What is a solid oil bearing?
A solid oil bearing is a deep groove ball bearing whose internal space is filled with a solid polymer lubricant saturated with oil. The polymer holds the oil in place and releases a thin film onto the balls and raceways as the bearing turns. The fill seals the bearing, so it never needs regreasing and nothing washes out.
Do solid oil bearings need any maintenance?
No. The lubricant is locked inside the bearing for its service life. There is no regreasing schedule, no grease fittings, no purge and no oil mist.
Are these bearings sealed?
Yes. Every bearing we sell is sealed with solid oil. The fill occupies the internal space and takes the place of rubber seals or metal shields, so there is no closure type to choose.
Where are the bearings made?
The base bearings are made in China to standard dimensions. We fill them with Syn-Tech solid oil to order at our facility in Glendale, California.
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 lifetime supply of oil in a polymer matrix: no relubrication, no purge, no washout. The trade-off is a lower maximum speed than a greased bearing, so email us about high-speed applications. See our full guide: Solid Oil vs. Greased Bearings.
Are solid oil bearings washdown-safe?
Yes. Because the lubricant is a solid fill rather than grease, high-pressure washdown and cleaning chemicals cannot flush it out. For food processing, choose the Food Grade option with stainless steel rings and 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 pair NSF H1 registered solid lubricant with stainless steel rings.
Learn more: Food-Grade Bearings Guide.
Which option do I need: Standard or Food Grade?
Standard bearings use chrome steel rings and balls with our standard solid lubricant, the right choice for general industrial use. Food Grade bearings use stainless steel rings and balls 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?
204 sizes: metric 6000, 6200, 6300, 6700, 6800 and 6900 series, inch R series and 1600 series, and miniature sizes down to 1 mm bore, each 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).
What does W64 mean on a bearing?
W64 is a suffix some manufacturers put on a deep groove ball bearing that was filled with solid oil at the factory instead of grease; W64F marks the food grade version of the fill. Our bearings are the same standard sizes with the same kind of fill. Order the base number, 6203 for example, and choose Standard for a W64 equivalent or Food Grade for a W64F equivalent. The suffix does not change the bore, outside diameter or width.
What do suffixes like 2RS, ZZ and C3 mean?
2RS means rubber seals on both sides and ZZ means metal shields on both sides; both describe closures on a greased bearing and neither applies once the bearing is filled with solid oil, so order the base number. C3 describes internal clearance, which belongs to the base bearing rather than the lubricant, so email us the full number before ordering. See the guide: Bearing suffixes explained.
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?
Every bearing is filled to order. Allow 7 to 10 business days for production, then carrier transit by UPS or USPS within the United States. Tracking is emailed when the order ships.
What does shipping cost?
Standard shipping is a flat $10 per order and orders over $100 ship free. Express shipping with 3 to 5 day transit is $35. We ship within the United States only.
Can I return or cancel my order?
Because every bearing is filled to order, all sales are final. Wrong or defective items are replaced free when reported within 48 hours of delivery with photos. Orders can be cancelled only before filling starts.
See our Return Policy.
Do you offer quantity pricing?
Yes. Email info@solidoilbearings.com with the part number, grade and quantity for a quantity quote. There is no minimum order.
If your company needs to buy on a purchase order, mention it in your email and we will let you know what we can do.
Are there speed limits?
Solid oil bearings run at a lower maximum speed than greased bearings. For high-speed applications, email us the details and we will 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.