Can ceramic bearings run dry?

Full ceramic bearings do not require lubrication to run. Ceramic is non-porous and as a result, it is practically frictionless. Dry ceramic bearings are an option. Unlike stainless steel bearings, full ceramic bearings do not suffer heat build-up within the bearing and therefore do not need lubrication to help dissipate the heat although an effective lubricant can be used to support higher speeds.

Full ceramic bearings are the only type of bearing recommended to run dry at anything other than very low speeds. For other bearing materials, lubrication can be essential to the bearings operation. 

Find out more about our bearing relubrication service here.

If you have any other questions about dry ceramic bearings, contact the team on +44 (0) 1993 842 555 or  sales@smbbearings.com.

Our determination to remain specialised gives us a high level of product knowledge, providing bearing and lubrication solutions to existing or potential customers, whether individuals or large corporations. We don’t just sell bearings, we help to solve your problems. - Chris Johnson, managing director of SMB Bearings.