The Measurement of Grease Noise in Electric Motor Grade Ball Bearings

This paper discusses the design, development, and successful use of an electronic instrument for the evaluation of grease noise in electric motor grade ball bearings. No evidence was found that grease noises were harmful to the proper mechanical operation of the ball bearings. However, it did segregate ball bearings that would, in a motor, produce psychologically irritating noises due to grease that were unacceptable to appliance manufacturers. The evaluation suggests ways in which devices such as the ball bearing noise tester can be used to assist the manufacturers of ball bearings and lubricating greases in developing standards that soon may become necessary because of the new emphasis on the ecological significance of noise.