lubrication conditions
Micro-polishing properties that smooth bearing contact surfaces and reduce friction over time

Reliability Solutions

After selecting your bearing lubricant, the next step is to put the other lubrication reliability pieces in place. First, add oil analysis to begin predictive trending of the oil and asset condition. Second, use filtration to keep the oil clean and dry. Third, establish proper relubrication intervals to avoid over- or under-greasing. With these solutions in place, you can safely extend the life of the bearing and the lubricant, which will in turn save you time and money.

Identify Suffering Points

Move Forward with Our Proven Solutions

Problem

Bearing wear is one of the leading causes of unplanned downtime in industrial equipment. Under heavy loads, high speeds, or shock loading conditions, the lubricant film between bearing surfaces can break down, leading to metal-to-metal contact. This accelerates surface fatigue, pitting, spalling, and ultimately bearing failure. Conventional lubricants often lack the film strength required to protect bearings operating under these demanding conditions, resulting in costly replacements and lost production time.

Solution

Our high-performance synthetic lubricants and greases are engineered with proprietary Synslide™ additive technology that delivers exceptionally high film strength. This tough lubricant film maintains a protective barrier even under boundary lubrication conditions caused by heavy loads, slow speeds, and shock loading. Over time, our formulations micro-polish bearing contact surfaces, reducing friction and extending bearing life well beyond what conventional lubricants can achieve. Products such as Ultra-Performance™ Grease, Thermax® 680 Grease, Paper Mill Grease, and Enduro-MP™ Grease are specifically designed to keep bearings running longer and more reliably.

Problem

Bearing applications frequently generate significant heat due to friction, high speeds, and external process temperatures. Oil life is reduced by half for every 10°C (18°F) in temperature increase. As the lubricant oxidizes, its viscosity increases, varnish forms, and sludge and sediments begin to plug filters. Acid levels rise, leading to rust and corrosion on precision bearing surfaces. In high-temperature environments, such as steel mills, paper machines, and kilns, this problem is compounded, leading to shortened lubricant life and premature bearing failure.

Solution

Our high-performance oils are designed to combat the effects of high temperatures, water, contaminants, and heavy loads. Products like Synfilm® GT are extremely oxidation stable and perform reliably in reservoirs exceeding 200°F, while also offering very low-temperature fluidity. For extreme high-temperature bearing environments, Thermasil™ T-100, Thermax®, and Thermyl-Tuff® provide outstanding thermal stability and long service life. These long-lasting lubricants are nonfoaming and offer superior resistance to heat, oxidation, and moisture. As a result of their premium formulations, our bearing oils and greases outperform conventional alternatives and help extend both lubricant and equipment life.

Problem

Bearings in industrial environments are constantly exposed to contaminants such as water, dirt, process chemicals, and airborne particles. Water ingress is particularly damaging; even small amounts of moisture can cause hydrogen embrittlement, rust, and corrosion on bearing raceways and rolling elements. In food processing, pharmaceutical, and paper mill environments, the challenge is compounded by washdown procedures and the need for lubricants that meet regulatory requirements. Contaminated or degraded lubricant accelerates wear and leads to unexpected equipment failures.

Solution

Our bearing lubricants provide excellent protection against rust and corrosion, and they rapidly and completely separate from water to maintain lubricant integrity. For food and pharmaceutical environments, Poly-Guard® FDA delivers NSF-certified food-grade protection without sacrificing performance. Paper Mill Grease is specifically formulated for the demanding wet conditions found in pulp and paper operations. When switching lubricants or addressing varnish buildup, Clean & Flush™ safely removes sludge and deposits from bearing housings and oil circulation systems while equipment remains in service. Additionally, products like Quadrex®, CAP 700/460, and Max-Tuff™ offer specialized formulations for environments where contamination resistance is paramount.