Electric Motor Grease

Low Friction, High Protection

Proper lubrication is essential for maintaining the performance and reliability of electric motors. Bearings, a critical component of most electric motors, rely on the right grease to prevent wear, minimize friction, and ensure smooth operation. However, incorrect grease selection or application is a common cause of motor failures, leading to costly downtime and repairs. By understanding the specific lubrication needs of electric motors, you can significantly enhance their efficiency and lifespan.

Common Challenges in Electric Motor Lubrication

1: Incorrect Grease Selection

Using the wrong grease for electric motor applications is a major contributor to early bearing and motor failures. Electric motors require lubricants with specific characteristics to ensure proper function and protection.

Preferred Specifications:
Most electric motor applications require grease with an NLGI grade of 2 or 3, a base oil viscosity of 100-150 cSt at 40°C, and good channeling characteristics.

Key Properties:
Low oil bleed, oxidation resistance, mechanical stability, and anti-wear additives are essential.

Thickener Options:
While polyurea thickener systems are commonly preferred, aluminum complex, lithium complex, or calcium sulfonate thickeners can also be suitable.

Note: the predominant thickener type of grease used in modern electric motors is a polyurea based grease. Polyurea thickeners are not compatible with other thickener types.

The Solution: Monolec® Extend EM Grease (1282)

Monolec® Extend EM Grease (1282) is specifically formulated to outperform standard electric motor greases.

Benefits

✅ Optimized for Electric Motors – Designed for ball and roller bearings.
✅ High Thermal Stability – Prevents oxidation and grease breakdown.
✅ Low Oil Separation – Keeps bearings properly lubricated.
✅ Shear Stable Formula – Maintains consistency under stress.
✅ Wear and Corrosion Protection – Shields bearings from rust and failure.

Monolec® Extend EM Grease (1282)

2: Improper Grease Application

Applying grease incorrectly, whether through overgreasing, undergreasing, or neglecting lubrication, can lead to premature motor failure. Excess grease can cause overheating and seal damage, while insufficient lubrication increases friction and wear. Additionally, manually greasing motors in hard to access or hazardous areas poses safety risks and adds to maintenance time.

The Solution: Optimizing Lubrication Practices

Ensuring the right amount of grease is applied at the correct intervals is essential for maximizing motor performance. To streamline and improve the greasing process, we recommend Single Point Lubricators, which:

Maintain a closed system to keep out contaminants.
Deliver precise lubrication automatically, ensuring consistent grease distribution.
Enhance safety by reducing the need for manual lubrication in difficult or hazardous locations.
Reduce labor requirements and minimize the risk of motor failure due to improper lubrication.

If greasing must be performed manually, always use a hand operated grease gun. Avoid using cordless or air powered grease guns, as they can apply excessive pressure and damage bearings.

Implementing these best practices helps ensure reliable lubrication, extend motor life, and improve operational efficiency.

Star Vario Single Point Lubricator installed on electric motor

Please Note: All Lubrication Engineers products listed on this site are available exclusively by request. To ensure you receive the most accurate product recommendations and pricing, we encourage you to contact us directly to place your order. Our team is available to assist you in selecting the right solutions tailored to your specific needs.

About Lubrication Engineers

Lubrication Technologies, Inc. has been an independent manufacturer’s representative of Lubrication Engineers, Inc. for over 45 years. LE’s line of high-performance lubricants – manufactured and made of highly refined base oils and proprietary additives – far exceed the performance of conventional lubricants in a wide variety of industrial and automotive applications. LE greases offer benefits such as reduced wear, reduced operating temperatures, longer equipment life, enhanced performance, increased efficiency, increased uptime, lower grease consumption, longer service intervals and reduced maintenance. Call our consultants at Lubrication Technologies (413) 788-5823 for more information on LE Products. We will grant a 5% discount, only available to new LE customers.

LTI, has designed and installed Automatic Lubrication Systems for the Aggregate Industry; excavators, backhoes, wheel loaders, compactors and many other applications, both large and small. Not only does the aggregate industry have hauling equipment, there are the other applications that need lubrication systems/operations, such as crushing, screening, stacking, loading, and digging. As each of our systems is custom designed, we can provide many varying configurations, depending on the size of the machine in which they are used.

Lubricants - Small Cost, Huge Returns

Lubrication Management Programs Protect Your Assets and Save You Money:

Although lubricants make up a mere 3% of the typical maintenance budget; using ineffective products, techniques and applications can have a significant impact on the lubrication-related costs that make up 40% of that budget. A Lubrication Management Program designed by the Technical Consultants at Lubrication Technologies, Inc. can help you target those areas where you see red.

Your equipment and components will last longer, run more efficiently and more reliably, and you won’t replace equipment or components prematurely
Your labor force will spend less time on routine lubrication-related maintenance and no time on lubricant-related equipment failures
You’ll reduce over-all lubricant consumption as well as waste

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