MOSIL Lubricants

Myths About Bearing Lubrication

July 16, 2025

In industrial operations, bearing failure can result in unexpected downtime, increased maintenance costs, and operational inefficiencies. While bearings are designed for durability, poor lubrication practices are a leading cause of premature wear. The challenge? Much of what people believe about bearing lubrication is outdated—or simply wrong.

At MOSIL, one of the leading lubricant manufacturers and industrial grease suppliers, we break down the most persistent myths and offer reliable, science-backed alternatives using high-performance lubricants and custom lubricant solutions to protect your operations.

Myth 1: All Lubricants Are the Same

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Bearings used in different environments and industries—from lubricants for marine applications to lubricants for textile machinery— require unique formulations. MOSIL offers an array of options:

∙ Synthetic grease for high-speed operations

∙ PTFE grease for extreme load conditions

∙ Molybdenum disulphide grease for heavy-duty applications

∙ Biodegradable lubricants for environmentally sensitive areas

∙ NSF-approved lubricants for food-grade machinery

Using the wrong product—or mixing incompatible lubricants—can lead to grease separation, ineffective film formation, and eventual bearing damage.

Myth 2: More Grease Means Better Cooling

Packing a bearing with excess specialty greases might seem like extra protection, but it can actually restrict airflow and trap heat, accelerating failure. Instead, choose industrial lubricants with optimal thermal conductivity and follow manufacturer-recommended volumes found in lubricant application guides or through lubricant technical support.

Myth 3: Noisy Bearings Just Need More Grease

If your bearing is making noise, it’s not always a lubrication issue. While reapplication may provide temporary relief, it may mask serious internal damage. Relying only on grease can delay proper diagnosis. Instead, conduct root-cause analysis and refer to lubricant testing and analysis before blindly adding more grease.

Myth 4: Annual Lubrication Is Enough

Bearing lubrication schedules aren’t one-size-fits-all. Factors like temperature, speed, load, and environment all impact lubrication frequency. For example:

∙ Lubricants for mining equipment may need weekly application

∙ Lubricants for food processing or clean environments may last up to 24 months

∙ Low-temperature lubricants in refrigerated systems require specific intervals

Frequent re-lubrication is often required in high-speed or contaminated areas. Our lubricant safety data sheets (SDS) and field support teams can guide you on the right re-lube intervals.

Myth 5: Bearing Lubricants Can Be Stored Anywhere

Incorrect storage leads to contamination—dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations can degrade even the most high-performance lubricants. Implement lubricant storage and handling best practices:

∙ Store in a clean, dry, and cool place

∙ Label clearly and rotate stock (FIFO method)

∙ Use sealed containers to avoid ingress of contaminants

MOSIL also supports OEMs and plants with bulk lubricant supply, private label lubricants, and custom lubricant formulation to match your application demands.

Choose the Right Bearing Lubricant with MOSIL As one of the most experienced lubricant suppliers in India/Mumbai, MOSIL provides:

∙ Chain lubricants, gear oils, hydraulic fluids, and compressor oils tailored for bearings

∙ Advanced silicone lubricants and anti-seize compounds for component longevity ∙ Sector-specific support across lubricants for the automotive industry, metalworking, and more

∙ The option to buy industrial lubricants online with full technical documentation

We support global industries with a trusted network of lubricant distributors, specialty oil manufacturers, and OEM-aligned solutions.

Final Word: Myths Don’t Protect Bearings—Proper Lubrication Does

Incorrect beliefs about lubrication not only waste time and resources but also compromise equipment health. The right specialty lubricants, selected through expert consultation, backed by science, and applied with precision, can drastically reduce downtime and enhance operational output.