Question: Do Ceramic Bearings Need Lube

No, full ceramic bearings can be run completely dry. They do not need lubrication to run. Ceramic is non-porous, unlike steel, as a result it is virtually frictionless. Because there is no heat buildup and virtually no friction, full ceramic bearings can be run completely dry.

What do you lubricate ceramic bearings with?

The most common grease used with ceramic bearings is lithium grease with a mineral oil base, suitable for precision bearings. For high-speed, high-temperature and prolonged service life applications, synthetic lubricants are preferred.

How do you maintain ceramic bearings?

Full ceramic bearings are maintenance free. However, they can be washed using regular tap water or a standard bearing cleaner product if required. Make sure the bearing is completely dry before replacing it. These bearings do not need lubricant to operate, so there is no need to add an oil or grease at this stage.

Can you use normal grease on ceramic bearings?

There is absolutely nothing magic about ceramic bearings, including what lube you choose to use. Any grease will work just fine. For minimum rolling resistance, lighter weight greases are better.

Is bearing lube necessary?

Lubrication is absolutely essential to the proper operation of ball and roller bearings. A proper lubricant will reduce friction between the internal sliding surfaces of the bearings components and reduce or prevent metal-to-metal contact of the rolling elements with their raceways.

Should ceramic bearings be lubricated?

Do ceramic bearings have a break in period?

Like has been said, bearings shouldn’t “break-in” (wear down) for at least a few years on good hubs. This holds true for steel and ceramic. Use grease, not oil, unless you have a staff bike tech who will be doing weekly wheel maintenance for you.

Should I clean my ceramic bearings?

You should clean the bearings and the ball retainers. To do so, soak them first and foremost in a de-greasing solution such as acetone or pure alcohol. Leave it overnight to ensure that all the grease have been removed completely. This is the only sign that the bearings are thoroughly cleaned.

Do ceramic bearings last longer?

First, ceramic bearings have lower friction while spinning at high RPM. Second, well-made, high-quality ceramic bearings can have a significantly longer lifespan than the commonly used stock steel bearings that come installed on most production bikes. This is due to the hardness of the bearings.

How do you maintain bearings?

Bearing maintenance will ensure a long service life and help prevent failures Handle and Store Correctly. Use Specialist Tools. Check the Bearing Housing and Shaft. Mount Correctly. Get Your Lubrication Right. Avoid Temperatures Outside The Bearing’s Range. Where Possible, Prevent Corrosion. Choose Your Replacement Carefully.

What is ceramic grease?

Ceramic Grease is a durable, high-quality ceramic grease. It has been specially developed for applications requiring high pressure and temperature resistance. Ceramic Grease is free of silicones and metal, as a result of which the product meets the environmental regulations on the use of heavy metals.

Is ceramic grease good?

The grease has excellent lubricating properties and has extremely good thermal stability. The grease retains/regains its consistency even during temporary high temperature peaks (225 °C) which can arise in wheel bearings under heavy braking.

Is Lithium grease better than regular grease?

Lithium-complex greases generally possess good stability, high-temperature characteristics and water-resistance properties. The dropping point and high-temperature life of calcium-sulfonate greases are also better, allowing these greases to be used at higher temperatures.

When should you lubricate bearings?

Lubricating a bearing once per week or once per month may seem like a sensible thing to do. After all, performing scheduled maintenance at regular periods is an age-old concept. Bearings need grease for one reason only, to reduce friction.

Should bearings be greased or oiled?

Oils are the preferred lubricant in open bearing designs or when low torque or high speeds are the priority during bearing operation. “This is due to the relatively lower viscosities as compared to greases. Oil lubrication allows for more efficient movement of the ball through the lubricant, as compared to greases.”Mar 4, 2016.

How often do bearings need to be greased?

Using the chart and the formula, the bearing only needs 8 grams of grease every 10,000 hours. If your grease gun delivers around 1.35 grams per stroke, that means the bearing needs 6 strokes every 13 months; you could average it out to a stroke every 8 weeks or so.

Can ceramic bearings rust?

The relative hardness of ceramic bearings results in increased durability over comparable steel bearings. Ceramic material does not rust, unlike steel, meaning exposure to moisture is less of a concern, particularly for full ceramic bearings. They require less lubrication and do not suffer from pitting.

Are ceramic bearings quieter than steel?

The ceramic balls, when manufactured by a top-quality bearing manufacturer, are rounder, lighter, and smoother than steel balls. In addition, ceramic hybrid ball bearings require less lubrication than steel bearings since the surface of ceramic balls is much smoother.

What is a disadvantage of ceramic bearings?

Ceramic bearings have lower load capacities in comparison to metals and are sensitive to thermal shock. Thermal shock is when the temperature gradient within the material causes a differential expansion, which results in an internal stress. This stress can exceed the strength of the material thus forming a crack.

Are ceramic bearings worth it?

Faster, lighter, and more durable? According to research, a well-made ceramic bearing will roll faster, saving you energy and allowing faster cruising speeds compared to an equivalent steel bearing. This is because the properties of ceramic allow the creation of rounder, smoother bearings.

Can ceramic bearings get wet?

Are Ceramic Bearings Waterproof? Nope. Although the ceramic balls will not be affected by rust, the steel casings of each bearing are still vulnerable to the elements.

How often should you clean your bearings?

Remember, bearings only need to be cleaned about once every two to three months depending on the environment you are skating in. If you primarily skate inside several times a month but the surface is not cleaned often, you might have to shine up your bearings once a month.