A cement plant once lost $18,000 daily because they used the wrong bearing grease. Proper lubrication prevents such costly mistakes.

The correct grease type and relubrication intervals extend bearing life by 3-5 times. Key factors include operating speed, temperature, load, and environment. Most industrial bearings need relubrication every 3-6 months.

Choosing grease isn’t just about viscosity. Let me explain how to match grease to your specific bearing application.

What are the intervals for motor bearing lubrication¹?

I visited a factory where motors failed every 8 months. Their lubrication schedule² was based on calendar dates, not operating hours.

Motor bearing lubrication intervals range from 2,000 to 10,000 operating hours. Standard motors (1,800 RPM) typically need grease every 4-6 months. High-speed motors require more frequent lubrication.

Calculating Your Optimal Lubrication Schedule

1. Standard Motor Guidelines

Motor Type	RPM	Interval (Hours)
Small AC	1,450	8,000
Large AC	1,800	5,000
DC Motors	3,000	3,000

We provide clients with RFID tags that track actual motor run time for precise scheduling.

2. Environmental Factors

• Dirty environments: Reduce intervals by 30-50%
• High humidity: Use water-resistant greases
• Chemical exposure: Special synthetic greases required

A paper mill solved chronic failures by switching to monthly lubrication in their steam-filled areas.

3. Load Considerations

Load Type	Adjustment Factor
Normal	1.0x base interval
Heavy	0.7x interval
Shock	0.5x interval

Our field tests show proper load-based lubrication can double motor bearing life.

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How often should you grease a bearing?

A food processing plant greased bearings weekly – five times more than needed. The overgreasing damaged seals and attracted contaminants.

Most industrial bearings need greasing every 3-6 months¹. High-speed bearings (over 3,000 RPM) may need monthly lubrication. Slow-rotating bearings can go 12-24 months between services.

The Relubrication Decision Matrix

1. Speed Factors

RPM Range	Adjustment Factor
0-500	2.0x base interval
501-3,000	1.0x
3,001+	0.5x

We helped a wind farm optimize their turbine bearing lubrication from weekly to quarterly, saving $200,000 annually.

2. Temperature Effects

Temperature	Grease Life
Below 70°C	Normal
70-100°C	75% normal
Above 100°C	50% normal

High-temperature greases maintain stability better but still need more frequent application.

3. Bearing Type Variations

• Ball bearings: Longer intervals
• Roller bearings: More frequent greasing
• Sealed bearings: Often "lubed for life"

Our bearing selection guide includes lubrication requirements for each type we manufacture.

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Which type of grease is used in bearings?

A mining company used automotive grease in their crusher bearings. The wrong choice cost them $85,000 in downtime last year.

Most bearings use lithium-based greases (NLGI 2)¹. Special applications require synthetic, high-temperature, food-grade, or waterproof greases². The base oil viscosity should match the operating speed and temperature.

The Grease Selection Handbook

1. Common Grease Types

Type	Best For	Temperature Range
Lithium	General purpose	-30°C to 120°C
Calcium	Water resistance	-20°C to 80°C
Polyurea	High speed	-40°C to 150°C

We stock 27 grease varieties to match different operating conditions.

2. NLGI Consistency Grades

Grade	Texture	Applications
000	Fluid	Gearboxes
1	Soft	Low temps
2	Medium	Most bearings
3	Hard	High temps

A client’s conveyor problems disappeared when we switched them from NLGI 1 to NLGI 2 grease.

3. Additive Packages

• Extreme Pressure (EP): For heavy loads
• Anti-wear: For vibration
• Corrosion inhibitors: Humid environments
• Solid lubricants: High temperatures

Our EP grease reduced bearing failures by 62% in steel mill applications.

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Conclusion

Proper bearing lubrication combines the right grease type with optimized intervals. This simple practice prevents most bearing failures.