Bearing Basics and F.A.Q.
’s
Radial Thrust
Speed
Load Load Misalignment
Capability
Capability Capability
Ball Bearings High Moderate Moderate Static
Spherical Roller Static and
Moderate High Low
Bearings Dynamic
E-Type Tapered
Low High High None
Roller Bearings
Which can carry more radial load, a ball bearing or roller
bearing?
• Roller bearings can carry more load because the rolling
element has line contact with the raceway while the ball has
only point contact
• Line contact means the load is spread out over a greater
area, reducing the stress on races and rolling elements
Which type of bearing has the highest speed capability
(ball, spherical or tapered roller bearing)?
• Ball bearings in general have the highest speed capability
followed by spherical and tapered roller
• Larger contact areas (tapered roller bearings) result in higher
levels of friction which decreases speed capability
What is the difference between static and dynamic
misalignment?
• Static misalignment = shaft misalignment at a constant angle
with respect to the bearing
• Dynamic misalignment = shaft that is continuously
misaligning with respect to the bearing
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Bearing Lubrication F.A.Q.’s
What is grease?
• Mixture of a soap/thickener, an oil and additives
• The thickener’s function is to retain oil in the bearing cavity
• The oil provides lubricity to the rolling elements and
raceways of the bearing
• Additives such as rust preventatives can enhance grease
characteristics
Why grease instead of oil in the bearing?
• Grease is preferred due to reduced maintenance and/or
lower cost
• Grease is easier to store, handle and transport
• Most mounted bearings are designed for relubrication with
grease
• Oil is the preferred lubricant in high-speed or high-
temperature applications
Can I mix greases?
• Compatibility may be an issue when mixing thickener and oil
types
• Incompatibility can be avoided by using the grease or grease
type recommended by the manufacturer
Can I over grease a bearing?
• Excessive grease in the bearing may be an issue for high
speed applications
• Initial start-up after relubrication should be slow to allow
grease to purge
• When greasing, add grease slowly
• Many mounted bearing seals are designed to allow grease to
purge
• Some seals can be damaged or blown out by excessive
relubrication
How often should I regrease, and how much grease should
I add?
• The engineering charts in the engineering sections of the
catalogs serve as general schedules since applications vary
greatly. Your experience may be important in determining a
lubrication schedule.
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Lubrication Engineering Tables
Table 4 Ball Bearing Relubrication
Speed Temperature Cleanliness Greasing Intervals
100 RPM -20°F - 120°F Clean 4 to 10 months
500 RPM -20°F - 150°F Clean 1 to 4 months
1000 RPM -20°F - 200°F Clean 1 week to 1 month
1500 RPM -20°F - 200°F Clean Bi-weekly
Up to 150°F Dir ty Daily to 1 week
1500 to Max. 150° - 200°F Dir ty Daily to 1 week
Catalog Rating -20°F - 200°F Very Dir ty Daily to 1 week
-20°F - 200°F Extreme Conditions Daily to 1 week
Table 5 Roller Bearing Relubrication
Speed Temperature Cleanliness Greasing Intervals
100 RPM -20°F - 125°F Clean 6 months
500 RPM -20°F - 150°F Clean 2 months
1000 RPM -20°F - 210°F Clean 2 weeks
-20°F - 150°F Dir ty Daily to 1 week
1500 to Max. 150° - 200°F Dir ty Daily to 1 week
Catalog Rating -20°F - 200°F Very Dir ty Daily to 1 week
-20°F - 200°F Extreme Conditions Daily to 1 week
These charts are general recommendations. Experience and testing
may be required for specific applications.
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