Lubrication of rolling bearing pairs in environmental aspect

Lubrication of bearing pairs is the problem often underestimated. Usually it is discussed in aspect of operational features stability of friction pair. In fact, it fulfils much more functions and it should be considered in wider aspect. In this paper environmental problems of rolling bearings lubrication were discussed. In analyzed environmental aspects of lubrication, the following problems were discussed: interaction of lubricants (also with additives) and rolling bearing elements, influence of a lubricant on surrounding, acting of lubricating medium on bearing elements, interaction of lubricants’ components, ecological and environmental functions of bearing’s sealing. Conducted analysis were illustrated by examples taken from authors’ own investigations and from literature.