What is a solid oil / solid lube bearing?
It's a standard deep groove ball bearing whose internal free space is filled with a polymer matrix saturated with lubricating oil. The polymer holds the oil in place and releases a thin film onto the balls and raceways as the bearing turns. Visually it resembles a rubber-sealed bearing — the fill takes the place of seals — but it never needs regreasing and nothing can wash out.
Do solid oil bearings need any maintenance?
No. The lubricant is locked inside the bearing for its entire service life. There is no regreasing schedule, no grease fittings, no purge, and no oil mist. Install it and forget it — which is exactly why solid oil bearings are used in hard-to-access locations and equipment where a missed lubrication interval means a failure.
How do solid oil bearings compare to grease-packed bearings?
A grease-packed bearing depends on periodic relubrication and can purge grease into its surroundings or lose it to washdown. A solid oil bearing carries its full lifetime supply of oil in a polymer matrix: no relubrication, no purge, no washout. The trade-offs are a lower maximum speed (roughly 40–60% of the open-bearing rating) and a continuous temperature limit of about 90 °C. See our full guide: Solid Oil vs. Greased Bearings.
Are solid oil bearings washdown-safe?
Yes. Because the lubricant is a solid polymer fill rather than grease, high-pressure washdown and cleaning chemicals cannot flush it out. For wet, corrosive, or food-processing environments we recommend the Food Grade option — stainless steel rings with NSF H1 registered lubricant.
What does NSF H1 mean?
NSF H1 is a registration category for lubricants acceptable in food processing environments where incidental food contact is possible. Our Food Grade bearings combine NSF H1 registered solid lubricant with stainless steel rings, making them suitable for food and beverage production, packaging lines, and washdown zones. Learn more: Food-Grade Bearings Guide.
Which option do I need: Standard or Food Grade?
Standard bearings use chrome steel rings with our standard solid lubricant — the right choice for general industrial use. Food Grade bearings use stainless steel rings with NSF H1 registered food grade solid lubricant — required for food and beverage processing and recommended for washdown and corrosive environments.
What sizes are available?
Over 205 sizes: metric 6000, 6200, 6300, 6700, 6800, and 6900 series (10–110 mm bore), inch R series (R4–R24) and 1600 series with extended inner race, plus miniature bearings down to 1 mm bore in both metric and inch. Every size is available in Standard or Food Grade.
What do the SKUs mean?
Example for a 6203 size: 6203-SL is the standard chrome steel bearing with solid lube. S6203-FGSL is the stainless steel version with food grade solid lube (S = stainless, FG = food grade, SL = solid lube).
How do I find the right size?
Use the Bearing Finder — enter any combination of bore (ID), outer diameter (OD), and width in mm or inches, and it will show every matching bearing we make.
How long does my order take?
All bearings are impregnated to order. Typical production time is added on top of normal shipping time — you'll receive tracking as soon as your order ships. If you have a deadline, contact us before ordering.
Can I return or cancel my order?
No — because every bearing is made to order, all sales are final and orders cannot be canceled once production begins. See our Return Policy. Damaged, defective, or incorrectly shipped items are always replaced.
Are there speed or temperature limits?
Solid lube bearings generally run at reduced maximum speed compared to grease lubrication (roughly 40–60% of the open-bearing rating) and are suitable for continuous temperatures up to approximately 90 °C. For high-speed or high-temperature applications, ask us and we'll confirm suitability.
Do you make custom sizes?
If you don't see your size in the catalog, contact us — we can quote custom sizes and quantities.