Lubrication for Linear Roller

Bearings and Raceways

Minimize Corrosion and Maximize the Life of

Linear Roller Bearing Systems

© 2013 PBC Linear®, A Division of Pacific Bearing Company®

PBC Linear®, A Pacific Bearing Company® April 2013

Lubrication for Linear Roller Bearings and Raceways

Minimize Corrosion and Maximize the Life of Linear Roller
Bearing Systems from PBC Linear

Introduction
Linear roller bearing systems offer distinct
advantages in applications where high speed or
quick change of direction is required. Due to the
fact that their diameter is larger, they also perform
well in contaminated environments where they roll
over or “push” particulate from the raceway.
However, due to the nature of the design having both steel
bearing races and a steel linear raceway, lubrication must be
present to minimize the results of this metal-to-metal contact
and extend the life of the system. This white paper examines
and instructs on the proper use of lubricants with the linear
roller bearing systems manufactured by PBC Linear.

Internal Roller Lubrication

All smaller diameter rollers (in the Redi-Rail®, IVT™, V-Guide, Commercial
Rail, Hardened Crown Roller families, and smaller diameter Hevi-Rail®
bearings) are internally lubricated for long life. No additional lubrication is
necessary for the internal rolling elements of the bearing. The rollers are
sealed (or shielded) against the operating environment to prevent the egress
of lubricant, and prevent ingress of contaminants. Some larger rollers (in the
Hevi-Rail family) are supplied with a grease access point and the internal
components can be re-lubricated using a zerk fitting.

LITTWPGEN-014 4.13 Page 2 of 7

PBC Linear®, A Pacific Bearing Company® April 2013

Raceway/Guideway Lubrication
To ensure long life, it is necessary to have a thin film of lubrication on the Raceway/Railway at all times.
When properly applied, lubrication:

• Reduces wear
• Reduces stress on the contact surfaces
• Reduces friction (and therefore heat buildup)
• Allows for operation at designed specifications of the product (de-rating is required for un-
lubricated applications)
• Helps protect the metal surfaces against corrosion (rust and fretting corrosion)

Lubrication Type
Technical, environmental, ecological and economic factors will determine whether oil or grease should
be used in an application. One of the most significant factors in the lubrication selected is the
environmental conditions. If extreme conditions are expected, it is highly recommended that either PBC
Linear or a representative from a lubrication company is consulted. This includes heavy contamination,
when the expected particle size is smaller than 0.1 mm (0.005 in) as small particles can more easily
bypass seals and wipers.

CAUTION! The compatibility of lubricants must always be checked! This check should be done under
both static and dynamic conditions and within the operating environment. Some lubricants may have
unexpected, negative reactions with the plastics, elastomers or non-ferrous metals within the products.
It is possible to draw upon previous and practical experience or guidelines from the lubricant
manufacturer. When in doubt, consult the lubricant manufacturer.

Initial Lubrication (during installation)

PBC Linear guides and raceways are shipped with a preservative lubrication applied to the raceway.
During installation, it is necessary to apply additional lubrication. Provided there are no application
conflicts, PBC recommends high quality lithium soap grease as the initial lubricant. This grease should
be applied to the entire raceway, not just the portion used during normal operation. Oil or grease may
be used for re-lubrication.

Note: Coated/Plated rails, Commercial Rail, Hardened Crown Roller and Hevi-Rail rails are typically
shipped without any preservative lubrication. (Visit http://www.pbclinear.com/Blog/5-Steps-for-
Finishing-Hevi-Rail-U-Channels to learn more about sandblasting and finishing Hevi-Rail rails.)

LITTWPGEN-014 4.13 Page 3 of 7

PBC Linear®, A Pacific Bearing Company® April 2013

Periodic Lubrication/Maintenance
The lubrication interval is dependent on many operating and environmental conditions, such as load,
stroke, velocity, acceleration, mounting position/orientation, type of lubrication used, temperature,
humidity, UV exposure, etc. The actual lubrication interval should be determined by tests conducted
under actual application conditions.

While the actual lubrication intervals are application specific and determined only through testing, the
following guidelines can typically be used as a starting reference point under “normal” conditions:

 Re-lubrication every 1,000 km; 50,000 cycles or six months (whichever occurs first).

Oil Filled Polymer Lubricator

Some PBC Linear products offer a high quality polymer
lubricator. PBC uses an advanced, oil filled porous
polymer which has been tested to show better
performance and longer life than similar
wiper/lubricators made of oil or grease filled felt. In
some applications, this special lubricator will last the life
of the application without additional re-lubrication.

This lubricant within the polymer is NSF registered for both H1 & H2 applications (direct & indirect
contact with food). It can also be used for wash down & industrial applications. The lubrication within
the polymer contains corrosion inhibitors, anti-oxidants & extreme pressure (E.P.) additives. Table 1,
below, shows some specific properties for the lubricant.

Table 1: Properties for Lubrication in Advanced Oil-Filled Plastic

Upper Temp Limit Lower Temp Limit Specific Gravity Viscosity at 40°C cSt Viscosity at 100°C cSt
99° (210°F) -40° (-40°F) 0.86 150 16.5

LITTWPGEN-014 4.13 Page 4 of 7

PBC Linear®, A Pacific Bearing Company® April 2013

Used Lubricants
Used lubricants should be disposed of using environmentally-friendly methods. Most lubricant
manufacturers have guidelines regarding their allowable storage, use and disposal. In addition, some
countries have regulations regarding storage, use and disposal of lubricants for occupational safety
and/or environmental protection. Furthermore, some companies may have adopted internationally
accepted quality and standards policies (i.e. ISO14001) which will further regulate the use of lubricants
within an application.

These guidelines and regulations must be followed. Care should be exercised as to not specify a
lubricant which is forbidden.

Lubrication Failure
Contamination and Lack of Lubrication are the two primary causes of (ball based) linear guide failures.
Lack of lubrication will cause Fretting Corrosion which can cause permanent system damage and
eventually lead to system failure. As it applies to this product, Fretting Corrosion is a form of damage
caused as a combination of corrosion and abrasive wear. Fretting Corrosion can typically be seen as a
reddish discoloration on either mating raceway (track or roller). Fretting Corrosion can sometimes be
confused with Rust. Both are signs that additional lubrication is necessary and the re-lubrication period
must be decreased.

LITTWPGEN-014 4.13 Page 5 of 7

PBC Linear®, A Pacific Bearing Company® April 2013

Operation in an Un-Lubricated State

While not recommended, it is possible to run most systems without lubrication; however, there will be
significant reductions to maximum load, maximum speed and expected life. Table 2, below, shows that
a typical un-lubricated system will have a significantly reduced maximum load and a reduced maximum
speed when compared to a properly lubricated system.

Table 2: Typical Reductions for Max Load & Speed for Un-Lubricated Systems
Product Lubricated Un-Lubricated Reduction
Max Load kg 100 25 75%
A
Max Speed m/s 2 1.5 25%

In addition to significant reductions in maximum load and speed, un-lubricated system will also
experience an extreme reduction in expected life. Table 3, below, shows the expected life for both a
lubricated and un-lubricated system for two different products with two different applied loads. The
approximate reduction in lifetime has also been calculated.

Table 3: Typical Life Reductions for Un-Lubricated Systems

Product Lubricated Un-Lubricated Reduction
Applied Load 1 kg 45.4 45.4 --
Example Life 1 m 5,410,200 88,900 ≈ 98%
B Applied Load 2 kg 22.7 22.7 --
Life 2 m 22,860,000 533,400 ≈ 98%
Applied Load 3 kg 45.4 45.4 --
Example Life 3 m 50,800,000 863,600 ≈ 98%
C Applied Load 4 kg 90.7 90.7 --
Life 4 m 8,382,000 152,400 ≈ 98%

Note: Actual performance will vary depending upon specific application conditions. PBC Linear has
removed the actual product name from the examples listed above as the results may not be repeatable,
depending upon specific application conditions. While these values are typical, specific reductions should
be determined by tests conducted under actual application conditions.

Contact an Application Engineer at PBC Linear to discuss your specific design challenge.

PBC Linear, A Pacific Bearing Company

6402 Rockton Rd., Roscoe, IL 61073
Toll Free: (800) 962-8979
www.pbclinear.com

LITTWPGEN-014 4.13 Page 6 of 7

PBC Linear®, A Pacific Bearing Company® April 2013

W H I T E P A P E R : LUBRICATION FOR LINEAR ROLLER BEARINGS AND RACEWAYS

MINIMIZING CORROSION AND MAXIMIZING THE LIFE OF LINEAR ROLLER BEARING SYSTEMS FROM PBC LINEAR

Worldwide Headquarters
PBC Linear, A Pacific Bearing Co.
6402 E. Rockton Road
Roscoe, IL 61073
USA
Toll-Free: +1.800.962.8979
Office: +1.815.389.5600
Fax: +1.815.389.5790
sales@pbclinear.com
www.pbclinear.com

European Branch
PBC Lineartechnik GmbH, A Pacific Bearing Co.
Rontgenstrasse 8
D-40699 Erkrath
Germany
Office: +49.211.416073.10
Fax: +49.211.416073.11
sales_gmbh@pbclinear.de
www.pbclinear.de

LITTWPGEN-014 4.13 Page 7 of 7