I have been considering purchasing an Ultra-Lube for Acoustic Lubrication. In theory it sounds great: identify problem bearings between PDM routes and be able to put just the right amount of grease in. We are very sensitive to overgreasing and this sounds like a potential solution. Has anyone had success's or failures with the Ultra-Lube unit?

We use one on a regular basis and find them very worthwhile. For the price they are a worthwhile addition to any greaing schedule.

Lube Mate,
What frequency do you lubricate? If I understand correctly, the Ultra-Lube allows you to place the correct quantity of grease in a bearing, but that you also need to grease on a more regular basis. Based on your experience, what would you recommend? Is quarterly or semiannual enough?

The more often you use it the better. The operator becomes accustomed to what he hears and this allows him to pick up any concerns earlier. Ideally it is used on the normal PM greasing schedule which, for us is weekly.

The UltraLube allows you to hear the bearing as you grease it. There is a basic procedure to follow when using this gear.
1) Listen to the bearing, what noise is it making, a rough scratchy or smooth sound?
2) Give the bearing a shot of grease, does the bearing noise change, does it get quieter or does it stay the same?
3) If there is no change then the bearing doesn't need any further greasing.

The frequency for greasing would differ depending on application, environment, type of grease, etc. There would be no reason to increase the frequency of your greasing schedule just because your using the UltraLube.

There is info on there website at UVLM that may be of assistance. The unit I have has just had the coupling probe replaced after 9 years of use, this is the first thing to go wrong with it.

I just received a Ultra-lube unit today. Initially we are going to concentrate on motor bearings. One of the items that UVLM does not address is purging. We have varied success purging grease. If we are only adding the amount of grease necessary to properly grease the bearing, is there a need to purge? If so, where does the grease go?

Or is it necessary to attempt to purge each time you grease no matter what type of technology is being used? It seams to me that you would need to attempt to purge each time, but not purging would eliminate a lot of work in some cases.

I have used the Ultra-Lube unit in the Steel Industry for 8 years and now train companies on its use in conjunction with their vibration analysis programs. One person said that when no change is heard that the bearing has enough grease.That is not true. It means that grease didn't reach the bearing. The Ultra-Lube is the best tool for the Lube Tech as I have worked 30 years in the field as a Technical Specialist along with the Lube Techs and they require a tool that is simple and durable to get the job done correctly and on a timely basis. For greasing, I have invented a new process that ensures every shot of new grease reaches the bearing and this is especially important in greasing motors. Purging a motor bearing is not necessary and everyone that writes the same old articles about greasing motor bearings has missed the real issue. There are some unexplored problems in motor bearings that I discovered and have solved. It is now possible to get every shot of new grease to a motor bearing with consistant results. How would you like to be able to grease an 8 1/2" bearing in a large motor with 2 shots of grease? It is now possible with the patented solution called Precision Lube.Greasing bearings takes common sense combined with the sonic detection of Ultra-Lube and now Precision Lube can be added for consitent accuracy to eliminate all guess work.