Lubrication
Adequate and proper lubrication is essential to reliable bearing performance.
We have excellent working relationships with the technical departments of a number of lubricant companies including TOTAL UK and Kluber Lubricants.
For general purpose use we recommend Total Multis EP2 - a multi-purpose Lithium Calcium EP2 grease.
For wet and heavily loaded applications we recommend Total Ceran HV , featuring a calcium-sulphonate base which resists emulsification in the presence of water. An added advantage is the slightly higher base oil viscosity over standard grease - which can be beneficial to bearing life.
Ceran HV is now stocked in all NBC branches in handy 1kg and 3kg tubs.
Food grade grease in QCB Thermoplastic bearing inserts
As these inserts are preominantly used in food machinery, these inserts come factory filled with a suitable FDA approved grease. Kluber.Paraliq GA 343. Click to get the data sheet.
Bearing company lubricant suffices
Download a sheet illustrating common bearing company lubricant designations here.
How much and how often?
Probably the most common question we are asked is "how much grease does a bearing need?". The answer is, it depends...
- In a static or very slow moving bearing then the grease acts more as a barrier to contamination and it is quite common to pack the bearing (and housing) 100% full of grease.
- As bearing speeds increase, then the amount of grease in the bearing is reduced to avoid overheating. Th highest speeds are usually achieved with oil lubrication.
- Overgreasing is as bad as undergreasing!
- At temperatures in excess of 70C, lubricant life is significantly reduced
Should you require assistance or advice on lubricants in bearings please contact our lubricant expert.
