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Tech Note No. 19 Lubrication of Rolling Bearings
Solutions in Electric
EAMachines

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TECH NOTE NO. 19 Reliable Today! SA

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LUBRICATION OF ROLLING BEARINGS

IN ELECTRIC MACHINES
By Preben Christensen, EASA Staff Engineer
This article concerns the standard lubricants recom-
mended by bearing manufacturers for rolling bearings used
in electric motors and generators. It indicates the trade name
and property of each lubricant along with the code number
assigned by the bearing manufacturer. It also lists the rec-
ommended lubricant fill for the different bearing
configurations.
Although it is best to follow the machine manufacturers
instructions regarding lubrication, sometimes those instruc-
tions are not available. In such cases, users may be guided
by the recommendations in this article.
Nearly all rolling bearings in electric machines are lubri-
cated with grease rather than oil because of the advantages
it affords, an important one of which is reduced mainte-
nance. For this reason, only grease lubrication is discussed
here.
Lubricating greases are composed of base oil (mineral
or synthetic) and a thickener (usually calcium, lithium, so-
dium or polyurea). These greases are classified according
to the types of thickener used. Bearing manufacturers, when
assigning their own code numbers to the different kinds of
COMPATIBILITY OF GREASES
In general, bearing manufacturers recommend that
lubricants not be mixed because of problems with incom-
patibility. That means the end user or the lubricant
manufacturer must determine which greases are compat-
ible and which are not. If you are in doubt about the
compatibility of certain greases, ask the machine manu-
facturer or the lubricant supplier.
If it becomes necessary to mix lubricants, be careful not
to combine different oil bases or thickeners. For example,
do not mix a mineral oil-base grease with a synthetic oil-
base grease. Likewise, a grease with a lithium thickener
should not be mixed with one containing a sodium thick-
ener.
Figure 1 illustrates the compatibility of various types of
grease based on tests performed by National Lubricating
Grease Institute (NLGI).1 The chart indicates a great vari-
ance in compatibility among the greases tested.
FIGURE 1. NLGI GREASE COMPATIBILITY CHART

Calcium 12-hydroxy
Aluminum Complex

Lithium 12-hydroxy
Calcium Complex
grease, often relate these numbers to the trade name of

Lithium Complex
the lubrication products.

Polyurea
Calcium
The bearing manufacturers grease code numbers, which

Lithium
Barium

Clay
vary from one manufacturer to another, identify the grease
with which the bearing is packed at the factory. Unfortu- Aluminum Complex X I I C I I I I C I
nately, grease code numbers are not always indicated on
Barium I X I C I I I I I I
either the bearing or the package.
Calcium I I X C I C C B C I
The types of bearings commonly used in electric ma-
chines are: double-closured bearings, which have seals or Calcium 12-hydroxy C C C X B C C C C I
shields on both sides; single-closured bearings, which have Calcium Complex I I I B X I I I C C
closures on one side only; and open bearings, which have
Clay I I C C I X I I I I
no seals or shields. To assure proper lubrication, it is nec-
essary to identify the bearing type. Lithium I I C C I I X C C I

LUBRICATING GREASESPROPERTIES Lithium 12-hydroxy I I B C I I C X C I

AND CODES Lithium Complex C I C C C I C C X I

Table 1 (Pages 2 and 3) lists the standard greases used Polyurea I I I I C I I I I X

by the bearing manufacturers that supplied grease infor-
mation to EASA. The data shown for each lubricant is:
manufacturer and trade name; properties (base oil and thick-
ener); and bearing manufacturers code number.
SYNTHETIC GREASE
Synthetic grease costs more than mineral oil grease so it
is used only in applications where mineral oil grease can-
not provide satisfactory results. Such applications typically
include extremely high or low temperatures and high-speed
operation.
One bearing manufacturer, McGill, does not recommend
using synthetic-base grease for its spherical roller bear-
ings because this lubricant generally is not capable of
providing an adequate film for their SPHERE-ROL bearings.
B = Borderline Compatibility; C = Compatible; I = Incompatible.
GREASE FILL
Open bearings that are not packed with grease by the
manufacturer must be hand-packed by the user. The
amount of grease to use depends upon the operating con-
ditions of the machine (speed, temperature, etc.) and the
free space available in the housing adjacent to the bearing.
Table 2 (see Page 4) lists the grease fill used by the manu-
facturers for their factory-packed closed bearings, as well
as the recommended grease fill for their hand-packed open
bearings and housing cavities.

(Update - 3/97)
This Tech Note also appears in the 1996 edition of the EASA Technical Manual, Section 10.1, Pages 10-2 to 10-5.
TN19-1
Lubrication of Rolling Bearings in Electric Machines Tech Note No. 19

RELUBRICATION INTERVALS BEARING RELUBRICATION INTERVALS

Grease deteriorates with time, so even bearings that have
been packed with high quality grease will eventually need TYPE OF SERVICE
relubrication. Grease deteriorates because the oil base FRAME 8 Hour/Day 24 Hour/Day
gradually breaks down from oxidation or evaporates. RPM RANGE Operation Operation
Relubrication is then required. 143T-256T * *
Lubrication intervals vary greatly depending upon the type 3600 284TS-286TS 6 months 2 months
and size of bearing used, as well as upon the operating 324TS-587US 4 months 2 months
conditions. To relubricate bearings, follow the machine 143T-256T * *
manufacturers specifications. Begin by cleaning the grease 284T-326T 4 years 18 months
fitting and removing the drain plug. After adding the new 1800 364T-365T 1 year 4 months
grease, run the unit for about an hour before reinstalling 404T-449T 9 months 3 months
the drain plug. This purges excess grease without damag- 505U-587U 6 months 2 months
ing the windings. If the manufacturers lubrication 143T-256T * *
specifications are not available, the Bearing Relubrication 1200 284T-326T 4 years 18 months
Intervals chart (at right) may be used.2 & below 364T-449T 1 year 4 months
505U-587U 9 months 3 months
WASHINGSEALED AND SHIELDED BEARINGS
During overhaul of electric machines, open bearings in * These machines normally do not have bearings that can be relubricated. Their bearings
should be replaced at least every 5 years for 8 hour/day service, or every 2 years for 24 hour/
good condition may be washed, cleaned, and packed with day service.
grease for re-use. Sealed or shielded bearings, however,
should never be washed, regardless of their condition. Excessive leakage, however, indicates an over-fill of
Thorough washing of sealed or shielded bearings is usu- grease or a high operating temperature. In general, bear-
ally not possible without removing seals and shields. If ing manufacturers do not recommend refilling double-sealed
washing is attempted without removing the seals or shields, or shielded bearings. Bearing replacement is recommended
dirt and solvent can remain and contaminate the new because these types of bearings are lubricated for life.
grease. Furthermore, attempting to remove the seal or the
FOOTNOTES
shield for thorough washing of the bearing could easily re-
1 NLGI Spokesman , National Lubricating Grease
sult in damage to the bearing assembly.
Institute, April 1983.
GREASE LEAKAGESEALED AND
SHIELDED BEARINGS
2 How To Get The Most From Your Electric Motors, Elec-
A small amount of grease leakage is normal for shielded trical Apparatus Service Association, June 1994.
and sealed bearings. This relieves the bearings of surplus
lubricant and protects them from penetration by
contaminants.

TABLE 1

STANDARD GREASES, THEIR PROPERTIES AND CODES

(Bearing Manufacturers Data)

Bearing Manufacturers Grease

Name Grease Code Name of Grease Manufacturer Base Oil Thickener
FAFNIR 078 SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
086 Mobilgrease 28 Mobil Synthetic Clay
176 Dolium R Shell Mineral Polyurea
FAG L71 Alvania R3 Shell Mineral Lithium
L85 Alvania RS Shell Mineral Lithium
FIT * SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
GEN. BRG. CORP. * SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
IKO AV2 Alvania-2 Shell Mineral Lithium
MF3 Marfak HD 3 Texaco Mineral Sodium
INA * Alvania-2 Shell Mineral Lithium
KBC * SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea

(Update - 3/97)
This Tech Note also appears in the 1996 edition of the EASA Technical Manual, Section 10.1, Pages 10-2 to 10-5.
TN19-2
Tech Note No. 19 Lubrication of Rolling Bearings in Electric Machines

TABLE 1CONTINUED
STANDARD GREASES, THEIR PROPERTIES AND CODES
(Bearing Manufacturers Data)

Bearing Manufacturers Grease

Name Grease Code Name of Grease Manufacturer Base Oil Thickener
KOYO GCR SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
McGILL1 MC Rykon Premium EP-2 Amoco Parafinic Polyurea
MRC2 * SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
NACHI AV2 Alvania-2 Shell Mineral Lithium
BC325 Beacon 325 Exxon Diesters Lithium
SRI2 SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
NSK SDR Dolium R Shell Mineral Polyurea
SRI SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
NTN3 2A Alvania 2 Shell Mineral Lithium
5C SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
PEER * Alvania-2 Shell Mineral Lithium
* SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
RBC4 * Alvania-2 Shell Mineral Lithium
* Unirex N2 Exxon Mineral Lithium
Complex
SKF5 TE Alvania-2 Shell Mineral Lithium
UE SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
SNR6 * Alvania R2 Shell Mineral Lithium
D43 SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
STEYR7 HT 15 Darina-2 Shell Mineral Clay
HT 26 SRI-2 Chevron Mineral Polyurea
ZVL-ZKL MT 2 Alvania R2 Shell Mineral Lithium
MT 3 Alvania R3 Shell Mineral Lithium

* The code number is not indicated because the manufacturer either does not use grease code number or considers this
information proprietary.

NOTES TO TABLE 1:
1McGILL Applies to the SPHERE-ROL series spherical
roller bearings only. Synthetic-based grease is
not recommended for lubrication of these bear-
ings.
2MRC A grease code is not indicated on bearings or
the package. There is, however, a 4-digit num-
ber on all bearing packages which MRC can
trace back to the complete specification for the
grease.
3NTN The grease code is indicated by the number fol-
lowing the grease designation, e.g. Chevron
SRI-2 is identified by the code /5C.
4RBC Greases with special additives, like MoS2 for
high temperature application, are not recom-
mended.
5SKF The grease code known as the Grease and Pack
code is indicated by the first two characters of
the four-character code marked on the lower
right-hand corner of the box flap. If the grease
pack is not standard, SKF marks the code on
the bearing itself.
6SNR The complete listing of grease codes is consid-
ered to be company proprietary and cannot
be released outside SNR. However, contacted
on an individual basis, the company will assist
with any bearing lubrication question.
7STEYR The code designation HT refers to high tem-
perature grease. The number following indicates
the type of grease.

(Update - 3/97)
This Tech Note also appears in the 1996 edition of the EASA Technical Manual, Section 10.1, Pages 10-2 to 10-5.
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Lubrication of Rolling Bearings in Electric Machines Tech Note No. 19

TABLE 2

GREASE FILL FOR BEARINGS AND HOUSINGS

(Bearing Manufacturers Data)

Bearing Double Open And Single Bearing

Manufacturer Closured Bearings Closured Bearings Housing Cavity

FAFNIR 30-50% (for bearing OD 100% 33%

up to 52 mm)
25-40% (for bearing OD
greater than 52 mm)
FAG 30-40% 30-40% 100% * When speed ratio is less than .2
33% When speed ratio is .2 up to .8
0% When speed ratio is greater than .8
FIT 15-20%
GEN. BRG. CORP. 30% 30%
IKO 50% 50%
INA 20-80% 20-80%
KBC 12.5-25%
KOYO 30-50% 100%
McGILL Maximum 50% Maximum 50% 100%
MRC 30% 80-90% 50%
NACHI 20-30% 33-50% 33-50%
NSK 35% 25-40% 50-65% * When speed ratio is less than .5
33-50% When speed ratio is greater than .5
NTN 30-35% 30-35% Maximum 50%
PEER 33%
RBC 100% * When speed ratio is less than .1
40-60% When speed ratio is .1 up to .2
10-20% When speed ratio is greater than .2
SKF 25-35% 100% 33%
SNR 33% 20-30%
STEYR 100% 100% * When speed ratio is less than .2
50 - 30% When speed ratio is .2 up to .8
0% When speed ratio is greater than .8
ZVL-ZKL 33-55% 30% 30%

Operating Speed
* Speed Ratio =
Limiting Speed of Bearing

Note: This article was first published in October 1993.

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Electrical Apparatus Service Association, Inc.
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EA SA 1331 Baur Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63132 U.S.A. (314) 993-2220 Fax (314) 993-1269 www.easa.com
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IA Reliable Solutions Today! (Update
Copyright 1997 - 3/97)
This Tech Note also appears in the 1996 edition of the EASA Technical Manual, Section 10.1, PagesVersion
TN19-4 10-2 to 10-5.
397DP2C-397