Best Lubrication Guide for Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Would you drive a car that didn’t have oil in it? They all work the same way. If you want your bearings to last longer and keep spinning smoothly, you need to make sure they are properly oiled.

So here’s the deal: poor lubrication is the main cause of bearing problems, accounting for 36% of all fails. That’s more than just tiredness, bad mounting, or even infection! Without the right lubrication, friction takes over, leading to heat, wear, and eventually breakdowns.

Reference: 5 most common causes of Premature Bearings Failure And How to Avoid Them on B2K

Pie chart showing causes of bearing failure: poor lubrication (36%), fatigue (34%), improper mounting (16%), contamination (14%). — factors-causing-bearing-failure

Don’t worry, though. This guide will show you how to choose the right grease, use it correctly, and keep your cylindrical roller bearings in great shape. Whether you work in manufacturing, transportation, or any other field, these easy tips from TFL Bearings will help you save time and money and avoid problems.

Why Lubrication Matters for Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Protect Against Wear and Tear

Lubrication is like a protective shield for your bearings. It prevents the rolling parts from rubbing directly against each other, cutting down on friction and wear. If your bearings aren’t properly lubricated, they can break down much faster, and you’ll end up with a big repair bill.

Improve Efficiency

When your bearings are well-lubricated, they work more smoothly. This reduces the energy needed to run them, saving you power and cutting down on unnecessary heat buildup. A well-lubed bearing is a happy bearing!

Extend Service Life

The right grease or oil doesn’t just help the parts move smoothly—it keeps dirt, moisture, and other harmful stuff out. Keeping the cylindrical roller bearing clean helps it run longer and reduces the chances of failure. The longer your bearings last, the less money and effort you’ll spend on repairs and replacements.

Example of a cylindrical roller bearing exhibiting the effects of inadequate lubrication, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance. — cylindrical-roller-bearing-with-inadequate-lubrication

Types of Lubricants for Bearings

Type of Lubricant	Description	Best For	Pros	Cons
Grease	Thick, sticky lubricant.	General use, sealed bearings.	Stays in place, protects well.	Can cause heat if over-applied.
Oil	Thin, liquid lubricant.	High-speed bearings, open bearings.	Reduces friction at high speeds.	May leak if not sealed properly.
Dry Lubricants	Powder or solid-based lubricants.	Extreme heat or where grease/oil isn’t suitable.	Handles high temperatures, no mess.	Limited protection in heavy-duty loads.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Lubricants for Bearings

Factor	Grease	Oil	Dry Lubricants
Temperature	Good for moderate to high temperatures, depending on grade.	Excellent for high temperatures due to better heat dissipation.	Handles extreme heat but may require special application techniques.
Load	Thick grease with EP additives handles heavy loads well.	Handles heavy loads when paired with higher-viscosity oils.	Limited to light or specialized applications due to low load capacity.
Speed	Best for low to medium speeds; high speeds may cause overheating.	Ideal for high-speed applications as it flows easily.	Not suitable for high speeds; better for static or slow-moving parts.
Environment	Water-resistant grease protects against moisture and contaminants.	Oil with rust inhibitors works well in wet or corrosive environments.	Best for clean, dry environments with no risk of contamination.
Maintenance	Low maintenance; re-grease periodically.	Requires a well-sealed system; regular oil changes needed.	Minimal maintenance but may need reapplication in some conditions.

How to Lubricate Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Lubricating your cylindrical roller bearings doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s a simple guide to get it done right:

1. Clean the Area

Ask yourself, “Is this area clean?” before you touch the grease. If dirt, dust, or other debris gets into the grease, it can ruin your work. Get rid of any dirt or dust on the bearing, tools, and even your hands with a clean rag or compressed air.

2. Pick the Right Lubricant

Not all lubricants are created equal. Choose one that matches your bearing’s needs—grease, oil, or maybe even a dry lubricant if the environment calls for it. Don’t rush here; it’s worth reading the manufacturer’s guidelines.

3. Apply the Right Amount

Here’s the trick: don’t overdo it. Think of it like putting butter on toast—too much makes a mess, and too little doesn’t do the job. Use about one-third of the bearing’s free volume. A grease gun helps you apply just the right amount.

4. Spread It Evenly

Turn the bearing slowly while applying the grease to ensure it gets into all the nooks and crannies. This helps coat the rolling elements and raceways evenly. It’s like spreading frosting on a cake—smooth and even is the goal.

A close-up view of grease being applied to the rolling elements and raceways of a cylindrical roller bearing. — Applying-Grease-to-Cylindrical-Roller-Bearing-for-Optimal-Performance

5. Double-Check Your Work

Once you’re done, take a moment to make sure everything looks right. Is the grease evenly spread? Did you use the right amount? A quick check can save you from headaches later.

Grease Lubrication Instructions

Filling Amount

You should use the right amount of grease based on the weather, how fast the bearing is moving, and how the case is put together. Here are some general rules to follow if you want to keep cylindrical roller bearings from getting too hot:

Fill the bearing interior completely, including the cage guide.
For the space outside the bearing within the housing:
- Fill 1/2 to 2/3 for low-speed applications (50% of the bearing’s maximum speed).
- Fill 1/3 to 1/2 for high-speed applications (50% or more of the bearing’s maximum speed).

Grease Replenishment

While high-quality grease can last for extended periods without replenishment, certain operating conditions may require regular additions. Design the housing to include grease ports and outlets for easy replacement.

For example, a grease replenishment plate can direct fresh grease into the bearing while expelling used grease via valves or larger housing spaces. Regularly remove old grease to maintain performance.

Replenishment Intervals

Even the best grease degrades over time, lowering its effectiveness. Regular replenishment intervals depend on operating temperature:

At 70°C, intervals are longer but halve for every 15°C increase in temperature.
For low temperatures below 70°C, lithium soap-based or synthetic oil greases are recommended.

Oil Lubrication Instructions

Oil Bath

Common for low- to medium-speed operations, the oil level should reach the center of the lowest rolling element. Use oil level indicators for easy monitoring.

Drip Feed

Suitable for high-speed cylindrical roller bearings, oil flow is regulated using adjustable screws.

Splash Lubrication

Gears or rotating components splash oil to lubricate bearings, commonly used in transmissions and differential systems.

Circulating Oil

For high-speed or high-temperature environments, oil is cooled and filtered before recirculation. Proper drain design prevents oil buildup.

Spray and Mist Systems

Spray Systems: High-speed jets put oil straight into the critical parts of the bearing, making them perfect for tough jobs.
Mist Systems: Atomized oil is sprayed using compressed air, suitable for clean, high-speed operations with minimal oil usage.

Conclusion

A quick and easy way to make cylindrical roller bearings work better and last longer is to grease them. You just need to choose the right lube, use it the right way, and check it every so often. You can avoid bigger problems in the future by putting in a little work now.

If you’re ready to get the right lubrication for your bearings, TFL Bearings has the products and support you need. Visit tflbearing.com for high-quality lubricants and expert advice to keep your bearings in great shape.

Lubrication Guide for Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Introduction