Plain, linear & solid-lubricated bearing maintenance
Not every component in a bearing catalogue follows a rolling-bearing greasing procedure.
On this page4 sections ⌄
What to check
Plain bearings
Identify the sliding material and whether it is oil-impregnated, dry-running or externally lubricated. A lubricant that is helpful to one material can be inappropriate for another.
Linear guides
Check the carriage lubrication ports, travel length, orientation and lubricant distribution. A rotary RPM-based interval does not directly apply to linear motion.
Solid lubricant systems
A polymer oil reservoir or dry solid coating has its own speed, temperature and chemical limitations. Do not add a generic grease without an approved procedure.
Continue with real catalogue data
Preserve the full model, source description and unknown fields when making your shortlist. This reference website does not sell bearings or certify a replacement.
Related questions and tools
Grease vs oil bearing lubrication
Choose the lubrication system before choosing a product name.
Read and apply →Bearing grease viscosity vs NLGI consistency
NLGI grade and base-oil viscosity describe different properties.
Read and apply →Bearing grease compatibility: mixing & changeover
Grease colour does not identify its chemistry or establish compatibility.
Read and apply →Lithium, polyurea & moly bearing greases
A thickener or additive name alone does not define an approved bearing lubricant.
Read and apply →Bearing regreasing quantity & interval
A useful maintenance schedule needs the actual equipment duty, not a universal number of pumps or months.
Read and apply →Sealed-for-life bearings: lubrication & maintenance
Sealed-for-life describes a maintenance concept, not infinite bearing or grease life.
Read and apply →High-temperature bearing lubrication checklist
Check the whole bearing system at temperature: lubricant, seals, cage, clearance and material stability.
Read and apply →Low-temperature bearing grease & starting torque
A bearing that runs acceptably when warm may struggle at a cold start.
Read and apply →High-speed bearing grease, oil-air & oil-mist checks
High-speed selection combines bearing geometry, lubricant supply, heat and preload.
Read and apply →Water exposure & food-grade bearing lubrication
A food-contact category and water resistance answer different questions.
Read and apply →Cleaning bearings before relubrication
Cleaning is a controlled maintenance operation, not a cure for damaged raceways.
Read and apply →Wheel-bearing grease: NLGI ratings, types & product comparison
Choose wheel-bearing grease from the hub specification and service conditions, not its colour or the word 'premium'. Compare documented automotive and marine examples, then check the exact assembly before use.
Read and apply →Reference basis & data limits
Manufacturer terminology is retained in the product records. Technical reference basis: JTEKT Basic Bearing Knowledge (boundary dimensions, tolerance classes and lubrication); NSK Bearing ABCs (lubrication, designations and clearance); NTN technical FAQs (closure codes and component interchange); SKF rolling-bearing selection and maintenance references.
Selection workflows and catalogue grouping are BearingScope editorial aids. Verify the current drawing and application requirements before using a candidate. Missing database information is not converted into an assumed match.