Lubrication and maintenance
GLYCODUR® F bearings have good dry sliding properties and do not need to be lubricated. The presence or supply of oil, or other fluids may be advantageous, other liquids not normally used for lubrication, e.g. water, kerosene or paraffin. Lubrication enhances the removal of heat from the bearing and the formation of a load carrying hydro-dynamic lubricant films result in a considerably enhanced wear characteristic and thus a considerable extension of the service life.
If grease is applied periodically for reasons of sealing or protection of the mating surface against corrosion, this will extend the service life of the bearings. A single application of grease to GLYCODUR® F bearings during installation may have a negative effect on the service life; as the grease will form a paste like mixture with the wear particles produced during running-in, which will increase the bearing wear.
Age resistant lithium-based greases are preferred for lubrication, but at operating temperatures over 80 °C (170 °F) silicone greases should be used. Greases containing solid lubricant additives (e.g. molybdenum disulfide) are unsuitable.
GLYCODUR® A bearings have to be lubricated initially with grease. Saponified lithium greases are specifically suited for these bearings, due to their good adhesion, or saponified aluminum greases with good moistening power. It is not necessary to relubricate after the initial application, but the presence or continuous supply of lubricating fluid or grease does considerably extend the service life. For this reason, GLYCODUR® A bushings from 10 mm (0.3937 in) bore diameter and 12 mm (0.4724 in) width are delivered with a lubrication hole as standard. The nominal diameter of the lubrication holes are given in the product table of [GLYCODUR® A - cylindrical Bushings]. The size and position of the holes is in accordance with the specifications in ISO 3547. The recommendations regarding the grease to be used are the same as for GLYCODUR® F bearings.