Modern rolling element bearings are extremely reliable components in machinery and can outlast the equipment in which they are installed. 

However, bearings do fail prematurely from time to time which is usually the result of a critical event, subsequently causing costly repairs and equipment downtime.

Approximately 36% of premature bearing failures can be attributed to lubrication issues of the bearing concerned. Employing the incorrect type, quality, or quantity of lubricant can significantly contribute to a bearing failure, therefore the correct selection and application are vital considerations. 

User Benefits of Lubricant: 

• Lubrication of Anti-Friction rolling bearings prevents metal to metal contact between the rolling elements (balls or rollers), raceways, and the roller cage (Retainer)
• Protects bearing components against corrosion and wear
• Assists in dissipating heat
• Assists in reducing noise
• Assists in sealing the bearing against contamination of solid partials and liquids

With its comprehensive suite of functions, it remains crucial to ensure the correct lubricant is used for the specific application concerned, or this can result in lubrication, and ultimately bearing failure. 

Possible causes for lubrication failure, include

• Insufficient or excessive lubricant quantity or viscosity
• Excessive operating temperatures beyond the capabilities of the lubricant
• Contamination of the lubricant with foreign matter
• Incorrect selection of lubricant for the application
• Deterioration of the lubricant due to incorrect replenishment cycle

SKF Lubricant Selection Guide

The correct selection and application of a lubricant will significantly improve bearing performance and extend the mean time between failures. With the vast assortment of lubrication available, it is often challenging to select the correct lubricant for your specific requirements. SKF has a comprehensive range of lubricants, along with several tools, to seamlessly facilitate the selection of the lubricant best suited to your unique needs. The wide range of tools available includes those from easy-to-use application-driven tables to advanced software allowing for grease selection based upon detailed working conditions.

Basic grease selection charts guide the user to employ the appropriate grease products for common applications. Some applications are more complex than others, therefore additional information of application-specific data such as speed, temperature, loading conditions, and environment is employed to select the appropriate SKF grease for your unique requirements. The LubeSelect tool from SKF guides the user through the process and assists in facilitating the correct grease selection. 

Make the Change to Premium Quality Lubrication

Bearings 2000 are an SKF authorised distributor and assists our clients with the correct selection of lubricants and reliable supply thereof. Furthermore, we provide a range of SKF tools to effectively apply these lubricants, from the standard grease gun to metered grease guns, automatic lubricators, and fully-fledged lubrication systems. 

If reducing bearing failures in your equipment is a priority to you, it is well worth considering the lubrication used. 

Make the change to B2K today

Contact a B2K Sales Consultant to advise you in procuring the optimal product for the job.