Lubricating Your SuperSpeed™ Bearings

All SuperSpeed™ ceramic hybrid bearings come with ultra-low friction, no-contact seals, and light oil lubricant, eliminating up to 90% of the friction associated with standard ceramic hybrid bearings.  But it is also important to provide proper maintenance and care to ensure long life and optimum performance.  

Here are our recommendations to ensure long life and optimum performance of SuperSpeed™ ceramic hybrid bearings:

1. Lubricate your SuperSpeed™ bearings before installation and use. 

• If possible, remove the seal using a pick or small flat blade (jeweler's screwdriver or hobby knife) inserted into the space between the inside of the seal and the inner ring, being careful not to bend or damage the seal.
• Use a spray or needle applicator to apply low viscosity oil, preferably with friction modifiers such as PTFE and/or hBN. Of course, we think our SuperSpeed™ Bearing Lube #32 is the best option, but other low viscosity, low friction lubricants, such as Tri-Flow or a high quality skateboard or RC bearing lubricant may work. Avoid grease and high viscosity lubes, as they will slow the bearing and potentially attract contaminants.  
• If using a needle applicator like comes with our BL32, we recommend a drop or two on each bearing if you have removed the seal, or run a bead of oil around where the seal and the inner ring meet and capillary action will draw it in.
• if using a spray, just two or three quick sprays spaced around the bearing should be sufficient.  
• Spin the bearing in both directions, to distribute the oil uniformly on the balls and rings.
• DO NOT OVER LUBE.  There is no need to over-lubricate - too much oil can actually add friction and slow your bearing.   
• Re-install the seal, being sure it is not bent and is seated all the way around the outer ring.

2. Lubricate your SuperSpeed™ bearings frequently when at the track using the same high-quality, low viscosity oil as in step 1.

• We like to lubricate our bearings first thing in the morning before the first session, preferably removing the seals if practical, and then every or every other session, depending on the length of the sessions and the conditions.
• If dusty or wet, error on the side of lubricating every session.
• If not practical to remove the seals, either because of lack of time or access, running a bead of lubricant or spraying into the space between the seal and inner ring is usually adequate.

3. Test your bearing's performance after each race or test weekend to ensure optimum performance. 

• If you detect any noise or roughness when you spin the bearing, then clean (see step 4), lubricate (see step 1) and retest.
• If it's still rough or noisy, consider replacing the bearing.

4. Clean your bearings at least a few times during the season, particularly after exposure to more severe conditions, such as dirt, rain, etc. (See Step 5 for a Quick Clean alternative.)

• We recommend using a clean, non-water based solvent such as mineral spirits or paint thinner. 
• Pour enough solvent into a glass bottle or container to cover the bearings.
• Remove the seals, and drop the bearings and seals into the solvent.
• Swirl the bearings repeatedly, allow to sit for some time (10-15 minutes) and then swirl vigorously.  This should dislodge any lubricant and dirt in the bearings.
• Remove the bearings and seals from the solvent and blow dry with air and blot dry.
• Lubricate with SuperSpeed™ BL32 or your high quality oil of choice immediately to prevent any rust from forming.
• IMPORTANT: Do not use acetone, naptha or other harsh solvents, as they will damage the seals and possibly the cages in the bearings.

5. "Quick Clean" alternative method: We have also used a spray CLP (cleaner, lubricant, protectant) such as Finish Line 1 Step to clean bearings (and chains) without removing them, if removal is impractical. Results will not be quite as good as those above, but will at least help in a pinch, and is better than not doing anything.

• Remove both of the seals if possible. If you can't remove at least one of the seals, the cleaning process will be compromised, as the dirt and contaminants will not be flushed from the bearing.
• Spray CLP/1 Step liberally into the bearing. 
• Repeat, spraying from the other side, if possible.  
• The spray coming through the bearing should be relatively clear. You can hold a paper towel behind the bearing to test - if the overspray is dark in color, it still has contaminants so repeat the process. 
• If possible, use compressed air to remove the excess CLP when done. Do not use your mouth to blow into the bearing, as that will add moisture. 
• Lubricate before and after first use with BL32 or your preferred low viscosity oil - do not rely on the CLP as a lubrication - they are usually too thin to stand up to racing conditions.