Lubrication of wheel bearings VAZ 2106. Grease for wheel bearings - which is better? Selection Tips

It is urgent to search through catalogs and the Internet for how to lubricate the wheel bearing, people begin mainly at the moment when suspicious unhealthy sounds begin to be heard in the wheels. It is hardly reasonable to reproach drivers for this: modern life is distinguished by an simply unimaginable rhythm. Lewis Carroll's expression "run as hard as you can to stay put" has only become intelligible to most people in the 21st century.

In addition, a car is a complex and multi-component mechanism, and each of its nodes requires attention. An ordinary driver, more concerned with earning money for the benefit of the family, is hardly able to remember what and when to check, lubricate, change and control.

Those who are able to pay for regular maintenance are lucky: the craftsmen will not miss a single detail and check everything that is subject to revision. But there are few such lucky ones, most car owners remember something undone only when it reminds of itself: sounds, unusual behavior of the car or strange exhaust.

How to lubricate a wheel bearing depends largely on the model of the car, its operating conditions, including climate, driving style, etc. But all drivers should have at least basic knowledge of lubricants.

Types of lubricants for wheel bearings

The first and most important remark: only greases, that is, greases, are used for their processing. However, within the group there are varieties due to different composition.

• solid. They are well known to motorists. Its advantages include a very high water resistance. But it doesn't handle heat very well. If we replace calcium “soap” with sodium soap in the base, we get a new modification - Konstaline. It perfectly resists degrees, but it is easily washed out with water. Basically, konstaline lubricants are used for car preservation;
• Litoli devoid of both disadvantages. That is why they have been leading for a long time, leaving solids and constantins behind. They are characterized by wear, moisture and heat resistance with increased performance, they have high anti-corrosion qualities - and quite democratic cost;
• High temperature lubricants are a special case of lithium. To increase thermal resistance, nickel or copper powders are introduced into them.

And most importantly, lubrication should be renewed every 20-40 thousand km (the manufacturer of a particular car will say more precisely in the attached manual). Well, or at least when the hub bearing just starts to react, and does not howl continuously.

What to choose?

There are quite a few good lubricants. However, for starters, you can take something from trusted brands.

• German " Mobile» is the most famous and used. Even those who do not know the name remember the grease under the name "such blue." It is considered universal, well adapted to Russian conditions;
• Molybdenum " Castrol Moly Grease» is especially recommended for extreme loads, one might even say - overloads, since it forms an additional layer of the so-called dry lubricant from molybdenum disulfide. It performs well in cases where scoring is likely;
• Greases « Divinol» have a huge range of features and are tailored to any operating conditions of the machine. For example, "Divinol Fett L 2" has increased water-repellent properties, and "Divinol Kupferpaste" is resistant to extremely high temperatures;
• Company " Molykote” also took care of the variety of products: “Molykote G - 4700” is temperature resistant. And at the same time it is neutral to very different materials; "Molykote BR 2 Plus" prevents seizing and pushes back wear with abrasion, and "Molykote Multilub" retains its properties, almost under water.

Fundamental Lubrication Rules

Even if you are a desperate experimenter, you should not joke with such an important part of your car. Vary, diversify - but subject to certain requirements.

Never, under any circumstances, mix lubricants from different manufacturers. Even if their main composition is the same, modifiers and thickeners can differ dramatically and oppose each other.

Changing the lubricant must be accompanied by hygiene procedures. The bearing is thoroughly washed with gasoline - and this is a vital condition! By the way, if you decide for your own reasons to change the lubricant, do the manipulation twice.

The dosage of the lubricant must be clear. Overflowing it entails energy losses, and the excess will be squeezed out. Underfilling will end with premature abrasion of both the hub and the bearing. A normal dose of lubricant will ensure its rotation - a change in the developed new portion. And then you will not soon have to think again about how to lubricate the wheel bearing.

One of the most important conditions for safe driving is the technical condition of the front wheel hub assembly. Each driver is obliged to ensure that the grease for the hub bearings is changed in a timely manner. Few people know that it is necessary to remove the hubs and replace the bearing lubricant after every 20-30 thousand km. run.

The vast majority of motorists drive from breakdown to breakdown, not realizing that they are often to blame for the need for unplanned purchases of expensive spare parts. Any of the VAZ cars, distinguished by a simple technical device, allows each driver to independently check the condition of the chassis and change the lubricant.

What should be the lubricant for the hub?

As you know, all rotating units are equipped with bearings. The front wheel hub of any of the classic VAZ cars has two tapered rollers. The bearing cones are directed in different directions, which allows you to control the degree of tightening with the help of an adjusting nut. If the bearings are slightly worn, and excessive play is found on the wheel, it can be eliminated by tightening the nut.

In the hub, the bearings are in a kind of cage closed on both sides, which must always be filled with grease. To ensure the operability of bearings, Litol-24 type grease or its analogues are used, of which there are many on sale at present. Any of the selected greases is suitable for bearings only if it meets certain requirements.

The main lubricant parameters to be evaluated are:

• strength and viscosity - these parameters characterize the fluidity of the material and the ability to stay on the surface of the working parts;
• lubricity - the necessary quality, which ensures the maximum reduction in the friction force between parts;
• thermal stability - the ability of a lubricant to maintain its qualities with a significant change in temperature;
• mechanical, physico-chemical stability - a material property that allows you to maintain properties, structure and composition with significant mechanical deformation in contact with dissimilar parts;
• anti-wear and extreme pressure properties - characterize the ability of a lubricant to reduce wear of parts and resist the appearance of scuffing;
• anti-corrosion qualities - any relish should protect parts from corrosion.

How to remove the hub to change the bearing grease

The procedure for disassembling and assembling the hub should be familiar to every motorist. To complete this task, you must have a standard set, jack, workbench with a vice. In case of bearing replacement, it is useful to get a set of pullers for bearings, but it is quite possible to get by with improvised means.

Before starting work, you should purchase consumables:

• grease Litol-24;
• gasoline or kerosene for washing;
• new seals and hub nuts;
• rag.

Removing the front hub occurs in the following order:

• the car is fixed with a parking brake;
• the part of the car where the replacement will be made is raised by a jack;
• the wheel and the metal cap of the hub are removed;
• the caliper is unscrewed and suspended;
• the hub nut is unscrewed, the thrust washer is removed, and behind it the outer bearing separator;
• while holding , the hub is removed.

At this point, the removal of the hub is complete, both bearings are accessible and further work must be carried out on a workbench. Since the service life of the seals installed behind the inner bearings is significantly less than that of the bearings, they should be changed after each maintenance. The price of these parts is low, but the quality and availability of lubrication in the hub depends on their condition.

After the old oil seal is removed, the inner bearing cage can be removed.

• the hub cavity, outer races and bearing separators are freed from old grease with a rag, everything is thoroughly washed with gasoline, wiped.
• it is necessary to carefully examine the surface of the working parts of the cages and bearing rollers. They must be clean and smooth.
• if shells, burrs, scratches are found, the bearing must be replaced.
• if no damage is found, then you can start lubricating the bearings.
• richly lubricated separators with rollers are installed in the trouser seat, the gland is pressed in.

In the cavity between the bearings, it is necessary to lay about 40 gr. lubricants. The hub is assembled in the reverse order of disassembly. It is important at this stage to properly adjust the hub nut in order to prevent overtightening or excessive play.

How to choose the right grease for wheel bearings?

Quite frequent among motorists have become disputes about what is the best lubricant to use for wheel bearings. In any of the auto shops on the shelves you can always find up to several dozen types of lubricants from different manufacturers. The Litol-24 lubricant given in the article is the base one, which is able to guarantee the operation of the chassis at a fairly good level. When buying a new lubricant, it is necessary to build on the recommendations of bearing manufacturers. On the packaging you can often find an indication of which lubricant to use.

Experiments with lubricants for CV joints or parts operating under increased load should not be carried out. All these lubricants are designed for completely different operating conditions. Once again, when removing the hub, you should pay attention to the quality of the old grease. If it rolled up in lumps, dried out and cracked, and the rollers are dry, you need to choose a lubricant from another manufacturer.

Motorists can breathe a sigh of relief, because the times when lithol was the only lubricant for all occasions are long gone. But now there is another problem. It consists in a huge assortment, which makes it problematic to figure out which lubricant is best used for bearings.

A wide choice is not a disadvantage, since it allows the use of different compositions depending on the specific situation and tasks facing the bearing.

Not everyone wants to understand in detail the performance characteristics and physico-chemical properties of different products. This was done for them by specialized specialists and other motorists. Based on their experience and opinion, all kinds of lists and ratings of the best bearing lubricants are formed. They simplify the tasks of choosing, and also allow you to purchase a proven, really high-quality and well-proven product.

Rating categories

To make the choice even easier, the rating has been divided into several subcategories. Each of them has formed its own group of leaders, who are preferred by car enthusiasts and specialists in the field of maintenance of units, where one of the key components is the bearing.

• lubricants for high load units;
• general purpose lubricants;
• greases;
• oils and special coatings.

Now it remains only to look at the favorites and leaders of each of the categories.

High Load Lubricants

Often, these greases have a slightly lower kinematic viscosity compared to general purpose greases. Reducing the viscosity allows for better penetration into friction pairs. Even in lubricants for highly loaded systems, a larger amount of additives with an antifriction effect is used.

The recognized leaders in this segment are the following compositions:

• Motul Tech Grease 300. This is a multifunctional one that has a good operating temperature range. The downside is the high cost. But here it is not a mineral base that is used, but a semi-synthetic one, which can justify a slightly overpriced price tag. Antifriction tasks are carried out due to the lithium complex. It has one of the best anti-friction properties and excellent resistance to moisture and water. Excellent for heavy duty bearing applications. Although, in terms of anti-seize properties, it is slightly inferior to competitors in the rating.

  

• SKF LGWA 2. This is a grease that is developed and produced by one of the market leaders in the manufacture of bearings themselves. That is, the company knows perfectly well what it does and what product is needed for the operation of such mechanisms. The composition is based on mineral oil, which is thickened with lithium additives. But do not confuse with ordinary lithol. The presented grease has exemplary temperature stability, withstanding peak loads up to 220 degrees Celsius. The composition also copes well with moisture, does not wash out and does not react with water. For heavy duty bearing applications, this is one of the best options. There is only one major problem. It is quite difficult to find this SKF lubricant on the Russian market, plus the price is not the lowest. But you definitely will not regret if you treat the bearings with such a composition.

  

• Mobilgrease Special. Product from an American manufacturer. In many ways one of the best options for which grease would be best to lubricate various bearings that operate in conditions of constant vibration. The developers have specially adapted the composition for high vibration loads. Therefore, grease is actively used in bearings of excavators, cranes, construction equipment and ordinary cars. The composition includes molybdenum disulfide, which minimizes the wear of the assembly components. The special composition of lithium prevents lubricant leakage. The consistency is extremely thick, which allows you to effectively cling to the inside of the bearing. There are no problems with adhesion. But temperature stability is not exemplary. Spreading of the composition is possible when the metal is heated above 130 degrees Celsius. And the solidification temperature is about -20.

  

• Renolil Duraplex 2 by Fuchs. Consists of high quality oils and thickeners based on lithium. With the help of an additive package, the stability of the composition and resistance to extreme loads were increased. An excellent performance product for bearings subjected to constant rotation and high temperatures. The mixture also has decent anti-corrosion resistance and does not interact with moisture. The grease is not washed out even when direct water pressure is applied to the bearing. The operating temperature range is from -30 to +160 degrees Celsius. Withstands temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius for a short time.

  

• Valvoline Moly Fortified MP Grease. If you are interested in the best grease designed for rolling and plain bearings operating in high humidity conditions, then you should pay attention to the product of a company from the Netherlands. The composition is based on molybdenum disulfide. The main advantage lies in exemplary moisture resistance. The lubricant does not oxidize even when a direct pressure of water is applied, it does not break out, does not provoke the formation of corrosion, and reliably preserves the metal components of the bearings. Another substance shows itself perfectly in conditions of shock regular loads. It is recommended for use on bearings of industrial equipment, cars, machine tools, agricultural machinery, which are operated at a high level of humidity. Due to the poor resistance to contamination in the design of the bearing, the presence of a protective boot is recommended.

  

• Luqui Moly LM50. According to many experts and motorists, this is the market leader in lubricants. If you are interested in which grease will perform better in sealed bearing conditions, then the answer will be the development from Liqui Moly. It is a high temperature lubricant with excellent extreme pressure properties. Stably retained in a pair of friction, absolutely resistant to washing out, not afraid of water, protects against corrosion. Although the temperature range from -30 to +160 degrees Celsius cannot be called a record, it is still enough for most bearings to work. With all its obvious advantages, even the price was not the weak point of this lubricant.

  

General Lubricants

• Castrol LMX Li Complexfett. The composition is distinguished by a plastic gel structure, due to which it easily penetrates into bearings. A lithium complex was used as a thickener, and the base consisted of mineral oil. Additional additives are used. In fact, this is an excellent grease oriented for use in power tool bearings. But this does not prevent adding such a composition to automotive bearings. The tool is characterized by high mechanical stability and long-term preservation of its initial physical and chemical properties. When the metal is heated, the composition does not flow out. Lubrication adapted to work at high speed. It is almost impossible to knock out or wash the product, which indicates a high level of adhesion.

  

• BP Energy LSEP2. Developed by British specialists. They position this grease as a tool for processing bearings on machine tools, although they also actively use it in automotive bearings. A lubricant was created on highly refined oils with the addition of inhibitors and antifriction additives. It is well pumped, has high shear stability, and easily tolerates vibration loads. The temperature limit is average, and is up to +140 degrees Celsius.

  

• Gazpromneft EP2. Quite unexpectedly for many, a domestic product got into the top among the best lubricants for bearings. The tool turned out to be cheap, but quite effective. In fact, this is the popular Litol 24, but diluted with a special package of additives to increase stability and improve physical and chemical characteristics. Due to the improvement of the composition, the temperature range has increased to 130 degrees Celsius. Antifriction properties are not at the highest level, but for a number of rolling and sliding bearings, Russian-made grease is perfect.

  

• Muc Off Bio Grease. Lubricant manufacturers also think about the environment. This product is based on biodegradable ingredients. It is worth immediately focusing on the fact that this type of lubricant is intended for lightly loaded nodes. The manufacturer even positions the composition as a means of processing and maintaining bicycles. The lubricant has a moderately thick composition, penetrates well into friction pairs, and is not afraid of water. Molybdenum disulfide is used as the main component. The price tag is far from small, but if you need to lubricate a lightly loaded bearing, as well as get a high-performance grease for household tasks, this will be a worthy choice.

  

The consumer himself must decide which lubricant will be best specifically for his car and the bearings used. To do this, you need to know the type of bearing, its operating conditions, loads and other factors.

The best greases

Next, we move on to a separate subcategory, which contains high-quality and effective plastic-type lubricants. They are the best suited for processing sealed bearings, which are based on rolling or sliding.

You should definitely look at which composition is the most efficient, and will provide your car with reliable and stable operation of all bearings.

• Efele MG 211. High performance lithium based EP grease. Ideal for bearing units operating under high loads. The temperature operating range is from -30 to +120 degrees Celsius. The grease has been widely used in vehicle undercarriage components, machine tools, industrial equipment, electric motors, etc. It is characterized by excellent extreme pressure capabilities, is not afraid of water, the composition is resistant to flushing, boasts an exemplary service life.

  

• Molykote Multilub. Lithium grease for a wide range of applications providing long lasting lubrication of machined parts. The temperature range is not exemplary, but the limits from -25 to +120 degrees Celsius are quite acceptable for many situations. It is used in friction units of the undercarriage of machines, in bearings of automobiles, fans, electric motors, ball screws, machine tools for metalworking, etc. It performs well in wet environments, does not wash out with water, and has a rich set of anti-corrosion and anti-wear additives.

  

• Mobilelux EP2. Another example of a quality and efficient lithium grease adapted to heavy duty applications. Temperature operating range from -20 to 130 degrees Celsius. Suitable for use in automobiles, industrial equipment, bushings. The composition perfectly manifests itself in conditions of increased loads, high speeds and shock loads. The agent contains high-quality anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties, is not washed out with water even under conditions of prolonged constant exposure.

  

• Renolit EP2. Multifunctional lithium grease, which includes extreme pressure and. The current operating temperature range is from -25 to 130 degrees Celsius. In many ways, it resembles the previous lubricant, has the same properties and capabilities.

  

• Shell Gadus S2 V100 2. Lithium-based multipurpose grease. Interestingly, the manufacturer indicates only an upper temperature limit of 130 degrees Celsius. Lubrication is widely used in bearings of electric motors, water pumps. Recommended for use in sealed bearings that are lubricated only once during the entire period of operation. The strengths include high anti-corrosion, oxidative and mechanical stability.

  The main difficulty lies in choosing a lubricant in accordance with the characteristics of the bearing itself, the assembly in which it is located and functioning, taking into account operating conditions and expected loads. Do not forget that in addition to the main loads that are relevant during stable operation, there are also peak loads. Whether lubrication will cope with them is also a big question, which should be answered in advance.

September 13, 2017

Front and rear wheel bearing assemblies operate under severe conditions, subjected to friction, vehicle weight and impact from uneven road surfaces. In addition, they are heated from the side of the brakes, since the metal is a good conductor of heat. To reduce the impact of these factors, applying a high-quality composition to the working surfaces that reduces the friction force will help. In order to extend the life of parts and not harm, it is necessary to decide what kind of grease to lubricate the hub bearings and how to do it correctly.

Lubricant Requirements

At the end of the last century, separators of various bearings were filled with two types of compositions - Litol-24 and Ciatim-201. Now a huge number of products from various brands are on the shelves of car dealerships, among which it is not surprising to get confused. Again, not every grease is suitable for car hubs.

To find out which lubricant is better, you need to formulate the requirements for it and compare it with the instructions on the package:

1. The material should not spread when heated. In summer, the temperature of the road surface reaches 70 ° C, add friction and brake work here. At increased loads, the bearing cages heat up to 140 ° C, which is how much the lubricant must withstand.
2. The composition thickened in severe frost will not allow the balls or rollers to roll and they will begin to slide. Hence the scuffing and accelerated wear of the elements. This means that the material must remain plastic up to a temperature of minus 40 °C.
3. Since the wheels are constantly in contact with water, it inevitably gets into the hubs. The lubricating composition must not lose its properties after contact with moisture and, in addition, protect metal parts from corrosion.
4. It is better to use a lubricant that changes consistency depending on the load and heat. The wheel rotates faster - the bearing heats up - the material liquefies and lubricates the part more intensively. When slowing down, the process is reversed.
5. The composition must be chemically resistant and neutral with respect to polymers and rubber, from which anthers and stuffing boxes are made.

It is important that the lubricant retains the listed properties for as long as possible, then the life of the bearing assembly can increase up to 100 thousand kilometers.

Varieties of wheel lubricants

Like liquid oils, compositions for lubricating rubbing parts are made on a mineral or synthetic basis with special additives - thickeners. The latter play a major role in the formation of material properties. There are several types of additives:

• the so-called lithium soap;
• the same, with the addition of copper phthalocyanine, sodium or other metals;
• thickener based on polyurea with the addition of silica gel and a stabilizing agent - calcium sulfonate;
• polytetrafluoroethylene additive (otherwise - Teflon) serves as a thickener for expensive perfluoropolyether lubricants.

It is also customary to add molybdenum disulfide to liquid and thick oils, which improves extreme pressure and anti-corrosion properties.

Lubricants with a lithium additive are light, black or brown in color and are now considered obsolete. They have rather high antifriction properties and often serve for 80-100 thousand km. On one condition: if water does not get in through a damaged anther from the outside: the lubricant poorly protects the assembly from corrosion. Such products include the well-known Litol-24, foreign analogues - British Petroleum and Renolit.

Lithium high temperature wheel bearing grease containing copper phthalocyanine is blue or green in color and outperforms its predecessor in performance. Having retained the duration and efficiency of work, the composition has acquired increased anti-corrosion properties and therefore is widely used for servicing passenger cars. The maximum operating temperature of the lubricant is 180 °C. Examples of such products are Litho HT, Castrol LMX and LM 50.

A more modern mineral-based grease for hub bearings with the addition of polyurea is able to operate in the temperature range from minus 20 to plus 180 ° C, outperforming lithium compounds in terms of durability and corrosion resistance. A bright representative is the AIMOL Greasetech Polyurea EP 2 product, which can withstand temperatures of +220 °C for a short time without spreading. Since salts of various metals are not used in the thickener, oxidation processes are excluded, therefore the service life of the material is equal to the resource of the bearing itself.

Perfluoropolyether lubricants are worth mentioning briefly because they are too expensive. Some Japanese and German manufacturers put them in bearings, but for ordinary users the price is too high.

Molybdenum-containing oils, which have long been in vogue, have earned a good reputation. But in relation to the mechanisms of the hubs, these materials sin with one drawback: when moisture and air enter the assembly, molybdenum disulfide enters into a complex reaction with them, which causes sulfuric acid to be released, albeit in meager amounts. This reduces the life of parts, instead of extending.

What should not be used to lubricate bearings?

Not all thick compounds are suitable for use in automotive hubs. For example, traditional grease is not the best lubricant for such units, since it is not able to compensate for the friction of parts under conditions of large temperature differences. A number of other lubricants fall into the same category:

1. Graphite grease tolerates loads well, but contains abrasive particles that quickly destroy the metal parts of the bearing.
2. Compositions based on vaseline or silicone lose their antifriction properties due to an increase in operating temperature up to 60 ° C, which is clearly not enough for a bearing assembly.
3. A group of lubricants, including calcium and sodium compounds, reduces the friction of parts, but does not protect against corrosion.
4. A popular product called "Shrus-4", designed to work in rough hinged mechanisms.

What substances this or that material contains should be indicated on the packaging. Read this list carefully before lubricating the bearing rollers with new grease.

Hub assembly service

To begin with, it should be understood that in most modern foreign-made passenger cars, roller maintenance-free bearings of a closed type are installed. This means that at the factory, the required amount of lubricant is put into the separator, calculated for the full life of the element. There is no need to specially disassemble it during operation.

Domestic manufacturers of cars and spare parts for them are moving in the same way. On average, the resource of a closed bearing assembly on VAZ front-wheel drive vehicles is 60 thousand km, after which a new spare part is installed. You can lubricate the bearing earlier, but you will not achieve a significant extension of the "life".

Often, motorists buy foreign high-quality analogues from the brands FAG, SKF, NTN, NSK or Koyo, capable of working up to 300 thousand km without any maintenance.

To get to the front wheel bearing, you will have to disassemble part of the suspension:

1. Put the car on a flat area, fix it with a handbrake and remove the wheel.
2. Unlock and pull out the brake pads, then dismantle the caliper by tying it with wire to the body.
3. With a puller, squeeze out the ball pin of the thrust and unscrew the lower mount of the steering knuckle.
4. Loosen and unscrew the hub nut, then carefully separate it from the axle shaft joint.

A few words on how to lubricate a wheel bearing. The old material must be removed and all parts washed, then the new material must be laid and the assembly assembled. Remember that there should not be a lot of lubricant - a maximum of 30% of the internal volume of the element itself.

Bearings provide movement in mechanisms. With their help, the elements of the system slide. For a long and high-quality functioning of the parts, they must be properly cared for. Lubrication for bearings is one of the main elements that ensure their movement. How to choose the right sliding substance should be studied before servicing the elements of the mechanism.

Bearing lubrication functions

Lubrication is used for a specific purpose. The main functions of the substance can be called the following:

• reduction of friction between the constituent parts of the part;
• an increase in the sliding of surfaces as a result of their deformations when a load occurs;
• forming a layer, grease for bearings reduces the impact of parts of the part during operation, prolonging their durability;
• allows you to evenly distribute the heat generated by the friction of the constituent elements against each other;
• performs the function of a coolant at elevated operating temperatures;
• corrosion protection;
• Prevents dust and dirt from getting inside the part.

In order for grease for bicycle, automotive bearings, as well as in electric motors and other systems to perform all of the listed functions, it is necessary to take into account the conditions for using the part.

Temperature regime

At low temperatures, high-temperature bearing grease crystallizes and thickens. A substance not designed for operation with high heating will coke and dry out.

Therefore, when using an agent for a motor, such as an electric motor, it is necessary to use paste-like agents. They will ensure the normal operation of the system at temperatures from +200 to +1000 degrees. Before raising this indicator to the line of +280 degrees, high-temperature lubricants, like a paste, act as an anti-seize coating. This protects the part from jamming.

For part operation in the range from -30 to +120 degrees, the best bearing grease will have a mineral base.

At temperatures from -40 to -70 degrees, silicone products should be used to slide the elements of parts. In everyday life, they are used less frequently than the two previous options.

Temperature is far from the only factor that is taken into account when choosing a sliding agent. Which one is better to choose will tell you the speed of the part, the type of medium and the load acting on the system.

Rotation, loads and bearing environment

When the speed limit for which the lubricant is designed is reached, it will spread to the edges. Inside, the part begins to dry out.

The speed limit is set individually for a medium such as bearing grease. Which is better should be determined based on this indicator. Synthetic agents are used for high-speed mechanisms.

Negative factors affecting the sliding substance should be considered when choosing the best bearing grease. Water, dust, acid or steam will affect it.

For maintenance of equipment used under the influence of acids, solvents, preference should be given to products that are resistant to such influences.

For example, bicycle bearing grease must be resistant to a lot of moisture and dust.

The load is also taken into account when choosing a part care product. The higher it is, the more the substance is squeezed out of the contact point. Having solid substances (graphite, molybdenum) in its composition, the lubricant will ensure reliable operation of the system. There are even completely dry means of sliding.

Wheel bearing lubrication

The hub bearing is one of the integral parts of the running car. When it breaks, a knock occurs during the control of the machine.

The functions assigned to the sliding means of the presented part are as follows:

• reduction of friction of the constituent parts of the hub;
• protection against corrosion, pollution;
• create resistance to temperature increase;
• have sealing properties.

Incorrect selection and operation of wheel bearing lubrication will cause equipment breakdown.

Lubrication of rolling bearings

The presented type of means for the operation of bearings is used for various types of equipment. Depending on the type of mechanisms, liquid oils, plastic and solid substances are used.

The lubricant used for this type of elements, in addition to the main factors, can take into account the operating conditions of the unit in conditions of increased requirements for its cleanliness, the possibility of using the mechanism in the catering department. It can ensure low noise and environmental friendliness.

To decide which lubricant to use for bearings, it should be noted that the most preferred material for this purpose is liquid oil. This substance has the best indicators of heat removal, worn particles of the part body, produced by friction. The oil has good penetrating power.

However, due to the increase in construction costs and the possibility of leakage of the substance, plastic means are more often used. They are more durable than liquid lubricants. This reduces construction costs.

Motor bearings

Lubrication for electric motor bearings keeps them clean and prevents dust, sand or dirt from entering the part.

For each type of engine, the appropriate oil is used. It should be changed periodically.

In low-speed electric motors, brand 30 (L) grease is used. For fast-moving varieties, a substance labeled 20 (#3) is suitable. For medium-speed electric motors, both types of the presented means are suitable.

Any system needs periodic topping up of oil. This should be done every 10 days. Also, the high temperature bearing grease needs to be completely replaced every 3 weeks if the equipment is used continuously.

Bicycle bearings

Don't skimp on systems products. The quality of this material directly affects the operation of the equipment.

The frequency of maintenance of bicycle bearings depends on the type of assembly design. Sleeves on closed cartridges are serviced much less frequently than on open ones.

Bulk bicycle bearing grease should be changed at least once a season or twice a year.

A hygroscopic variety of a product with a wide range of temperature fluctuations and good adhesion, of a transparent type, is best suited for this.

Complex calcium, sodium lubricants

Of the heat-resistant agents, complex calcium lubricants are the most common varieties, since they have a relatively low cost.

There are two types of them. The first type is uniol, obtained by thickening petroleum oils with kCa-soap of synthetic fatty acids. The second one is CIATIM-221. It is obtained by thickening polysiloxane liquids with kSa-soap.

The first group includes substances such as "Uniol-ZM", "Uniol-1", "Uniol-2".

VNIINP-207, 214, 219, 220 belong to the second variety of complex calcium lubricants. They contain up to 3% molybdenum disulfide.

Of the sodium thermostatic lubricants, the production of only NK-50 has been preserved. It was created before World War II.

Pigment Lubricants

Pigment substances were among the first to be used in the operation of equipment when high temperatures were reached.

One of the most famous is the blue grease for bearings VNIINP-246 (GOST 18852-73). It looks like a rather soft ointment. Its feature is a large limit of operating temperatures: from -80 to +200 degrees.

Blue bearing grease is used for lightly loaded high-speed rolling parts, in electric motors, gear mechanisms operating in conditions of wide temperature run-off or vacuum.

However, this is an expensive product. There are other, cheaper options for such substances. In the same temperature range, dark purple ointment VNIINP-235 is used. But for a full vacuum, it is not suitable. This product is used in low-speed rolling bearings, aircraft control systems.

Lithium greases

Special greases for bearings are lithium varieties. They have high water repellency.

Lithium bearing grease has one of the widest operating temperature ranges. Therefore, it is known as the most versatile slip agent.

The product is prepared on synthetic materials or their mixtures with mineral oils. Various organic and inorganic substances are used as a thickener.

With an increase in the speed of rotation of parts, the viscosity of the substance decreases.

The most famous lubricants of this type include TsIATIM-201, 202, OKB 122-7. For closed type bearings, TsIATIM-203, VNIINP-242 are used.

Solid lubricants

Under certain conditions, for example, full vacuum, cold, high heat, when even a slight contamination of the bearing components with oil is unacceptable, solid varieties of the sliding agent are used.

The most famous representatives are graphite and molybdenum disulfide.

To determine which grease to use for bearings, you need to familiarize yourself with the properties of these substances.

Solid substances have high anti-friction qualities, which are based on their lamellar structure. The shift of the fraction does not require much effort, which ensures a low index of surface friction.

For these purposes, tungsten disulfide, oxides, boron nitride or fluorine compounds are also used.

Such substances are resistant to abrasion. However, to ensure long-term operation of the film of hard varieties, binders with good adhesion are used. The optimal thickness of such a film should be 5-25 microns.

Of the self-lubricating solids, cermet compositions with molybdenum disulfate are used. Also, such mixtures are made on the basis of polymers. Fluoroplasts are considered the most suitable for these purposes.

conclusions

Having considered the existing types of sliding base, it should be concluded that a special type of substance is used for each type of equipment. Maintenance of the part is quite easy to carry out at home, armed with all the necessary knowledge about this process.

Bearing grease takes into account all conditions and requirements for the operation of the equipment. A properly selected and correctly operated tool will ensure a long service life of the mechanism, regardless of which system it belongs to.