Bearing Lubrication

Lubrication is essential to prevent premature ball bearing operating efficiency. Conventional types fall into the
failure. Probably the most critical factor in maintaining classifications of oil or grease, each with specific properties
operating conditions, the lubricant functions to: correct for different bearing applications. Generally, grease
is the preferred choice due to its ease of application and
1) minimize friction between balls and raceways, maintenance, performing well in the 0°F to 300°F operating
2) act as a preventative against rust and corrosion, range. Oil, however, does function better in extreme tem-
3) dissipate heat build-up, and perature conditions, below -40°F or above 350°F.
4) provide a barrier against the entry of foreign matter.
The following chart recommends the ten key lubricants
The type of lubricant used also plays a critical factor in used by General Bearing Corporation.

CHARACTERISTICS OF GREASE LUBRICANTS USED IN GENERAL BEARING PRODUCTS

COMPANY OPERATING
TRADEMARK MIL SPEC BASE OIL THICKENER RANGE CHARACTERISTICS

Dow Corning Silicon Carbon -0° to 550°F Worked penetration of 280.

DC41 Excellent for high tempera-
ture requirements.
DuPont MIL-G-27617A Fluorocarbon Uidax -30° to 550°F Worked penetration of 295.
Krytox 240AC Excellent for both high and
low temperature applications.
Exxon MIL-G-3278 Diester Lithium -65° to 250°F Excellent for low temperature
Beacon 325 applications.
Exxon Mineral Polyurea -20° to 350°F Long performance life.
Polyrex EM Excellent for high speeds
and high temperature.
Kyodo Yushi Synthetic Diurea -40° to 400°F Long performance life.
Multemp SB-M Hydrocarbon Excellent for high and low
temperature applications.
Kyodo Yushi Synthetic Lithium -40° to 300°F Long performance life.
Multemp SRL Hydrocarbon Excellent for high and low
temperature applications.
Mobil MIL-PRF-81322F Synthetic Clay Bentonite -65° to 350°F Excellent for high and low
28 Hydrocarbon temperature applications.
Shell MIL-G-23827B Diester Microgel -100° to 300°F Worked penetration of 288.
Aeroshell 7 Excellent for low temperature
lubrication qualities.
Shell MIL-G-18709 Mineral Lithium -20° to 250°F Worked penetration of 287.
Alvania 2 General purpose lubrication.

31
 Shaft and Housing Fits
FOR METRIC RADIAL BALL AND ROLLER BEARINGS

To select the proper fits, it is necessary to consider the type Example:

and extent of the load, bearing type, and certain other design Bearing No. 6203 (17mm x 40mm x 12mm).
and performance requirements. Application: Electric motor (shaft and bearing inner ring
rotating).
The required shaft and housing fits are indicated in Tables 1 Load 20 lbs. radial
and 3. The terms “Light”, “Normal” and “Heavy” loads refer to Per catalog Page 5: Basic Dynamic Load Rating (c) = 2153
radial loads that are generally within the following limits (C lbs.
being the Basic Dynamic Load Rating computed in accordance
with ABMA-ANSI Standards). Load = 20 lbs. = .009
c 2153 lbs.
Radial Load Ball Bearings Roller Bearings
Light up to 0.07C up to 0.08C Radial load is less than .07 of Dynamic Load rating (c);
Normal from 0.07C from 0.08C therefore, load is “light”.
to 0.15C to 0.18C
Heavy over 0.15C over 0.18C Table 1: Inner ring rotating, light radial load, 17 mm inner
diameter: Tolerance classification should be h5.
Shaft Fits. Table 1 indicates the initial approach to shaft fit
selection. Note that for most normal applications where the Table 2: 17mm inner diameter (.6693”) and h5 tolerance:
shaft rotates and the radial load direction is constant, an inter- Shaft diameter tolerance is +0”, –.0003”. Shaft diameter
ference fit should be used. Also, the heavier the load, the should be .6693” max., .6690” min.
greater is the required interference. For stationary shaft condi-
tions and constant radial load direction, the inner ring may be Table 3: Outer ring stationary, light load, housing not split axi-
moderately loose on the shaft. ally: Tolerance classification should be H6.

Note that for pure thrust (axial) loading, heavy interference fits Table 4: 40mm outer diameter (1.5748”) and H6 tolerance:
are not necessary as a moderately loose to tight shaft fit only Housing bore diameter tolerance is +0”, +.0006”. Housing
is needed. bore diameter should be 1.5754” max., 1.5748” min.

Table 2 shows how the tolerance ranges of the various classi-

fications deviate from the basic bore diameters.

Housing Fits. Table 3 indicates the initial approach to housing

fit selection. Note that the use of clearance or interference fits
is mainly dependent upon which bearing ring rotates in rela-
tion to the radial load. For indeterminate or varying load direc-
tions, avoid clearance fits. Clearance fits are preferred in axial-
ly split housings to avoid distorting bearing outer rings. The
extent of the radial load also influences the choice of fit.

Table 4 shows how the tolerance ranges of the various classi-

fications deviate from the basic outside diameters.

32
TABLE 1 – SELECTION OF SHAFT TOLERANCE CLASSIFICATIONS
For Metric Radial Ball and Roller Bearings of Tolerance Classes ABEC-1, RBEC-1
DESIGN & OPERATING BALL CYLINDRICAL SPHERICAL
CONDITIONS BEARINGS ROLLER BEARINGS ROLLER BEARINGS
Inner Ring BORE d Tolerance BORE d Tolerance BORE d Tolerance
Rotational Axial Radial mm inch Classifi- mm inch Classifi- mm inch Classifi-
Conditions Displaceability Loading Over Incl. Over Incl. cation1 Over Incl. Over Incl. cation1 Over Incl. Over Incl. cation1
0 40 0 1.57 j62 0 40 0 1.57 j62
0 18 0 0.71 h5 40 140 1.57 5.51 k62 40 100 1.57 3.94 k62
Light 18 All 0.71 All j62 140 320 5.51 12.6 m62 100 320 3.94 12.6 m62
320 500 12.6 19.7 n6 320 500 12.6 19.7 n6
Inner Ring 500 All 19.7 All p6 500 All 19.7 All p6
Rotating 0 40 0 1.57 k5 0 40 0 1.57 k5
in relation 40 100 1.57 3.94 m5 40 65 1.57 2.56 m5
to load Normal 0 18 0 0.71 j5 100 140 3.94 5.51 m6 65 100 2.56 3.94 m6
direction 18 All 0.71 All k5 140 320 5.51 12.6 n6 100 140 3.94 5.51 n6
320 500 12.6 19.7 p6 140 280 5.51 11.0 p6
or 500 All 19.7 All r6 280 500 11.0 19.7 r6
500 All 19.7 All r7
Load 0 40 0 1.57 m5 0 40 0 1.57 m5
Direction 18 100 0.71 3.94 k5 40 65 1.57 2.56 m6 40 65 1.57 2.56 m6
indeter- Heavy 100 All 3.94 All m5 65 140 2.56 5.51 n6 65 100 2.56 3.94 n6
minate 140 200 5.51 7.87 p6 100 140 3.94 5.51 p6
200 500 7.87 19.7 r6 140 200 5.51 7.87 r6
500 All 19.7 All r7 200 All 7.87 All r7
Inner Ring must Light
Inner Ring be easily axially Normal All Sizes g6 All Sizes g6 All Sizes g6
Stationary displaceable Heavy
in relation Inner Ring need Light
to load not be easily ax- Normal All Sizes h6 All Sizes h6 All Sizes h6
direction ially displaceable Heavy
Pure Thrust (Axial) Load All Sizes j6 Consult Bearing Manufacturer

TABLE 2 – SHAFT DIAMETER TOLERANCE LIMITS

For Metric Radial Ball and Roller Bearings of Tolerance Classes ABEC-1, RBEC-1
Dimensions and deviations in inches and millimeters. Tolerance Limits in Inches.
BORE d TOLERANCE CLASSIFICATIONS
inch mm g6 h6 h5 j5 j6 k5 k6 m5 m6 n6 p6 r6
Over Incl. Dev. Over Incl. Dev.
0.1181 0 3 0 -.0002 0 0 +.0001 +.0002 +.0002 +.0004
0.2362 -.0003 6 -.008 -.0005 -.0003 -.0002 -.0001 -.0001 0 +.0002
0.2362 0 6 0 -.0002 0 0 +.0002 +.0003 +.0003 +.0005
0.3937 -.0003 10 -.008 -.0006 -.0004 -.0002 -.0001 -.0001 0 +.0002
0.3937 0 10 0 -.0002 0 0 +.0002 +.0003 +.0004 +.0006
0.7087 -.0003 18 -.008 -.0007 -.0004 -.0003 -.0001 -.0001 0 +.0003
0.7087 0 18 0 -.0003 0 +.0002 +.0004 +.0004 +.0007
1.1811 -.0004 30 -.010 -.0008 -.0005 -.0002 -.0002 +.0001 +.0003
1.1811 0 30 0 -.0004 0 +.0002 +.0004 +.0005 +.0007 +.0008 +.0010
1.9685 -.0045 50 -.014 -.0010 -.0006 -.0002 -.0002 +.0001 +.0001 +.0004 +.0004
1.9685 0 50 0 -.0004 0 +.0002 +.0005 +.0006 +.0008 +.0009 +.0012 +.0015
3.1496 -.0006 80 -.015 -.0011 -.0007 -.0003 -.0003 +.0001 +.0001 +.0004 +.0004 +.0008
3.1496 0 80 0 -.0005 0 +.0002 +.0005 +.0007 +.0010 +.0011 +.0014 +.0018 +.0023
4.7244 -.0008 120 -.020 -.0013 -.0009 -.0004 -.0004 +.0001 +.0001 +.0005 +.0005 +.0009 +.0015
4.7244 0 120 0 -.0006 0 +.0003 +.0006 +.0008 +.0011 +.0013 +.0016 +.0020 +.0027 +.0035
7.0866 -.0010 180 -.025 -.0015 -.0010 -.0004 -.0004 +.0001 +.0001 +.0006 +.0006 +.0011 +.0017 +.0026

1 2
Tolerance classifications shown are for solid steel shafts. Numerical values are listed If greater accuracy is needed, substitute j5, k5 and m5 for j6, k6 and m6 respectively.
in Table 2. For hollow or non-ferrous shafts, tighter fits may be needed.

©1995 American Bearing Manufacturers Association.

33
 Shaft and Housing Fits (continued)
FOR METRIC RADIAL BALL AND ROLLER BEARINGS

TABLE 3 – SELECTION OF HOUSING TOLERANCE CLASSIFICATIONS

For Metric Radial Ball and Roller Bearings of Tolerance Classes ABEC-1, RBEC-1
DESIGN AND OPERATING CONDITIONS TOLERANCE
Rotational Other Outer Ring CLASSIFICATION1
Conditions Loading Conditions Axial Displaceability
Heat input G73
Outer Ring Normal through shaft
Stationary or Housing Outer Ring easily H72
in relation to Heavy split axially axially displaceable
load direction H62
Housing not
Shock with temporary split axially
complete unloading Transitional J62
Load Direction Light Range4
indeterminate Normal or Heavy Split K62
Heavy Shock not M62
Outer Ring Rotating Light recommended
in relation to Normal or Heavy Outer Ring not N62
load direction Thin wall housing easily axially
Heavy not split displaceable P62

1
For cast iron steel housings, numerical values are listed in Table 4. For housings of non-ferrous alloys tighter fits may be needed.
2
Where wider tolerances are permissible, use tolerance classifications H8, H7, J7, K7, M7, N7 and P7 in place of H7, H6, J6, K6, M6, N6 and P6 respectively.
3
For large bearings and temperature differences between outer ring and housings greater than 10°C, F7 may be used instead of G7.
4
The tolerance zones are such that outer ring may be either tight or loose in the housing.

TABLE 4 – HOUSING BORE TOLERANCE LIMITS

For Metric Radial Ball and Roller Bearings of Tolerance Classes ABEC-1, RBEC-1
OUTER DIAMETER D TOLERANCE CLASSIFICATIONS
inch mm F7 G7 H8 H7 H6 J6 J7 K6 K7 M6 M7 N6 N7 P6 P7
Over Incl. Dev. Over Incl. Dev.
.3937 0 10 +0 +.0006 +.0002 0 0 0 -.0002 -.0003 -.0004 -.0005 -.0006 -.0007 -.0008 -.0009 -.0010 -.0011
.7087 -.0003 18 -.008 +.0013 +.0009 +.0011 +.0007 +.0004 +.0002 +.0004 +.0001 +.0002 -.0002 0 -.0004 -.0002 -.0006 -.0004
.7087 0 18 +0 +.0008 +.0003 0 0 0 -.0002 -.0004 -.0004 -.0006 -.0007 -.0008 -.0009 -.0011 -.0012 -.0014
1.1811 -.0035 30 -.009 +.0016 +.0011 +.0013 +.0008 +.0005 +.0003 +.0005 +.0001 +.0002 -.0002 0 -.0004 -.0003 -.0007 -.0006
1.1811 0 30 +0 +.0010 +.0004 0 0 0 -.0002 -.0004 -.0005 -.0007 -.0008 -.0010 -.0011 -.0013 -.0015 -.0017
1.9685 -.0045 50 -.011 +.0020 +.0013 +.0015 +.0010 +.0006 +.0004 +.0006 +.0001 +.0003 -.0002 0 -.0005 -.0003 -.0008 -.0007
1.9685 0 50 +0 +.0012 +.0004 0 0 0 -.0002 -.0005 -.0006 -.0008 -.0009 -.0012 -.0013 -.0015 -.0018 -.0020
3.1496 -.0005 80 -.013 +.0024 +.0016 +.0018 +.0012 +.0007 +.0005 +.0007 +.0002 +.0004 -.0002 0 -.0006 -.0004 -.0010 -.0008
3.1496 0 80 +0 +.0014 +.0005 0 0 0 -.0002 -.0005 -.0007 -.0010 -.0011 -.0014 -.0015 -.0018 -.0020 -.0023
4.7244 -.0006 120 -.015 +.0028 +.0019 +.0021 +.0014 +.0009 +.0006 +.0009 +.0002 +.0004 -.0002 0 -.0006 -.0004 -.0012 -.0009
4.7244 0 120 +0 +.0017 +.0006 0 0 0 -.0003 -.0006 -.0008 -.0011 -.0013 -.0016 -.0018 -.0020 -.0024 -.0027
5.9055 -.0007 150 -.018 +.0033 +.0021 +.0025 +.0016 +.0010 +.0007 +.0010 +.0002 +.0005 -.0003 0 -.0008 -.0005 -.0014 -.0011
5.9055 0 150 +0 +.0017 +.0006 0 0 0 -.0003 -.0006 -.0008 -.0011 -.0013 -.0016 -.0018 -.0020 -.0024 -.0027
7.0866 -.0010 180 -.025 +.0033 +.0021 +.0025 +.0016 +.0010 +.0007 +.0010 +.0002 +.0005 -.0003 0 -.0008 -.0005 -.0014 -.0011
7.0866 0 180 +0 +.0020 +.0006 0 0 0 -.0003 -.0006 -.0009 -.0013 -.0015 -.0018 -.0020 -.0024 -.0028 -.0031
9.8425 -.0012 250 -.030 +.0038 +.0024 +.0028 +.0018 +.0011 +.0009 +.0012 +.0002 +.0005 -.0003 0 -.0009 -.0006 -.0016 -.0013
9.8425 0 250 +0 +.0022 +.0007 0 0 0 -.0003 -.0006 -.0011 -.0014 -.0016 -.0020 -.0022 -.0026 -.0031 -.0035
12.4016 -.0014 315 -.035 +.0043 +.0027 +.0032 +.0020 +.0013 +.0010 +.0014 +.0002 +.0006 -.0004 0 -.0010 -.0006 -.0019 -.0014

34
Bearing Life and Load Ratings

How long a ball bearing will last under load depends on two The relationship between bearing life and applied load can be
groups of variables. First, there are the bearing’s physical expressed as:
characteristics, which include how it is designed, the material
Life in Revolutions:
from which it is made, and how it is manufactured. Secondly,
C 3
there are the conditions under which it is applied, such as
load, operating speed and temperature, the way it is mounted,
L10 = —
P
( ) x 10 6

and the way it is lubricated. Life in Hours:

3
Even if a ball bearing is operated under ideal conditions — C 16667
where it has been properly mounted, lubricated, protected ( )
L10 = —
P
——–
N
from foreign particles, and not subjected to extreme tempera- Where:
ture or speed — it will ultimately fail due to either material
L10 = The rating life
fatigue or wear. Fatigue failure results from the repeated
C = The basic dynamic capacity as shown in the catalog
stresses that are developed in the contact areas between the
P = The equivalent radial load on the bearing in pounds
balls and raceways. Failure shows up as spalling of the load-
carrying surfaces. Excessive wear occurs when operating con- N = Speed in RPM
ditions are other than ideal. These conditions are generally Consult the factory for other life factors.
those which cause high friction and/or heat within the bearing.
EQUIVALENT RADIAL LOAD
PREDICTING BEARING LIFE
Bearings often must carry a combination of radial and thrust
It is not possible to predict the exact fatigue life of an individ- loads. The equations stated in the previous section are based
ual bearing. Instead, the designer of a system incorporating solely on radially loaded bearings. Therefore, when radial and
ball bearings must rely on the results of extensive research axial loads are present, an equivalent radial load (P) must be
and testing done on the life of groups of identical bearings calculated. The equivalent radial load is the greater of:
operated under identical conditions. Tests show that lifetimes
P = XFr + YFa
of such operated bearings vary due to intricate differences
between individual bearings. These lifetimes, however, follow P = Fr
definite statistical distributions. Load ratings, boundary Where:
dimensions, and tolerances for ball bearings and cylindrical
P =
Equivalent radial load in pounds
roller bearings are computed from ABMA and ISO standards.
Fr =
Applied radial load in pounds
Such statistical distributions can be represented by equations Fa =
Applied axial load in pounds
which relate predicted bearing life to factors like the load it X =
Radial load factor = 0.56
must bear, its operating speed, and the bearing’s physical Y =
Axial load factor dependent on the magnitude of
characteristics. It is up to the designer to then determine
Fa/Co
which bearing is best for a particular application by use of
Co = Catalog static load rating in pounds (definition to fol-
these equations.
low:
L10, or rating life, is the life most commonly used in load cal-
Fa/Co Y
culations. It is the life in units of either hours or millions of rev- _____ ____
olutions that 90% of a group of apparently identical ball bear- 0.014 2.30
ings will complete or exceed. Another accepted form is L50, or 0.028 1.99
median life. It is the life which 50% of a group of bearings will 0.056 1.71
complete or exceed. L50 is usually not more than five times 0.084 1.55
L10. 0.11 1.45
Another important definition is that of the basic dynamic load 0.17 1.31
rating “C”. For a radial ball bearing, the basic dynamic load rat- 0.28 1.15
ing is the constant radial load which a group of identical bear- 0.42 1.04
ings with a stationary outer ring can theoretically endure for 0.56 1.00
500 hours at 331⁄ 3 RPM (1,000,000 revolutions).

35
 Bearing Life and Load Ratings

Co, the static load rating, is the non-rotating radial load which Example 2:
produces a maximum contact stress of 667,000 pounds per Determine the minimum static and dynamic load ratings
square inch at any point within the bearing.
required to carry a 300 pound radial load, and 75 pound axial
When static load exceeds the catalog rating, a significant load for 3500 hours at 650 RPM.
decrease in bearing smoothness and life can be expected
when rotation is resumed. C = Unknown Co = Unknown
P = Unknown Po = Unknown
As with dynamic load ratings, static loads are usually a com-
Y = Unknown X = .56
bination of radial and thrust loads. Equivalent static load must
therefore be calculated. Fr = 300 lbs. Fa = 75 lbs.
N = 650 RPM L = 3500 hrs.
The static equivalent load for radial ball bearings is the Po = .6 Fr + .5 Fa = 217.5 lbs.
greater of: or Po = Fr = 300 lbs.
Po = .6 Fr + .5 Fa
Po = Fr Therefore Po = Co minimum = 300 lbs.
Fa /Co = 75/300 = 0.25
Where:
Po = Equivalent static radial load in pounds Then by interpolation Y = 1.19
Fr = Applied radial load in pounds
Fa = Applied axial load in pounds Equivalent radial load
P = XFr + YFa = .56 (300) + 1.19 (75) = 257.3 lbs.
or P = Fr = 300 lbs. Therefore P = 300 lbs.

C 3
16667
EXAMPLES OF LIFE AND LOAD CALCULATIONS L10 = —–
P
( ) (———
N
)
Example 1:
Determine the L10 life hours of a 6203 ball bearing operating L10N 1/3

at 800 RPM with a radial load of 250 lbs.

or C= ( ———
16667
) P

The Basic Dynamic capacity from the catalog is C = 2153 lbs. (3500)(650) 1/3

L10 = Unknown
or (
C = —————
16667
) 300 = 1545 lbs.

C = 2153 lbs.
Answer: Co minimum = 300 lbs., C minimum = 1545 lbs.
Fr = P = 250 lbs.
N = 800 RPM
C 3
16667
L10= (—–
P
) ( —–—
N
)
2153 3
16667
(
L10 = ———
250
) (———
800
)
L10 = 13307 hours

36
Radial Internal Clearance Chart

Radial internal clearance is a measure of the radial looseness, alignment, shaft and housing fits, bearing speed, etc. As RPM,
or play between the inner and outer rings. Precision bearings shaft misalignment, and press fits increase in magnitude, so
are available in five classes of looseness. The amount of loose- should radial play.
ness necessary is dependent on many factors such as shaft

RADIAL INTERNAL CLEARANCE, SINGLE ROW, RADIAL CONTACT, BALL BEARINGS

Tolerance Limits for Radial Internal Clearance of Single Row, Radial Contact Ball Bearings Under No Load
(Applicable to Bearings of ABEC-1, ABEC-5, ABEC-7 and ABEC-9 Tolerance Classes) TOLERANCE LIMITS IN .0001 INCH

BASIC BORE DIAMETER ACCEPTANCE LIMITS

d – mm C-2 STANDARD C-3 C-4 C-5
Over Incl. Low High Low High Low High Low High Low High

2.5 6 0 3 1 5 3 9 — — — —
6 10 0 3 1 5 3 9 6 11 8 15
10 18 0 3.5 1 7 4.5 10 7 13 10 18
18 24 0 4 2 8 5 11 8 14 11 19
24 30 0.5 4.5 2 8 5 11 9 16 12 21
30 40 0.5 4.5 2.5 8 6 13 11 18 16 25
40 50 0.5 4.5 2.5 9 7 14 12 20 18 29
50 65 0.5 6 3 11 9 17 15 24 22 35
65 80 0.5 6 4 12 10 20 18 28 26 41
80 100 0.5 7 4.5 14 12 23 21 33 30 47
100 120 1 8 6 16 14 26 24 38 35 55
120 140 1 9 7 19 16 32 28 45 41 63
140 160 1 9 7 21 18 36 32 51 47 71
160 180 1 10 8 24 21 40 36 58 53 79
180 200 1 12 10 28 25 46 42 64 59 91

For additional information concerning mounting procedures, lubrication, variable speeds and loads, safety or service factors, and other technical data necessary for
proper bearing selection, contact our Engineering Department.

37