Graphite lubrication on the ID face of the bearing will enable you to obtain long bearing life both at high operating temperatures, and in applications lacking a supplemental lubrication. The graphite acts as a dry lubricant and provides maintenance-free continuous lubrication. The ID groove patterns can be filled with a special hardenable graphite paste. Graphite Plugs can be press fit through the wall of the bearing with a special epoxy resin binder. Typical plug diameter is 7mm with a 25% surface coverage. The graphite plugs can be placed around special features of your parts.

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​Graphite bronze parts should be run dry with no oil or grease. When EP2 grease mixes with the shed particles of the dry graphite plugs, it creates a sticky, abrasive slurry. This slurry traps dust and airborne grit, grinding away the precision clearances of the bearing instead of protecting it. The oil matrix in grease prevents the graphite from properly transferring to the mating shaft. This stops the formation of the intended low-friction dry film.

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Correct Maintenance Practices for Graphite Plug Bearings:

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• Run them completely dry: In most standard applications, graphite plug bearings require zero external lubrication.

• Keep them clean: Periodically wipe the mating shafts with a clean cloth or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove grit and stray poly-dust. Do not apply wet lubricants.​

 

When using a Graphite lubrication bearing, an allowance of .001 " to .002" additional clearance is suggested. This extra clearance can be obtained by ordering the bearing with a larger I.D. or by reaming. These bearings should be lubricated prior to assembly.

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Our graphite plug bearings typically have a coefficient of friction between 0.10 and 0.15, depending on a variety of factors affecting performance.