Does Ceramic Bearing Need Lubricant

There is absolutely nothing magic about ceramic bearings including what lube you choose to use.

Does ceramic bearing need lubricant.

For minimum rolling resistance lighter weight greases are better. Any grease will work just fine. Mineral or synthetic based lubricants are the most commonly used and are designed for general and high speed use. As my understanding ceramic bearing can work without grease but they should work better with appropriate lubrication.

There are a range of options depending on the application. For example compared to steel bearings ceramic balls can operate under the same lubrication conditions at speeds up to 20 higher. 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. All bearings whether steel or ceramic require lubrication.

Bicycles that have ceramic bearings need ceramic grease or ceramic safe grease to maximize performance as well as protect the bearings from unnecessary wear. In order for a ceramic ball bearing to out perform a steel ball bearing grease is not an option. Ceramics have lower density thermal expansion and friction than. 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.

Do i have a carbon fiber bike. 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. For ceramic hybrid and full ceramic bearings grease is recommended but not required. Lube helps prevent rust roll easier dissipate heat and makes steel bearings last longer.

For riding in the rain fully waterproof greases are better stay away from lithium grease. Grease and oil are common lubricants for hybrid bearings but ceramic bearings are less sensitive to fluctuations in lubrication conditions. Does this mean i should run my ceramic ball bearings dry or with light oil. None of these may apply to ceramic bearings.

We are so accustomed to lubing things lubrication everything we do we lube. The grease in a bearing will help capture dirt and particulates and keep them away from rolling elements of the bearing. The lubricant will affect maximum running speed and temperature torque level noise level and ultimately bearing life.