This Resource Centre provides general guidance only. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, the product technical data sheet and your site’s safe system of work. Isolate stored energy before maintenance. For safety-critical, regulated or uncertain applications, ask a competent engineer or the product manufacturer to confirm the specification.
Relubrication: quantity, interval and method
Relubrication replaces oil that has bled from the grease, refreshes depleted additives and can help purge contamination. It must occur before the existing lubricant can no longer perform.
Why there is no universal interval
The correct interval depends on bearing type and size, speed, temperature, load, orientation, vibration, contamination, seal design and grease performance. Calendar-based schedules are useful only when they reflect the actual duty.
Why more is not always better
Excess grease can churn, raise temperature and damage seals. Too little can leave surfaces without an adequate film. Use the equipment or bearing manufacturer’s calculation and make sure displaced grease has a safe escape path where required.
A clean relubrication routine
- Confirm the correct lubricant and quantity.
- Inspect the grease gun, cartridge and connector.
- Clean the grease nipple and surrounding area.
- Check that the relief or purge path is open where the design requires it.
- Add the specified amount at an appropriate rate.
- Wipe away expelled grease safely.
- Record the date, quantity, product and any abnormal observation.
Improve the schedule with evidence
Temperature, vibration, lubricant analysis, inspection findings and grease condition can show whether the interval is too long or too short. Change one controlled variable at a time and document the result.
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