Best Lubrication for Double Contact Seal Bearings

[mechEhere]

Hi,

I am using single row deep groove ball bearings with double contact seals for maximum protection. However, with the contact seals, there is considerably more drag. The bearings are pre-greased of course, but I would like to remove the heavy grease and put in some lighter lubrication. What is the best lubrication that alleviates the drag from the contact seals? Thanks!

 

[electricpete]

I'm not sure that replacing grease from within a sealed bearing is feasible or advisable. The manufacturer basically intends them to be greased for life. Trying to change out the grease would involve risk to the seals and risk of contamination.

If you want a different lubricant, order it from the bearing manufacturer.

But double sealed bearings have inherently more friction due to the seals themselves.

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[diskullman]

A majority of double sealed bearings use Chevron SRI-2, preferred by the electric motor industry. Other greases are used, but usually must be special ordered. If you prefer a different grease, it is best to send to a distributor that has a facility to clean out the old grease and equipment to provide the proper fill on new grease. National Bearing offers re-lube services

http://www.nationalbearing.com/

Russell Giuliano

 

[ischgl99]

The lubricant is not going to have much influence on the drag from the seals since the seals run directly on the inner race. By going to a less viscous grease, you run the risk of damaging the bearing by not having enough viscosity for your application.

If you need less drag, then you need to find a different way of sealing the bearing. From your other thread looking for an IP68 bearing, I take it these bearings will be running submerged? I would take a look at the bearing isolators Impro sells and see if that would work.

http://www.inpro-seal.com/index.html

 

[diskullman]

You may also look in to non-contact labyrinth seals from manufacturers like Nachi or NTN.

Russell Giuliano