Relubrication interval

The relubrication interval is the period after which a grease-lubricated rolling bearing must receive fresh grease, because the grease service life is shorter than the intended bearing life. It depends on bearing type and size, speed, operating temperature, load, mounting orientation and contamination. Manufacturers provide diagrams and calculation methods with correction factors for real operating conditions; rising temperature, vertical shafts, vibration and dirt all shorten the interval. For very short intervals, automatic lubricators or centralized systems are more economical. Relubricate with the machine running or warm, allow spent grease to escape, and verify grease compatibility before any changeover.