How Much Grease to Put in a Pillow Block Bearing?
Pillow block bearings are important components in machinery, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing friction. However, having the correct amount of grease is essential for their optimal performance and longevity. In this guide, we will dive into best practices for greasing pillow block bearings, focusing on methods to determine the appropriate grease quantity and essential considerations during the greasing process.
Before adding grease to the bearing or its housing, it is crucial to figure out the type of grease already present. This step ensures compatibility and prevents potential issues arising from mixing incompatible greases, which could compromise lubrication and lead to premature bearing failure.
In different industrial sectors, a prevalent practice involves injecting two shots of grease into the bearing housing without evacuating the drain port or removing dried grease residue. This approach allows replenishment of the grease supply while minimizing downtime associated with extensive cleaning.
However, continual monitoring of grease condition is essential, as periodic assessment for thorough cleaning and regreasing may be necessary to uphold optimal performance and extend bearing longevity.
Determine the Correct Amount of
A common rule of thumb for pillow block bearings is filling the housing from one third to two thirds full of grease, depending the speed and temperature. To ensure thorough lubrication, completely pack grease between and around all rolling elements and the cage assembly.
When specific lubrication instructions are unavailable from the equipment manufacturer or bearing supplier, one can determine the grease quantity using tables provided by bearing suppliers or using a grease quantity formula.
A widely used formula for calculating the required grease quantity (in grams) for a particular bearing based on its width (B) and outside diameter (D) in millimeters is:
G = 0.005 × D × B
- G = Grease quantity in grams
- D = Bearing’s outside diameter (mm)
- B = Bearing’s width (mm)
