Does Ceramic Bearing Need Lubricant

Any grease will work just fine.

Does ceramic bearing need lubricant.

Ceramics have lower density thermal expansion and friction than. Grease and oil are common lubricants for hybrid bearings but ceramic bearings are less sensitive to fluctuations in lubrication conditions. All bearings whether steel or ceramic require lubrication. For riding in the rain fully waterproof greases are better stay away from lithium grease.

There is absolutely nothing magic about ceramic bearings including what lube you choose to use. Does this mean i should run my ceramic ball bearings dry or with light oil. For ceramic hybrid and full ceramic bearings grease is recommended but not required. We may need to rethink lubing ceramic bearings they may not need any lube not even a thin film of oil.

For example compared to steel bearings ceramic balls can operate under the same lubrication conditions at speeds up to 20 higher. Lube helps prevent rust roll easier dissipate heat and makes steel bearings last longer. Normally from the experience dealing with inter metal friction the light oil may not stay between two metal surface under a high load to decrease the friction. Mineral or synthetic based lubricants are the most commonly used and are designed for general and high speed use.

Do i have a carbon fiber bike. For minimum rolling resistance lighter weight greases are better. As my understanding ceramic bearing can work without grease but they should work better with appropriate lubrication. In order for a ceramic ball bearing to out perform a steel ball bearing grease is not an option.

There are a range of options depending on the application. If you choose to run ceramic hybrid and full ceramic bearings wihtout grease then more frequent cleaning is recommended. None of these may apply to ceramic bearings. We are so accustomed to lubing things lubrication everything we do we lube.

The rolling resistance of a ceramic bearing compared to an abec 3 5 or 7 steel ball bearing is offset by the resistance of the grease he says. Petroleum or ptfe teflon based bicycle greases can cause damage to carbon fiber bicycles so make sure you have a carbon safe grease on hand. The lubricant will affect maximum running speed and temperature torque level noise level and ultimately bearing life.