When it comes to keeping machines and vehicles running smoothly, choosing the right grease is important. Different types of grease, like lithium and silicone, work in different ways and offer unique benefits. Understanding which one to use can help protect your bearings, reduce wear, and extend the life of your equipment.
At Fubex Lubricants, we provide high-quality engine oils made to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Enjoy fast shipping, a price match guarantee, and hassle-free returns. Need help choosing the right oil? Call us at +971 50 544 9614 — our friendly team is ready to assist!
Electric Motor Bearing Lubrication Procedure
The goal of proper maintenance is to extend the life of an electric motor. However, using the wrong lubrication method can shorten its service life. A safe and effective procedure should include the following steps:
- Check the lubricant – Make sure the grease gun is filled with the correct lubricant recommended for the motor.
- Clean the fittings – Wipe the areas around the fill and relief fittings to prevent dirt from entering.
- Open the relief path – Remove the grease relief valve or drain plug before adding grease.
- Apply grease carefully – Add the calculated amount of grease slowly. This prevents excess pressure inside the grease cavity.
- Watch the relief port – If grease does not flow out while adding new grease, hardened old grease may be blocking the passage. Stop and clear the blockage before continuing.
- If greasing with the motor stopped – Run the motor afterward until the bearings reach normal operating temperature. This helps the grease expand and settle properly. Keep the relief valve or drain plug open during this step.
- Purge excess grease – Let the motor run at temperature for a short period so extra grease can exit through the relief port.
- Finish up – Once excess grease is purged, reinstall the drain plug and clean off any grease around the fittings.
Understanding Electric Motor Lubrication
Electric motors have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion engines, but their bearings still require proper care. Most motors use grease-lubricated, anti-friction, rolling-element bearings to support the rotating shaft. Over time, these bearings face friction, heat buildup, and wear, which can reduce efficiency and even cause premature failure.
This is where electric motor grease plays a vital role. The grease forms an oil film that prevents metal-to-metal contact inside the bearing. It acts as a protective barrier, reducing friction, minimizing wear, and extending the service life of the motor.
The Right Electric Motor Grease
Choosing the right grease is only the first step. To get the best performance and longest life from both the motor and the grease, you must also follow proper application and maintenance practices. Always start by reviewing the motor manufacturer’s recommendations, since lubrication needs vary with design and operating conditions. Here are some best practices to follow:
Follow The Manual
- Every motor is different. Check the manufacturer’s guide for recommended greasing points, amounts, and intervals.
Clean Before Greasing
- Remove dirt, old grease, and contaminants from fittings and nearby areas. This prevents contamination and ensures fresh grease flows properly through the bearing.
Use The Right Tools
- A quality grease gun designed for electric motor lubrication helps control application.
- Use a separate gun for each type of grease to prevent cross-contamination.
- Avoid overgreasing—too much grease can push past the seal and into motor parts, potentially causing failure.
Monitor Motor Condition
- Watch for changes in temperature, vibration, or noise. These can be signs of lubrication problems.
- Adjust greasing intervals as needed, based on real operating conditions.
Practice Proactive Maintenance
- Schedule regular inspections and lubrication as part of a preventive maintenance program.
- Consistent care reduces downtime and extends the service life of the motor.
Investing in Electric Motor Grease
Proper electric motor lubrication may seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on industrial performance. Using the right grease, applying it correctly, and maintaining it properly can reduce wear, extend bearing life, and improve efficiency. This means less downtime, longer equipment life, and better productivity.
The right lubricant choice depends on several factors, such as application type, operating conditions, and cost considerations. It’s important to calculate the correct grease quantity and frequency for your specific motor setup.
At Fubex Lubricants, we provide high-quality electric motor grease designed for demanding conditions. Our advanced formulations offer excellent thermal stability and strong bearing protection, even at high operating temperatures. Contact us today to learn more about our lubrication solutions and how they can help extend the life of your electric motors.
FUBEX DURA Lithium MP-3 Grease
Fubex DURA Lithium Grease MP-3 is a strong, heavy-duty grease built to handle high pressure. It works well on slide, ball, and wheel bearings, as well as equipment running in tough wet or dry conditions. With added protection against rust, it lasts longer and keeps surfaces safe.
FUBEX DURA Lithium MP-2 Grease
Fubex DURA Lithium Grease MP-2 is a reliable grease that protects against wear, rust, and damage. It performs well in various temperatures and offers long-lasting use, making it suitable for many applications.
FUBEX DURA Lithium EP-3 Grease
Fubex DURA Lithium Grease EP-3 is a strong grease made with lithium soap and available in different grades. It’s ideal for heavy-duty use, offering extra protection under pressure and carrying high loads. Plus, it includes special additives that are safer for the environment.
How to Choose Grease for Electric Motor Bearings – The 5 Variables to Consider
Grease plays a critical role in electric motor bearings. Its main functions are to:
- Reduce friction and wear
- Protect bearings from corrosion
- Act as a seal to block contaminants
Choosing the right grease for electric motor bearings can be challenging. Bearings face a variety of operating conditions such as high and low temperatures, mechanical stress, corrosive environments, and exposure to moisture or contaminants.
For this reason, the best grease should be selected based on its physical, chemical, and performance characteristics. In most cases, it’s recommended to use the grease specified by the motor manufacturer rather than the bearing supplier. For food-processing applications, only non-toxic, food-grade greases are acceptable.
Grease is widely used because it’s easy to apply and provides reliable protection. When selecting the right grease for your motor bearings, keep these key factors in mind:
- Viscosity
- The most critical property of grease.
- For most standard motor bearings, mineral oil–based greases with a viscosity of 500–600 SUS (Saybolt Universal Seconds) are commonly used.
- Always confirm with the motor manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Consistency (NLGI Grade)
- Consistency refers to the firmness of the grease, which affects its ability to move through the bearing and reach critical surfaces.
- The NLGI scale ranges from 000 (very soft) to 6 (very hard).
- NLGI 2 is the most common grade for electric motor bearings.
- Shear Stability
- Over time, grease can soften when subjected to mechanical stress.
- The ASTM D217 Cone Penetration Test measures this property after 100,000 cycles.
- A grease that softens too much can leak from the bearing, leading to lubrication failure.
- Oxidation Resistance
- Grease must resist oxidation, especially at higher operating temperatures.
- Strong oxidation resistance ensures longer grease life and better protection for bearings.
Look for greases with high results in the ASTM D3336 High Temperature Grease Life Test.
- Dropping Point
- The dropping point is the temperature where grease begins to melt and release its oil.
- A higher dropping point indicates better thermal stability.
- Once other requirements are met, always select the grease with the highest possible dropping point.
Do You Need Anti-Wear Agents?
In some motor designs, the bearings face extra applied loads. To protect against this, certain greases are formulated with anti-wear agents, also known as extreme pressure (EP) additives. While these additives help under heavy load, they can also reduce the overall service life of the grease. That’s why it’s recommended to avoid EP additives unless your application truly requires them.
At Fubex Lubricants, we know how critical it is to select the right grease for your electric motors. Our experts are ready to help you choose the best lubrication solution—no added pressure, just reliable products and professional support.
Final Takeaways
Electric motor bearings are the heart of motor performance, and proper lubrication is the key to keeping them running reliably. From viscosity and consistency to correct application, every step impacts efficiency, service life, and uptime.
At Fubex Lubricants, we deliver advanced solutions that meet the toughest demands—helping you reduce downtime, protect assets, and ensure long-lasting motor performance.
FAQs
Q1: Can you use lithium grease on bearings?
Yes, lithium grease is commonly used for wheel bearings and chassis parts in the automotive industry. It resists water, handles high temperatures well, and has mostly replaced older sodium and calcium greases because of its superior performance.
Q2: Which is better, silicone or lithium grease?
Lithium grease is usually the better choice, especially in humid or wet conditions, because it offers stronger water resistance. Unlike silicone grease, it does not contain acids that may react with metal surfaces and cause corrosion.
Editor-at-Large
A passionate writer in the lubricant industry, Awais Iqbal has been covering oils, greases, and industrial fluids since the start of his career. At 25, he’s already written for blogs, catalogs, and brand guides across the UAE. Awais’s insights help companies connect with their audience, and his clear, helpful writing style is trusted by brands in the region.
