BEARING

LUBRICATION

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 1

 Why lubrication?

To prevent or reduce metal to

metal contact between rolling or
sliding surfaces

To reduce friction and

eliminate wear of bearing
surfaces and protect the
bearing against corrosion

To seal against dust,

dirt, and moisture (in
case of greases)

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 2

SIX PURPOSE OF LUBRICATION

1. Reduce Friction – Reduces the energy required to perform work

2. Reduce Wear– Equipment life is extended

3. Cool Rubbing Surface– Maintain working tolerances, extend oil life and
avoid catastrophic wear
4. Prevent Corrosion– Corrosion causes premature failure of equipment

5. Seal out/flush away contamination – Keeps working surface clean

6. Dampen shock – Acts as a cushion against high loads imposed by shock

loading. Vibration and noise are also reduced.

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 3

 Different lubricating conditions

a] Full fluid film lubrication b] Mixed Lubrication c] Boundary Lubrication

The surfaces are Both the load carrying The lubricating effect
completely oil film and the mainly depends on the
separated by a load boundary layer plays a lubricating properties
carrying film. major role. of the boundary layer.

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 4

 What are the properties VISCOSIT
of a lubricant which Y AND V-T
influence the separating BEHAVIO
film? UR

Viscosity reduces with

increase in
Viscosity is the temperature
resistance of a fluid to
deformation and flow

Lower the
viscosity,
thinner is
the
lubricatin Water has low Honey has high
g film viscosity. It viscosity. It does
flows easily not flow easily

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 5

 How does the
lubricant The lubricant adhering to the
function? surface of the parts in rolling
contact forms a layer which
separates the bearing
components which are moving
relative to each other

Metal
Lubricant
film

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 6

 What should one consider
while selecting a lubricant?

SPEED MEAN BEARING DIAMETER LOAD

moisture heat

The lubricant must be

capable of providing a
dust
supporting film at
operating loads, speeds
TEMPERATURES ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES
and temperatures

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 7

 What are the types of
lubricants used for
lubrication of bearings?

GREASE OIL

90% of all
rolling bearings
are lubricated SOLID
LUBRICANT
with grease

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 8

 What is
grease? BASE
OIL THICKENER

GREASE IS A
DISPERSION

ADDITIVES INHIBITORS

ANTIOXIDANTS &
STABILISERS

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 9

 How does a grease
work?
The thickener functions
as a container for the base
oil (similar to a sponge
holding water)
It is the base oil in the
grease which does the
actual lubrication
FAG Bearings India Limited
Here’s how the
lubricant works!
During the ‘running in’ of the
bearing, the grease works
itself into the cavities around
the bearing and remains there
throughout the service life of
the bearing. The base oil
bleeds from the thickener and
supplies oil to the working
surfaces
Slide 10
 WHY
Why are greases used to
lubricate 90% of all GREASE
bearings?

Grease Grease is
Grease is
lubricated suitable for a
easily
arrangements wide range of
contained
are simple applications

Additionally Can be
No complicated Suitable for a
grease also has sealing transported
wide range of
a lubricating arrangements easily for
loads, speeds &
effect are required temperatures Relubrication

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 11

 Types of base oils
and thickeners?

LITHIUM
MINERAL

CALCIUM
SODIUM
THICKENERS
BASE OILS (SOAPS)

SYNTHETIC
SYNTHETIC

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 12

 Commonly seen in
a grease data
sheet? CONSISTENCY
CLASS The stiffness of a grease
which is assessed by
NLGI 1, 2, 3, 4
sinking a standard cone in
Depends on worked the grease and measuring
penetration the depth of penetration
NLGI 1: 310 - 340
The softer the grease, the
NLGI 2: 265 - 295
greater is the depth of
NLGI 3: 220 - 250 penetration
NLGI 4: 175 - 205
The lower limit defines the
temperature at which the
OPERATING grease can still flow
TEMPERATURE The upper limit defines
RANGE the temperature at which
the grease is thermally
stable
The temperature at which
DROP POINT
the grease begins to flow

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 13

 Will a grease give
optimum service life at the
upper temperature limit?

A COMMON MISINTERPRETATION
The upper temperature limit of the operating
range should not be considered as the maximum
temperature at which the grease can
continuously operate.
The service life of grease reduces drastically at
temperatures close to the limiting values.

 THUMB RULE:
Optimum Service Life of a grease is obtained when the
continuous operating temperature is approximately
Upper Temperature Limit - 60o C

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 14

 What are the
types of
greases?
MINERAL OIL GREASES

LITHIUM
CALCIUM SOAP SODIUM SOAP
SOAP
Water resistant Poor water Water resiistant
Moderate load resistance Moderate load
capacity Good load capacity capacity
Drop point: 80 - 100o Drop point: 150 - Drop point: 170
C 190o C - 200o C

Multipurpose grease
In case of higher operating temperatures complex soap suitable for continuous
based greases must be used operating temperatures
of 70 -80oC

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 15

 Are there any other
types of greases?

SYNTHETIC OIL GREASES SODIUM

METAL SOAPS CALCIUM

LITHIUM
SODIUM

COMPLEX METAL CALCIUM SYNTHETIC

SOAPS THICKENERS
ARE ALSO USED
LITHIUM

Metal Soap or Complex Metal Soaps in Synthetic Oil and Synthetic Greases are expensive
(2 - 1 50 times the cost of a multipurpose grease) and selected whenever operating
conditions absolutely demand their use

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 16

 What grease to
use where?
In the high load range, a grease
with EP additives must be used

ka.n.dm = speed index

ka = 1 for ball bearings
n = speed of rotation
dm = mean bearing diam.

P/C = Ratio of Equivalent

Dyn. Load to the Dyn.
In the normal range, Load Rating of the bearing
general multipurpose
greases can be used
In the high load, high speed
range, a thermally stable In the high speed range, a
grease must be used low friction grease must be
used
FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 17
Let us first look at the important effect of Lubricant Viscosity :

A well approved method is to compare Prevailing Viscosity to Required

Viscosity, also called Operating Viscosity to Reference Viscosity.This
viscosity ratio is called Kappa :


= 
1

 = Operating Viscosity (mm /s) or Prevailing Viscosity;affected by Rating

2

Viscosity (mm2/s) and Operating Temperature (°C)

1=Reference Viscosity (mm /s) or Required Viscosity;affected by

2

Bearing Pitch Diameter (mm) and Speed (rpm)

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 18

Example
A bearing with Bearing bore d = 340mm, Bearing OD = 420 mm is required
to operate at a speed of N = 500 rpm. The operating temperature has been
determined by experience to be 70C.

Question:
What Viscosity is required to obtain satisfactory lubrication and what
viscosity does this represent at reference temperature 40 C

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 19

Solution
dm = 0.5[D+D] = 380mm
Draw vertical line upto the
speed curve of 500 rpm.
Draw horizontal line from the
point of intersection to the Y
axis where the requisite
kinematic viscosity 1 is
obtained. In this case it is
13mm 2 / sec.

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 20

Draw a vertical line from the
temperature of 70 degree
which intersect with the
horizontal line of the
requisite kinematic viscosity
13mm 2 / sec.

Then follow the slope of the

nearest diagonal until it
intersects the 40 degree
temperature line .
From this point project a
horizontal line to the Y axis
to find out the kinematic
viscosity of the oil. Thus the
kinematic viscosity of the oil
to be used must be at least
39mm 2 / sec.
FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 21
 What does  express ?

 > 2 -- predominantly hydrodynamic lubrication

 = 0.4 ... 2.0 -- predominantly mixed friction

 < 0.4 -- predominantly metallic contact between rolling

elements and raceways

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 22

 How much
grease? Actually, very little
grease is required to
lubricate bearings

Then why are

large amounts of
grease provided?

Large empty spaces

For the sake of result in grease leaving
operational reliability. the vicinity of the
The grease reservoir bearing. The
must be as close to the lubricating effect is no
bearing as possible longer enhanced

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 23

 HOW MUCH
GREASE?
FOR OPEN BEARINGS
WHICH ARE LOCATED IN
HOUSINGS

Pack the bearing with grease

Grease filling in high
speed bearings must be
about 20 to 30% of the
Pack the housing space
free space
partially with grease so that
there is adequate space in the
In low speed bearings housing to accommodate the
(n.dm < 50,000), the grease expelled from the
bearing and housing may bearing during the running in
be packed with grease period

Bearings which are pre-greased and sealed by

manufacturers carry a grease charge of 30 - 40% of
the free space in the bearing

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 24

 Factors to be considered for grease selection

Criteria for Grease Selection Properties of grease to be selected

Operating Condition
Speed index n.dm For high speed indices d.dm : consistency class 2-3
Load ratio P/C For High P/C load ratios : consistency class 1-2
Running Properties
Low friction, also during starting Grease of penetration class 1-2 with synthetic base oil of low viscosity

Low constant friction at steady state Grease of low penetration class 3-4, grease quantity =30% of the free
condition but higher starting friction bearing space or class 2 to 3, grease quantity<20% of the free bearing
admissible space

Low noise level Low noise grease [high degree of cleanliness]of penetration class 2
Mounting Conditions
Inclined/vertical position of bearing Grease with good adhesion properties of penetration class 3 to 4
axis

Outer ring rotating, inner ring
stationary, or centrifugal force on the
bearing
Maintenance
Frequent Relubrication
Grease with large amount of thickener,penetration class 2 to 4, grease
fill quantity depending on speed.
Soft grease of penetration class 1 to 2

Infrequent Relubrication Grease retaining its penetration class 2 to 3 under stressing, upper
For life lubrication operating temperature limit higher than the operating temperature

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 25

 Factors to be considered for grease selection

Criteria for Grease Selection Properties of grease to be selected

Environmental Conditions

High temperature, for life lubrication Heat resistant grease with synthetic base oil and heat resistant[eg.
Synthetic ] Thickener
High temperature, Relubrication Grease which does not form any residues at high temperatures

Low temperature Grease with low-viscosity base oil and suitable thickener,penetration
class 1 to 2
Dust Environment Stiff grease of penetration class 3

Condensate Emulsifying grease e.g sodium or lithium soap base grease

Splash water Water repellent grease e.g. calcium soap base grease of penetration
class 3
Aggressive media[acids,bases etc.] Special grease to be used in consultation with FAG

Radiation Upto absorbed dose rate 2.104J/kg, rolling bearing grease to DIN 51 825
Up to absorbed dose rate2.107J/Kg – Consult FAG

EP lithium soap grease of consistency class 2, frequent Relubrication

Vibratory Stressing With Moderate vibratory stresses, barium complex grease of consistency
class2.
With solid lubricant additives or lithium soap base grease of consistency
class3

Up to 10-5 mbar, depending on temperature and base oil, rolling bearing

Vacuum greases according to DIN 51 825, consult FAG

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 26

 GREASE PROPERTIES

Suitability
Load
Thickener Temperature Drop Water For
Soap Base Oil Carrying Remarks
Type Range Point °C Resistance Rolling
Capacity
Bearings

Aluminium -20….70 120 ++ + + Swells with water

Good sealing action

Calcium -30….50 80….100 +++ + +
Mineral against water
Oil
Lithium -35….130 170….200 +++ + +++ Multipurpose grease

Normal
Sodium -30….100 150….190 - ++ ++ Emulsifies with water

For low and high

Lithium PAO -60….150 170….200 +++ ++ +++ temperatures, high
speeds
For low temperatures,
Lithium Ester -60….130 190 ++ + +++
high speeds

Aluminium -30….160 260 +++ + +++ Multipurpose grease

Multipurpose
Mineral
Complex Barium -30….140 220 ++ ++ +++ grease,resistant to
Oil
vapour
Multipurpose grease ,
Calcium -30….140 240 ++ ++ +++
may harden

+++ Very Good ++ Good + Moderate - Poor

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 27

 GREASE PROPERTIES

Load Suitability
Thickener Temperature Drop Water
Soap Base Oil Carrying For Rolling Remarks
Type Range Point °C Resistance
Capacity Bearings

Lithium -30….150 240 ++ ++ ++ Multipurpose grease

Mineral
Oil
Multipurpose grease for
Sodium -30….130 220 + + +++
high temperatures

For wide temperature

Aluminium -60….160 260 +++ ++ +
range, good supply

For low and high

Barium -60….160 220 +++ +++ +++ temperatures, high
PAO speeds
For low and high
Complex Calcium -60….160 240 +++ +++ +++ temperatures, high
speeds
For wide temperature
Lithium -40….180 240 ++ +++ +++
range

Barium -40….130 200 ++ ++ +++ For low temperature

and higher speeds at
Calcium Ester -40….130 200 +++ ++ +++ moderate loads

For wide temperature

Lithium -40….180 240 ++ + +++
range
For especially wide
Lithium Silicone -40….180 240 ++ + +++
temperature range.

+++ Very Good ++ Good + Moderate - Poor

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 28

 GREASE PROPERTIES

Suitability
Load
Thickener Temperature Drop Water For
Soap Base Oil Carrying Remarks
Type Range Point °C Resistance Rolling
Capacity
Bearings
Mineral For higher temperatures
-20….150 Without +++ + ++
Oil at low speeds
Bentonite
For wide temperature
PAO -50….180 Without +++ + ++
range
Mineral For higher temperatures
-25….160 250 +++ ++ +++
Oil at medium speeds

High temperature
PAO -30….200 250 +++ +++ +++ grease with good long
term effectiveness
Polyurea
Silicone For high and low
-40…200 250 +++ - ++
Oil temperatures, low loads
Fluoro For high and low
Silicone -40….200 250 +++ + +++ temperatures, moderate
Oil loads
Alkoxy- Both grease for very
fluoro -50….250 Without +++ ++ +++ high and low
oil temperatures
PTFE
Fluoro
Very good resistance to
Silicone -40….200 Without +++ ++ +++
chemicals and solvents
Oil

+++ Very Good ++ Good + Moderate - Poor

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 29

 GREASE RELUBRICATION QUANTITIES
Relubrication quantity m1 for weekly to yearly lubrication m 1 = D.B.x [g]
Relubrication x
Weekly 0.002
Monthly 0.003
Yearly 0.004

Relubrication Quantity m 2 for extremely short re lubrication intervals

m 2 = [0.5….20].V [Kg/h]

Relubrication Quantity m 3 prior to restarting after several years of standstill

m 3 = D.B .0.01[g] = D.B.0.01/28.35 [oz] D =bearing bore diameter [mm]
D =bearing outside diameter [mm]
V = free space in the bearing B =bearing width [mm]
G = bearing width [kg]
= /4.B.[D2 – d2].109 – G/7800 [ m3] G’= bearing weight [lb]
= /4.B.[D – d ].10 – G’.0.4536/7800 [ m ]
2 2 9 3

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 30

OIL LUBRICATION :
Recommended when

• If adjacent machine component are supplied with oil.

• If heat must be dissipated by the lubricant.

The main advantages of Oil lubrication are:

– Churning of oil is avoided.
– Friction in the bearings is low.
– It provides for excellent cooling.

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 31

Lubrication Systems

Lubrications systems can be classified according to

-- Kind of Lubricant Used

-- Kind of Lubrication System Employed.

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 32

Kind of Lubricant Used

-- Dry Lubricant
-- Grease
-- Oil

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 33

Kind of Lubrication System Employed

-- For Life Lubrication

-- Spray Lubrication
-- Oil Sump Lubrication
-- Circulating Oil Lubrication
-- Oil Jet Lubrication
-- Intermittent drip oil Lubrication/ Drip Feed Lubrication
-- Oil Mist Lubrication
-- Oil Air Lubrication

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 34

 Factors to be considered for Selection of Lubrication System

Operating Conditions for the Rolling bearings.

Requirements on running, noise, friction and temperature
behaviour.
Requirements on safety of operation i.e safety against
premature failure due to Wear, fatigue, corrosion and
against damage caused by foreign matter having penetrated
deep into the bearing.
Cost of Installation and maintenance of a lubricating system.

Detailed Information on the lubricating systems commonly used

is furnished in the forthcoming slides

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 35

 Selection of Lubrication System
Lubricant Lubrication Lubricating Design measures Index of
Suitable
systems equipment speed n . dm bearing types,
operational
behavior
Dry For life - - Mainly deep
lubricant lubrication 1500 groove ball
bearing
Relubrication - -
Grease For life - - 0,5 .106 All bearing
lubrication 1,8 .106 fortypes.
Relubrication Hand-operated Inlet holes suitable greases
Depending press, if necessary, grease on
rotational grease gun valve, collecting speed
and chamber for spend grease type
grease with the
Spray central Feed pipes or holes exception of
lubrication lubricating collecting chamber spherical roller
plant for spend grease thrust bearings.

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 36

 Selection of Lubrication System
Lubricant Lubrication Lubricating Design measures Index of
Suitable
systems equipment speed n . dm bearing types,
operational
il Oil sump Dipstick Housing space suffi- 0,5 .106 behavior
All bearing
arger lubrication tube, cient for certain oil type. Noise
olumes) oil level volume, overflow damping effect
indicator outlet holes, depending o
connection for oil viscosity;
monitoring higher energ
equipment losses due to
Circulating oil Oil supply holes Must be deter- increased
lubrication due housing space suffi- mined indivi- friction caused
to pumping cient for certain dually. by churning,
action of the oil volume conveying good cooling
bearings or elements adapter to effect, discharge
special conve- the oil viscosity and of wear particles
ying elements rotational speed. by circulating
oil.
FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 37
 Selection of Lubrication System
Lubricant Lubrication Lubricating Design measures Index of Suitable
system equipment speed n . dm bearing types,
operational
behavior
Oil Circulating Circulation Sufficiently large oil 1 . 106 All bearings
( larger oil lubrication plant inlet and outlet types. Noise
volume) holes damping effect
depending on
oil viscosity.
Oil jet Circulation Nozzles for direct
higher energy
lubrication plant oil injection, suffi- 
losses due to
with nozzles ciently large oil Proved up to
increased
outlet holes 4 . 106
friction caused
by churning,
good cooling
effect, discharge
of wear particles
by circulating
oil.
FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 38
 Selection of Lubrication System
Lubricant Lubrication Lubricating Design measures Index of Suitable
system equipment speed n . dm bearing type
operational
behavior
Oil Intermittent Central Outlet holes 1.5 . 106 All bearing
minimum drip oil lubri- lubricating depending ontypes. Noise
volumes ) cation plant, drip bearing type damping
drip feed lubri feed lubri- oil viscosity effect depen-
cation. cator, oil amount of oil ding on oil
spray design quantity and
equipment viscosity
Oil mist Oil mist Extraction equip-
lubrication lubricating ment if necessary 
plant, if
necessary oil
separator
Oil air Central p/ Extraction equip-
lubrication “oil air” ment if necessary 

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 39

 FAILURE ANALYSIS DUE TO INADEQUATE LUBRICATION
Damage Symptom Cause Remarks
Noise Starved Lubrication Local metal-to-metal contact,interrupted lubricating film
without load transmitting and damping effect
Unsuitable Lubricant Lubricating film too thin, due to too low a viscosity of the oil or
base oil of the grease. The structure of the grease thickener
can be unsuitable.
Contaminants Dirt particles disrupt the lubricating film and produce a noise
Cage Wear Starved Lubrication Local metal to metal contact, un-interrupted lubricating film
without load transmitting and damping effect.
Unsuitable Too low a viscosity of the oil or base oil, no boundary layer
lubrication formation

Wear on rolling Starved Lubrication Local metal to metal contact, interrupted lubricating film
elements, without load transmitting and damping effect
raceways, lip Tribocorossion due to oscillating relative motions, slip marks
surfaces
Unsuitable Lubricant Too low a viscosity of the oil or base oil.
Lubricants without antiwear or EP additives
Contaminants Solid hard particles or liquid, corrosive media

FAG Bearings India Limited Slide 40