The influence of lubricating greases on rolling bearing failure

Significant savings can be made by the correct use of lubricants in terms of energy consumption, replacement parts, maintenance costs and the reduction of machinery downtime, because the service life of machines is one of the most important aspects of engineering. Planned preventive maintenance means the minimisation of failures and of maintenance costs; the technology should allow identification of the tribomechanical systems in all operating conditions and of the tribological regime and duration of operation. Despite the enormous advances that have been made over the last thirty years in the theory of rolling bearing lubrication, the successful operation of rolling bearings remains highly dependent on empirical knowledge. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of lubricating grease on rolling bearing failure; the experimental work was carried out at a metalworking factory.