Effect of lubricants on ball bearing noise

Noise generated by ball bearings has been of considerable interest from various points of view. A noiseless ball bearing has become a necessity in many applications. Noise generated by ball bearings is very complex in nature and depends on a large number of parameters. Lubricant is one of these parameters. This paper deals with the experimental investigation carried out in a specially designed anechoic chamber to determine the effect of various types of lubricants on ball bearing noise. The lubricants used for the investigation include different grades of SAE oils, sodium‐, lithium‐ and calcium‐based greases. Noise spectrum obtained during the investigation indicate that due to inefficient and improper lubricants both the magnitude of noise levels as well as the characteristic frequencies are considerably changed. From the present investigation it is concluded that some lubricants behave very well in reducing the overall noise levels. Ball bearings running with sodium‐based greases are found quieter than those with lithium and calcium‐based greases. Therefore, it is suggested that proper lubricant is necessary for quiet running of ball bearings.