6 replies to this topic

[dalek]

I searched the Internet for a manufacturer's recommendation regarding periodic oiling of the brushless motor ball bearings but didn't find anything.

 

A couple of local racers said they oil the bearing that's on the pinion side of the motor but not the other bearing.

 

Is oiling the bearings a waste of time?

 

Can oiling the bearings cause any harm?

 

[Hot Slots]

I'm no expert, but it only makes sense to oil the bearings. I'll keep oiling mine regardless of what the experts say.

[Alchemist]

This YouTuber has a video "Does an RC Brushless Motor require Lubrication or Oiling?"

 

 

Hope it helps.

 

Ernie

[Bags]

This is what they look like, they are a “sealed flange” bearing.

 

I don’t know how you are going to get oil in the top stator bearing, cant even see it. 
 

The drone guys don’t oil them. 
 

 

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[Bill Seitz]

Shielded bearings aren't sealed, and even "sealed" bearings will usually take a light oil. Shielded bearings will keep large grunge out, but they can still get fine particles in them. Whether one lubricates them or not depends on how long you'd like the bearing to last. My preferred lubricant for any small bearings is synthetic ATF. In addition to lubricating, the oil can also help wash out any fine particles that get passed the shields.

 

In some applications, the user just lets the motor go until it fails for whatever reason including failed bearings, then replaces it. In competition, motors are probably replaced well before the bearings seize.

[Eddie Fleming]

The guy on the video pretty much lost me when he referred to WD40 as oil.

 

I like and use WD40 but if I am going to oil something I do not grab WD. 

 

I am not doing brushless yet, but if it has bearings or bushings, I am probably going to put a little oil on it from time to time. 

[Ken Lenz]

On topic, if you attempt to oil bearings on the KC Racing BLDCs you are asking for issues.  The bearings are GREASE filled.
  
Regarding WD-40, this product is made as a rust remover and to displace water.  WD = Water Displacement, it took 40 iterations for it to be perfected thus the 40.  Used to remove grease; a bath of WD-40 in a brushless motor will only shorten the bearing life by removing the grease.  The product has no lasting lubricating properties.
 
More on topic of WD40 in bearings - https://www.machiner...aring-lubricant

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