The top five challenges of relubricating bearings
Author : Chris Johnson, SMB Bearings
01 March 2022
A car owner's worst nightmare is accidentally filling their tank with diesel when their car runs on petrol. A fuel mix-up can be very damaging and costly, not to mention embarrassing. The same can be applied to being selective when designing machinery, particularly when choosing your bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, Managing Director of SMB Bearings, explains the top five challenges of relubricating bearings.
Out with the old
Bearings are often bought in bulk with standard lubrication, and this lubrication can have its limitations, especially for applications that involve harsh conditions. This initial lubrication can be replaced with something more suitable during a relubrication process. During this process, the standard lubricant needs to be completely removed, ready for the arrival of the replacement. Compared with oil, grease is more difficult to remove completely, as some thickeners can remain after the base oil has been removed. A combination of cleaning solutions should be used to tackle this, along with ultrasonics, to break down the grease gently.
In with the new
Deciding on the best lubricant for your application is quite a skill. It is important to understand exactly what is required of the bearing, as requirements for speed, load, temperature, noise levels, water resistance, and food approval are just some of the factors that need to be considered.
Read the full article in the March issue of DPA
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