Exploring the bearing temperature rise phenomenon after injection of grease: causes and countermeasures

  
​​The proper injection of grease is essential for the temperature control of bearings, and the influencing mechanism behind it involves a variety of variables, including the amount, type, distribution and working environment of grease. Proper application of grease can significantly reduce friction and wear during bearing operation and maintain a stable temperature, but if applied improperly, it can backfire, raise temperatures and damage bearing health. The following is a depth analysis of how grease injection affects bearing temperature rise:
​​​Temperature rise due to excess grease
​Increase the rotation barrier: Excessive grease will create excessive agitation inside the bearing, increasing the rotation resistance, which in turn causes the temperature to rise.
​Accelerate the deterioration process: the rise in temperature will accelerate the oxidation rate of the grease, promote its rapid aging, and the separation of the base oil will harden the grease and worsen the lubrication effect, forming a vicious cycle.
​Improper filling and bearing efficiency
​Increase the friction torque: too much grease filling will increase the friction torque and push up the bearing temperature.
​Damage to the seal: Excessive grease will put extra pressure on the seal, which may break the seal and allow impurities and moisture to invade, damaging the bearing.
​Uneven grease distribution and local high temperature
​New grease fusion problem: the newly added grease fails to mix and distribute evenly quickly, resulting in increased local friction and rising temperature.
​The necessity of running-in period: the new grease needs to go through the running-in period, and the initial speed should be controlled at 30-60% of the normal operation to prevent overheating caused by uneven distribution.
​Improper grease types and lubrication efficiency
​Specification selection error: The selection of a grease type that does not match the bearing requirements may lead to poor lubrication and rising temperatures.
​Grease deterioration or contamination: Contaminated or deteriorated grease will lose its lubrication function, increase friction, and promote temperature rise.
​Assembly quality and environmental factors
​Assembly defects: improper bearing assembly, such as improper clearance with the end cap, can cause abnormal temperature rise.
​Environmental pollution: The insufficient cleanliness of the bearing and its environment will also have a negative impact on the bearing, including temperature increase.
​Negligent operation and maintenance
​Lack of grease skills: Improper operation in the grease process, such as pressure control errors, may cause excessive grease or uneven distribution, resulting in a rise in temperature.
​Insufficient maintenance monitoring: The lack of effective monitoring and maintenance of the running state of the bearing may miss the opportunity to deal with the temperature rise problem in time.
​Key considerations:
​​​Determine the appropriate grease volume to prevent excessive or insufficient grease.
​Select the matching grease type to ensure that it meets the needs of bearings.
​Focus on fatting techniques to avoid potential problems caused by improper operation.
​Regular inspection and maintenance to ensure the cleanliness of bearings and surrounding environment.
​Conclusion: The quantity, type, distribution and use environment of grease have profound influence on bearing temperature. Following the correct grease management strategy can effectively control the bearing temperature to ensure reliable operation and durability.