How to lubricate or replace a generator bearing

The optimal lubricant for car generator bearings is provided by the manufacturer and is designed for the entire service life of the unit. In analogue spare parts, the lubricant is of poor quality, preservative or completely absent. Therefore, in the event of premature wear of a part due to malfunctions and the need to replace it, the question arises: “What kind of lubricant should I lubricate the bearings of a car generator so that they last a long time and do not make noise?”

Since the generator rotor rotates 2–3 times faster than the crankshaft and operates over a wide temperature range, increased demands are placed on lubrication. Read this article about when you need to change the lubricant in the bearings, how to choose it correctly, and what is the best lubricant for generator bearings available in Russia.

Which bearing lubricant is best to choose?

The automotive market is replete with materials with various compositions for lubricating wheel bearings. Manufacturers claim that each product is of high quality, useful for the machine and safe for humans. They differ in structure, consistency, temperature conditions of use, and price. How to guess what kind of lubricant to lubricate bearings if there are thousands of offers for cars on store shelves? This review presents the best manufacturers that have passed all tests, receiving high consumer trust.

• Liqui Moly. A well-known German manufacturing concern, on the world market since 1957. The company is engaged in innovative developments and produces more than 6,000 types of automobile products. The brand's assortment includes a full range of lubricants and auto chemicals.
• Castrol. The UK company is a leader in automotive innovation and the production of synthetic and semi-synthetic mixtures. According to testing results in 2012, Castrol brand motor oil was recognized as the most professional means of extending engine life by 25%.
• Suprotec . The Russian manufacturing company was founded in 2002. The main activity is the development, production, distribution of lubricants and auto chemicals. The brand guarantees high quality standards and has over 10,000 points of sale throughout the Russian Federation.
• Total . The largest oil and gas concern producing a wide range of chemical products, including automotive and industrial oils, fuels and additives. Today, Total auto products are sold in more than 130 countries.
• VMPAUTO . St. Petersburg company, developer, manufacturer, distributor of lubricant mixtures with a wide spectrum of action. Unique auto lubricants are based on the principle of restoring wear surfaces of rotating mechanisms. VMPAUTO automobile mixtures were awarded the prestigious Concours Lepine award.
• Chevron. The largest American energy corporation takes a leading position in the field of technological developments, developing new capabilities in the field of distillation of fuels and motor mixtures. According to consumer reviews, Shevron supplies retail with the best bearing lubricants, maintaining a good price/quality balance.
• Mobil. Recognized world leader in motor lubricants and oils. Mobil products are of high quality, reliable protection of the generator, bearings, bushings, vehicle components at high operating temperatures and virtually zero wear on engine mechanisms during startup.

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Self-diagnosis

A generator bearing is a device used to ensure that the shaft rotates with minimal resistance. This element receives and also transmits the load from the moving mechanism to other components of the structure.

Before changing the device, it is necessary to diagnose its performance; this procedure is quite simple:

1. First you need to remove the strap from the pulley.
2. Then the car engine starts.
3. If there is no sound or hum after starting the engine, this indicates that the bearings of the device need to be changed.

Rating of bearing lubricants

15 types of different lubricants from leading manufacturers took part in compiling the rating. Experts conducted an in-depth analysis of the characteristics and took into account consumer reviews. The final decision was made on the basis that a good lubricant for car bearings must meet the following parameters:

• Chemical composition;
• Consistency;
• Action when heated;
• Operational protection;
• Water resistance;
• Anti-corrosion protection;
• Efficiency;
• Replacement period;
• Price.

After analyzing the nominees for compliance with the requirements, experts were able to select the best. Two categories were compiled with a detailed description of the best lubricants, their advantages and disadvantages.

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The role of lubricants

The use of lubricants reduces friction on the surface of the roller-separator, dampens the impact load of the rolling elements on the cage and, accordingly, reduces noise during operation of the mechanism. Also, the use of lubricants promotes uniform distribution of heat from the friction surfaces, serves as a kind of buffer that protects the bearing from mechanical contamination (the higher the accuracy of the assembly and the higher the speed of its rotation, the more important this factor is), and also protects the metal surface from corrosion.

Best High Temperature Bearing Greases

High heating of parts of rotating mechanisms leads to rapid wear of surfaces, resulting in a several-fold reduction in the service life of the unit. A specially developed high-temperature and water-resistant bearing lubricant helps to qualitatively reduce heating. A correctly selected heat-resistant composition is the only way to extend the life of all elements.

VMPAauto MS 1600

When replacing brake pads with discs suggests itself, you need to think about choosing a special compound. The high-temperature composition VMPAauto MS 1600 for calipers and brake systems will be an ideal choice for owners of passenger cars. The substance is homogeneous, has a plastic consistency, easily penetrates into mechanisms, preventing jamming of threaded connections.

Advantages

• Operating mode from -25⁰С to +1000⁰С;
• Choice of different packaging;
• Anti-corrosion properties;
• Non-aggressive to rubber parts;
• High adhesion.

Flaws

• Fast consumption;
• High price.

Thanks to its thick consistency, it does not wash out. Anti-corrosion properties qualitatively protect brake pads, increasing the service life of the parts several times.

Chevron Ulti-Plex Grease SYNT EP 1.5

Synthetic lubricant composition with a beige plastic consistency. High temperature operating conditions from -40 °C to 232 °C. The highly viscous base consists of a lithium complex, dropping temperature 280 °C. High resistance to moisture and water. Increased protection against wear, rust and corrosion. Condition of use: trucks.

Advantages

• Long replacement intervals;
• Protection against corrosion and wear;
• Withstands maximum loads;
• Does not drain;
• Good grip on the surface.

Flaws

• Insufficient pumpability at low temperatures.

The synthetic composition provides exemplary temperature resistance, mechanical stability, and can withstand maximum loads well.

Mobil Mobilgrease XHP 222

Another example of a quality representative of the best high-temperature bearing mixtures. Full adaptation to operation under the most severe shock loads. Appearance: a homogeneous blue gel mass. Plastic mineral base, with lithium thickener. Does not flow, does not wash off, high protection against corrosion and rust. Temperature operating range from -30 °C to 130 °C.

Advantages

• Versatility;
• Large selection of packaging;
• High adhesion;
• Structural stability;
• Protection against rust and corrosion;
• Water resistance.

Flaws

• High price.

The clear choice of many car owners. Mobil Mobilgrease XHP 222 has a high operating temperature, it is used in trucks, passenger cars, household equipment, and the mining industry.

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The design of the generator unit as a whole is quite complex - this mechanism consists of many elements, each of which performs a specific function. During operation, almost all component parts of the device are subject to wear; one of the elements that most often wears out is the generator bearing. You can learn more about the purpose and malfunctions of this part from this article.

Which bearing grease is best to buy?

The use of lubricant for the rotating and rubbing mechanisms of the car is a prerequisite when it comes to proper maintenance. The main difficulty is how to choose the appropriate composition corresponding to the type of bearing and the unit in which it operates. The following recommendations should be considered when and which lubricant will be the best choice:

• Mobil Mobilgreas XHP 222 is a universal assistant for bearings that are subject to severe vibration and maximum overload. Wide range of applications: agricultural machinery, monoblocks, cultivators, cars, trucks.
• Liqui Moli LM 50 Litho HT should be used for wheel bearings. An expensive but proven product, used for both initial and regular lubrication.
• Chevron Ulti-Plex Grease Synt EP 1.5 is the best lubricant for generator bearings. A high viscosity index plays an important role for a rolling bearing and directly affects the wear rate.
• Castrol LMX Li-Komlexfett 2 has increased stability to high loads, pressure and vibration. Ideal for clutch release bearing, tripod, often used for construction equipment.
• Suprotec Universal-M - inexpensive and high quality. Used for lubrication of gasoline, gas, diesel internal combustion engines of passenger cars and trucks. Not applicable for non-boosted engines.
• Total Multis EP 2 is a universal lubricant for intensive operating conditions. Used for ball joints, roller bearings, universal joints, and other components of passenger/truck vehicles.
• VMPAauto MS 1600 showed good performance in conditions of high humidity. The best area of ​​application is all threaded connections of machinery, equipment and mechanisms that often come into contact with water.

Before you buy bearing grease, you need to set your priorities correctly. Ordinary mechanisms with minimal load are unlikely to need expensive high-temperature lubricants. The choice should be made thoughtfully, based on the actual application goals.

Density

This indicator is determined by the concentration of the thickener per volume of the base substance. Although, the density of the base oil also has a certain effect. Please note that you should not forget that density must be considered in conjunction with viscosity. The composition may have a high density, but the base viscosity will be low. Likewise, it can also have the opposite relationship. the NGLI scale is used to mark the density of lubricants

. On this scale, the minimum density is 0, the maximum is 6. All engineers believe that the level of density depends on the operating speed of the bearing. For car generators, it is recommended to use lubricants with a density of at least 5 points.

How to tell if your generator needs service or repair

Diagnosing problems with PG is quite simple. First of all, their occurrence is indicated by the appearance of extraneous sound from under the hood in the area of ​​the generator - whistling and howling. If the noise intensity increases as the engine speed increases, there is no doubt that there is a problem with the bearings. One possible way to solve this is to lubricate the bearings. The best option is to replace them, especially since the kit is inexpensive (depending on the manufacturer, it will cost up to 3-4 hundred rubles).

But even new bearings can only be supplied with preservative grease. Check their condition and, if necessary, lubricate them to extend the trouble-free operation of the device. However, not every lubricant is suitable for use in such conditions. A car enthusiast needs to know how to lubricate a generator bearing.

Stories of car enthusiasts.

Pavel, Lada VAZ 2114:

“I came across this. I installed new NTN bearings on the generator. They are closed, but at the service center they advised to open and check - often even new ones turn out to be “dry”. With the front one, when I took off the protection, this turned out to be the case. I filled it with Tsiatim-221, about 50%. I closed it and installed it. No problems so far."

Sergey, Nissan Vanette:

“I want to share my experience on how to lubricate a generator bearing without removing it. I have serviced it this way several times, everything works silently. The protection on them is metal-rubber, like an oil seal. I pry it off with an awl or a thin knife, carefully so as not to damage the rubber seal. The cover can be removed without deformation. I score with Fiol-2M, at 1/3-1/2. There is a groove in the bearing race for protection; the oil seal is installed in place without much effort or problems, until a characteristic click is heard.”

Oleg, Toyota Camry:

“I would like to answer everyone who advises lubricating generator bearings. Read the manuals for the car. It says maintenance-free and does not require lubrication, since it is already packed at the factory, and the bearing itself is protected. A good friend works in a service center and says that branded components never require additional maintenance (they took it apart and checked it several times). And for those who want to lubricate it further, you will only cause harm, and the friction will increase, and it will heat up more (up to the formation of a monolith), and the protection can be pushed through, and lubricant can be squeezed onto the contact rings. Then there will definitely be extra problems with charging, etc. Just don’t save money by buying a Chinese counterfeit, take branded ones, the difference in price is 200 rubles.”

Video “Visual instructions for dismantling the generator and lubrication”

You can learn more about how to disassemble the unit at home and how, and most importantly, how to lubricate the bearing, from the instructions given in the video below (author - Sergey Rotanov (RSV)).

The wear of the car generator (PG) bearings can be intense. Lack of lubrication in them causes malfunctions, even complete failure. Therefore, when repairing or servicing the generator, it is imperative to check the condition of the bearings and, if necessary, lubricate them.