Glossary
Limiting speed
Grenzdrehzahl
The limiting speed is the speed a rolling bearing should not permanently exceed for mechanical-kinematic reasons: centrifugal forces on rolling elements and cage, cage stability and guidance, the sliding speed of contact seals, and the lubricant's ability to maintain a load-carrying film. Unlike the reference speed, it is a design limit rather than a thermal one.
Catalogues usually state separate values for grease and oil lubrication, oil generally permitting higher speeds; bearings with rubbing seals have lower limits than open or shielded versions. Exceeding it risks cage wear, lubricant ejection and overheating. Sustained high speeds call for oil lubrication, special cages, higher precision or hybrid bearings.