Does Ceramic Bearing Need Lubricant

For ceramic hybrid and full ceramic bearings grease is recommended but not required.

Does ceramic bearing need lubricant.

Do i have a carbon fiber bike. We are so accustomed to lubing things lubrication everything we do we lube. Any grease will work just fine. Ceramic bearings do not undergo cold welding or corrode so they don t need oil or grease to extend operating life.

Grease and oil are common lubricants for hybrid bearings but ceramic bearings are less sensitive to fluctuations in lubrication conditions. Lube helps prevent rust roll easier dissipate heat and makes steel bearings last longer. For minimum rolling resistance lighter weight greases are better. Mineral or synthetic based lubricants are the most commonly used and are designed for general and high speed use.

The lubricant will affect maximum running speed and temperature torque level noise level and ultimately bearing life. Does this mean i should run my ceramic ball bearings dry or with light oil. All bearings whether steel or ceramic require lubrication. For example compared to steel bearings ceramic balls can operate under the same lubrication conditions at speeds up to 20 higher.

For riding in the rain fully waterproof greases are better stay away from lithium grease. 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. As my understanding ceramic bearing can work without grease but they should work better with appropriate lubrication. We may need to rethink lubing ceramic bearings they may not need any lube not even a thin film of oil.

There is absolutely nothing magic about ceramic bearings including what lube you choose to use. If you choose to run ceramic hybrid and full ceramic bearings wihtout grease then more frequent cleaning is recommended. The grease in a bearing will help capture dirt and particulates and keep them away from rolling elements of the bearing. In order for a ceramic ball bearing to out perform a steel ball bearing grease is not an option.

None of these may apply to ceramic bearings. 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. Bicycles that have ceramic bearings need ceramic grease or ceramic safe grease to maximize performance as well as protect the bearings from unnecessary wear.