Introduction to Chain Lubrication
Proper lubrication is the key to optimized operating performance and long working life.
Without proper lubrication, even the highest quality chains cannot reach expected working life.
It is necessary and important to pay attention to the lubrication and maintenance.
The purpose of chain lubrication maintenance
- Reduce wearing between pin, bush and roller
- Keep chain operating smoothly and reduce noise
- Offer protection to avoid corrosion and rust
- Chains have been pre-lubricated to prevent wearing in the initial application when delivered from the factory. After a period of operating, re-lubrication should be done to maintain optimized performance and working life.
Chain lubrication position
- Pin, bush and roller are wearing parts for roller chains while pin and holes on inner plate are wearing parts. Lubrication should be targeted to these area and parts.
- As below graph shows, lubricate the chains interspace between roller and inner plate and inner and outer plates.
- Please lubricate on the slack side of the chain. If the chain is taut, loosen the chain (if possible).
Suggested lubricants and viscosity
It is suggested to use vehicle engine lubricating oil to lubricate the chain. Please select lubricating oil with appropriate viscosity according to the temperature range in the following table:
| Ambient Temperature | -46~+10℃(-50~+50℉) | -29~+27℃(-20~+80℉) | -12~+43℃(-10~+110℉) | -7~+54℃(+20~+130℉) | -1~+60℃(+30~+140℉) | +4~+66℃(+40~+150℉) |
| Viscosity | SAE 5 | SAE 10 | SAE 20 | SAE 30 | SAE 40 | SAE 50 |
Relationship between lubrication method and chain specification / chain speed
Generally, there are four methods to lubricate the chains: manual, drip lubrication, oil bath or slinger disc lubrication and forced pump lubrication.
The choice of method depends on the specification and operating speed of the chains
| Type A Manual or Drip Lubrication | Type B Oil Bath or Slinger Disc Lubrication | Type C Forced pump lubrication | |
| 12.70 mm | Below 88 m/min | Below 670 m/min | Above 670 m/min |
| 15.88 mm | Below 73 m/min | Below 588 m/min | Above 588 m/min |
| 19.05 mm | Below 64 m/min | Below 530 m/min | Above 530 m/min |
| 25.40 mm | Below 52 m/min | Below 451 m/min | Above 451 m/min |
| 31.75 mm | Below 44 m/min | Below 396 m/min | Above 396 m/min |
| 38.10 mm | Below 38 m/min | Below 357 m/min | Above 357 m/min |
| 44.45 mm | Below 34 m/min | Below 329 m/min | Above 329 m/min |
| 50.80 mm | Below 30 m/min | Below 305 m/min | Above 305 m/min |
| 57.15 mm | Below 27 m/min | Below 283 m/min | Above 283 m/min |
| 63.50 mm | Below 26 m/min | Below 268 m/min | Above 268 m/min |
| 76.20 mm | Below 23 m/min | Below 241 m/min | Above 241 m/min |
Four methods to lubricate the chains
No matter which lubrication method applied, it is always suggested to periodically check lubrication status and oil reservoir.
It is the ideal to check lubrication condition every 8 hours.
Type A
Manual Lubrication
- Apply the lubricant on the slack of the chain between interspace of roller and inner plate and inner and outer plates by brush, oil can or spray can.
- Periodically lubricate before the chain dry out.
Drip Lubrication
- Drip oiler lubricates the chain by dripping oil into the chain between interspace of roller and inner plate and inner and outer plates.
- Oil amount is 4 to 20 drops per minute.
- The faster the chain operate, the more oil drops is required.