"More grease is safer" is one of the most expensive lubrication myths in industry. It is wrong. Overgreasing can lead to high operating temperatures, collapsed seals, energy loss, and bearing failures. Excessive grease volume creates problems that are just as serious as insufficient lubrication.
When too much grease is pushed into a bearing cavity, the rolling elements have to churn through excess grease. That creates heat and pressure. This can result in seal failure, grease blowout, and overheating. Excessive grease filling has also been linked to roller slipping and smearing damage in rolling element bearings.
Grease is meant to provide the right lubricating film, not to completely pack every space. Relubrication quantity and interval should match the bearing design and operating conditions. Application conditions dictate lubrication quantities and frequencies, and automatic systems are often recommended specifically to avoid both overgreasing and undergreasing.
Can too much grease damage a bearing?
Yes. Overgreasing can raise temperature, damage seals, increase energy use, and shorten bearing life.
Need help choosing the right grease quantity and relubrication practice? Banesto can help you reduce bearing failures caused by overgreasing.
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