The Power of Grease (and Re-Grease) in Bearing Maintenance

A Lesson in Too Little, Too Late

We’ve seen it time and time again—clients rolling in with parts that look like they’ve been dunked in a vat of grease, hoping for a miracle fix. The irony? That grease wasn’t there when it actually mattered. The bearings had already seized, the damage was done, and now we’re left scraping off layers of last-minute regret. The reality is simple: proper lubrication isn’t a last resort; it’s a first line of defense.

The Problem: Shaft Damage and Bearing Wear

The shaft that drives the sheave in an elevator geared machine had been running without proper lubrication for years. Without grease, the bearing seized up, turning against the shaft instead of rotating smoothly. This friction wore deep grooves into the shaft, damaging the surface where the bearing was supposed to fit. Over time, the bearing slipped entirely, leading to an improper fit that caused even more wear. Left unchecked, the bronze gear could have jammed against the worm, locking up the entire assembly, burning out the motor, and ultimately ruining the machine beyond repair. What started as a simple maintenance issue quickly became a major failure waiting to happen.

The Solution: Restoration Instead of Replacement

Instead of spending thousands of dollars on a new, nearly impossible-to-find part (as this machine is 30-50 years old), we restored it for our client. First, we welded the worn-out shaft, building it back up and restoring the material lost due to bearing wear. Then, we carefully machined it down to a precise two-thousandths-of-an-inch tolerance to ensure a perfect press fit for the new bearings. Finally, we installed the bearings, making sure they fit snugly to prevent any future slipping or damage. This wasn’t just about fixing a part—it was about ensuring the longevity of the entire machine for our client. And of course, once everything was set, we made sure to give it a generous coating of grease.

The Lesson: Grease Early, Not Late

If the bearing had been properly greased from the start, this costly and time-consuming repair could have been avoided. Regular greasing prevents bearing seizure, which in turn prevents damage to the shaft, gear, and motor.

Grease isn’t a magic fix after the fact—it’s preventive care that keeps your machine running smoothly. A little grease at the right time saves a lot of headaches down the road—don’t wait until it’s too late.