Lubrication methods for bearings: a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of lubricating oil and grease

Lubricating oil and grease are common lubrication methods used for bearing lubrication. The difference between the two is that lubricating oil is liquid, while lubricating grease is semi-solid. Lubricating oil is more suitable for lubricating bearings through small clearances, while lubricating grease is suitable for maintaining lubrication effect for a long time.

2、 Advantages and disadvantages of lubricating oil

The advantage of lubricating oil is that it can be easily delivered into the small clearance of the bearing, providing better lubrication effect on the bearing. In addition, due to the flexible chemical composition of lubricating oil, adding or subtracting small amounts is relatively easy to adjust. However, lubricating oil is not stable under extreme temperature conditions. High temperature will cause it to oxidize and decompose, losing its lubricating effect; At low temperatures, the viscosity of lubricating oil is too high to effectively lubricate bearings.

3、 Advantages and disadvantages of lubricating grease

Compared to lubricating oil, lubricating grease is more suitable for maintaining lubrication over a long period of time. Once grease is applied, it can form a lubricating film that can maintain the lubrication effect of the bearing for a long time. In addition, lubricating grease can also prevent phenomena such as impact, vibration, or high friction inside the bearing. However, lubricating grease is not suitable for lubricating bearings through small clearances because its viscosity is higher than lubricating oil and it is difficult to enter the small clearances of the bearings.

4、 Suggestions for choosing lubrication methods

When choosing a lubrication method, it is necessary to weigh the actual situation. If bearings require frequent lubrication or lubrication through small clearances, lubricating oil can be chosen. If lubrication effect needs to be maintained for a long time, lubricating grease can be chosen. In addition, for some high-speed and high-temperature bearings, a combination of oil coating lubrication and oil injection lubrication can be considered.

In short, the key to choosing a lubrication method is to weigh and select according to the specific situation of the bearing. Different lubrication methods have their applicable situations, and choosing according to the actual situation can better ensure the normal operation of the bearing.