Does Ceramic Bearing Need Lubricant

Mineral or synthetic based lubricants are the most commonly used and are designed for general and high speed use.

Does ceramic bearing need lubricant.

Bicycles that have ceramic bearings need ceramic grease or ceramic safe grease to maximize performance as well as protect the bearings from unnecessary wear. All bearings whether steel or ceramic require lubrication. Petroleum or ptfe teflon based bicycle greases can cause damage to carbon fiber bicycles so make sure you have a carbon safe grease on hand. Ceramic bearings do not undergo cold welding or corrode so they don t need oil or grease to extend operating life.

In order for a ceramic ball bearing to out perform a steel ball bearing grease is not an option. The lubricant will affect maximum running speed and temperature torque level noise level and ultimately bearing life. For ceramic hybrid and full ceramic bearings grease is recommended but not required. For minimum rolling resistance lighter weight greases are better.

Normally from the experience dealing with inter metal friction the light oil may not stay between two metal surface under a high load to decrease the friction. Ceramics have lower density thermal expansion and friction than. The rolling resistance of a ceramic bearing compared to an abec 3 5 or 7 steel ball bearing is offset by the resistance of the grease he says. As my understanding ceramic bearing can work without grease but they should work better with appropriate lubrication.

If you choose to run ceramic hybrid and full ceramic bearings wihtout grease then more frequent cleaning is recommended. For example compared to steel bearings ceramic balls can operate under the same lubrication conditions at speeds up to 20 higher. Lube helps prevent rust roll easier dissipate heat and makes steel bearings last longer. Any grease will work just fine.

We may need to rethink lubing ceramic bearings they may not need any lube not even a thin film of oil. There is absolutely nothing magic about ceramic bearings including what lube you choose to use. None of these may apply to ceramic bearings. There are a range of options depending on the application.

We are so accustomed to lubing things lubrication everything we do we lube. Does this mean i should run my ceramic ball bearings dry or with light oil. The grease in a bearing will help capture dirt and particulates and keep them away from rolling elements of the bearing.