A question about bearings with oil seals
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Sometimes, when replacing bearings with oil seals, some mechanics remove the oil seal first, apply lubricant, and then reinstall the oil seal. The problem is that removing the oil seal can cause it to become deformed; this approach is taken out of concern that there may be very little lubricant inside the original bearing. Another approach is to install the bearing directly without adding any lubricant. However, when I removed the seal, I saw that there was very little lubricant inside the bearing. Since a seal is used, it’s not possible to add more lubricant after the bearing is installed. This method is adopted to avoid damaging the seal, as the seal could affect the bearing’s balls. How do you all handle this situation?~~ Thank you! !
Bearing manufacturers have taken into account effective lubrication for 1 million revolutions; such bearings do not require further lubricant, unless there are quality issues with the manufacturer. There is very little lubricant in new bearings, and it’s often thought that this means the lifespan of the bearings cannot be guaranteed; this is a common misconception. It’s also why we see machine mechanics fill the bearings with plenty of lubricant. According to the specifications, the amount of lubricant for bearings is generally 1/3 to 1/4 of the bearing’s clearance; for bearings that are used in high-temperature conditions or are subject to vibration, a smaller amount of lubricant is required. Too much grease hinders heat dissipation, leading to an increase in temperature; it also increases torque.
I have an oil seal here that is made of 316 stainless steel; it doesn’t require lubrication, so there are no issues of the kind you mentioned. For more details, you can add me on QQ or WeChat at 624132445