Victory In The Mud Battle: Solid Oil Solves Storage Problems

Rolling bearings with a degree of grease filling of 25% to 35% of the free volume are delivered as standard in the bearing. In the field, however, this is hardly enough to effectively prevent dirt from entering. In addition, when cleaning the mountain bikes, water can get into the bearings if their seals or cover plates are pressed in by the high-pressure jet.

Dirt and water in the warehouse can endanger the driver

For comparison: the bikers often clean their dirty machines with more than 15 bar water pressure. However, standard seals, such as those normally installed in mountain bikes, may only be exposed to maximum pressure differences of around 1 bar. The result: water and other foreign substances get inside, the lubricant cannot adequately protect the steel surfaces in the bearing and chemical reactions occur. Rust scars and crevice corrosion can cause peeling and cracks, which in the worst case can even endanger the driver's safety.

SKF bearings put to the test

Picture gallery

Picture gallery with 12 pictures

Solid oil to prevent bearing deterioration

The development from SKF can help: The bearings are filled with an oil-soaked polymer matrix that completely fills the free space in the bearing and completely encloses the cage and the rolling element. Solid oil is preferred when the bearing point is difficult to access and relubrication is difficult. Or if it has to withstand aggressive cleaning agents - such as in food production, whose systems are regularly hosed down with harsh disinfectants for hygiene reasons. The matrix provides good protection against the penetration of cleaning agents, impurities and ultimately corrosion. According to the SKF, the rolling bearing is practically maintenance-free thanks to the introduction of solid oil, so relubrication is not necessary.

Wheel bearings and seals

SKF ensures driving pleasure in the Jeep Renegade

Other advantages of SKF development: The oil always stays where it is used, it does not leak and does not pollute its surroundings. Much more lubricant is deposited in the bearing than with conventional grease lubrication. The polymer matrix is environmentally compatible and enables the same basic load rating as standard bearings.

Content of the article:

• Page 1: Victory in the mud battle: Solid Oil solves storage problems
• Page 2: "Stress test" in self-experiment

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