How to Select Grease for Linear Guides
Determine the right lubrication strategy based on load, speed, and environmental exposure.
Read GuidePractical guidance for grease selection, linear motion lubrication, tribology, testing and application validation.
Explore technical guides, application knowledge, test methods, product documentation and maintenance resources for precision motion systems.
Application-focused guides for selecting grease based on component, speed, load, stroke, temperature and operating environment.
Explore Selection GuidesTechnical articles covering lubrication challenges in linear guides, ball screws, robotics, automation and precision machinery.
Explore Application KnowledgeAccess available Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and product-related technical documentation.
View Technical DocumentsUnderstand the test methods used to evaluate physical, tribological and application performance in precision motion.
Explore TestingTechnical guidance for evaluating an alternative to an existing grease, focusing on compatibility and equivalence.
Explore Cross ReferenceLearn the fundamentals of grease composition, compatibility, relubrication intervals and basic tribology.
Learn the FundamentalsStart with our most useful guides for precision motion lubrication.
Determine the right lubrication strategy based on load, speed, and environmental exposure.
Read GuideAnalyze the causes of fretting corrosion and how specific grease formulations mitigate wear.
Read GuideEvaluate the relationship between base oil viscosity, stirring resistance, and thermal expansion.
Read GuideA systematic approach to comparing technical data, compatibility, and running machine trials.
Read GuideUnderstand particle generation and select stable-torque grease for semiconductor environments.
Read GuideExamine thickener compatibility charts and the risks of mixing lithium and urea greases.
Read GuideOptimize kinematic viscosity to reduce torque and heat generation at high velocities.
Read GuideKey considerations for maintaining oil film thickness under heavy axial loads.
Read GuideSelect lubricant performance according to the actual operating conditions of the machine.
Each guide provides a structured approach to identifying what is being lubricated, which properties matter most, mistakes to avoid, and which TRG products to evaluate.
Comprehensive guide for standard and specialized rail systems.
Addressing torque, temperature, and load requirements.
Managing heat generation and maintaining oil film.
Preventing fretting wear in repetitive automation.
Extreme pressure additives and base oil viscosity.
Minimizing particle emission in semiconductor equipment.
Maintaining consistency from sub-zero to high heat.
Washout resistance and rust prevention in CNC machines.
Technical guidance for the components TRG focuses on most.
Learn what laboratory tests can — and cannot — tell you about grease performance.
Some JIS and ASTM methods test similar properties, but similar test purpose does not automatically mean identical numerical results. Different test conditions should not be converted using an arbitrary formula.
The strongest comparison is often obtained by testing the reference grease and candidate grease using the same laboratory, equipment, method and conditions.
Read Full AnalysisA laboratory result should support application evaluation, not replace it. TRG follows a structured validation process.
Changing grease should be based on application requirements, compatibility and validation — not only on matching a product name.
A step-by-step engineering approach.
Key parameters beyond just base oil viscosity.
Purging, cleaning, and compatibility considerations.
Assessing the risks of mixing thickeners.
Setting baselines and monitoring temperature/torque.
Interpreting typical data for industrial replacement.
Send us your current grease model for engineering review.
Access available product documentation for engineering evaluation.
| Document Name | Product | Type | Language | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FN Ⅰ Technical Data Sheet | FN Ⅰ | TDS | English | Download PDF |
| FN Ⅱ Safety Data Sheet | FN Ⅱ | SDS | English | Download PDF |
| FN Ⅲ Fretting Test Report Summary | FN Ⅲ | Test Report | English | Available on Request |
| Linear Guide Application Guide | Multiple | App Guide | English | Download PDF |
The ideal grease depends heavily on the operating conditions. For standard applications, a lithium-soap grease with mineral oil (viscosity around 100 cSt at 40°C) is common. However, for high-speed motion, low-dust environments, or short-stroke repetitive movements, specialized greases (like urea-thickened or low-viscosity synthetic oils) are required.
Read our full Linear Guide Selection Guide →Generally, no. Mixing different thickener types (like lithium and urea) can cause structural incompatibility. This often leads to severe softening of the grease, excessive oil separation, and ultimately lubrication failure. Always purge the old grease or consult compatibility charts before changing.
Learn more about Grease Compatibility →Fretting wear typically occurs in short-stroke or micro-oscillation applications where the rolling elements do not make a full revolution. The lubricant is squeezed out of the contact zone, and micro-welding/oxidation occurs between the metal surfaces, often appearing as reddish-brown dust. Specialized greases with specific channeling properties and additives are needed to mitigate this.
Read: Understanding Fretting Wear →Not necessarily. A Technical Data Sheet (TDS) provides typical physical properties (like penetration and dropping point) based on standardized static tests. It does not reveal the exact additive package, the manufacturing process, or how the grease behaves dynamically in a specific machine component over time. Machine-level testing is often required for critical replacements.
How to evaluate a replacement grease →Tell us your component, operating condition or current lubricant and our engineering team will help identify the technical information or candidate grease you need.
Share your machine, component, operating conditions and current lubricant. TRG can help identify a candidate grease for further evaluation.
For industrial users, machine builders, OEMs and technical distributors.