Lubricating drone motor bearings

[Aus1]

Should the bearings on the drone motors ever be lubricated? If so, how would you do it and what type of lubricant should be used?

 

[Starz]

I believe they are sealed bearings and have never added oil to any of the DJI products that I have.
Someone else may have a different idea.
Would probably be a bit difficult to actually get any oil to where it would be needed. If you get any oil where it shouldn’t be, it will only collect any dirt or dust that should not be added to the system.

 

[old man mavic]

i lubricate the bearings on my x16 and x21 with special light oil made for the job, but only after considerable air time, the oil comes with a small syringe to inject a small amount into the bearings and because of the design of the motors it is a very easy task but with regards to the motors on the mavics i have never done it as it is not recommended by DJI

 

[Bill combs]

I believe they are sealed bearings and have never added oil to any of the DJI products that I have.
Someone else may have a different idea.
Would probably be a bit difficult to actually get any oil to where it would be needed. If you get any oil where it shouldn’t be, it will only collect any dirt or dust that should not be added to the system.

i believe you are correct that the bearings are sealed and any oil will collect dirt dust etc and would turn the motors into junk

 

[mcbutler]

If you do oil then make sure the oil is plastic friendly as it will be atomised to a mist initially and will cover your drone imperceptibly. This may lead to airframe problems in the future.

 

[WithTheBirds]

I believe they are sealed bearings and have never added oil to any of the DJI products that I have.
Someone else may have a different idea.
Would probably be a bit difficult to actually get any oil to where it would be needed. If you get any oil where it shouldn’t be, it will only collect any dirt or dust that should not be added to the system.

The bearings are shielded- not sealed.

The reality is the bearings will probably outlast the service life of the drone without any additional oiling.

 

[mcbutler]

Y

The bearings are shielded- not sealed.

The reality is the bearings will probably outlast the service life of the drone without any additional oiling.

ou are quite correct, best idea as post flight check is to cautiously feel each motor, exceptional gear can indicate failure.

 

[WithTheBirds]

Y

ou are quite correct, best idea as post flight check is to cautiously feel each motor, exceptional gear can indicate failure.

Yes, axial play, end float and smoothness in rotation can be felt by manual manipulation, particularly where you can directly compare all four motors for apparent differences. Significant differences in operating temperature can also be ascertained by touch.

 

[DanMan32]

You may be able to get to the bottom bearing, but probably will have a hard time getting to the top one.
I once for the fun of it replaced bearings on a P3 motor but had replaced the motor on the P3 itself. There was a bit too much clunking to my taste. Not a fun task.
Turns out I think the shaft slipped a bit causing more play than normal.

 

[old man mavic]

the oil i used was a light mineral oil and was drone motor specific, it is something that is made for brushless motors and is harmless to plastics, the syringe that came with it allows for a very precise and controlled amount to be applied to the bearings, i think if DJI felt there was a need to lubricate their motors they would probably market an oil for the job , for the drones i used to oil ,it was part of the recommended care and that is why i did it

 

[JKLIM]

Should the bearings on the drone motors ever be lubricated? If so, how would you do it and what type of lubricant should be used?

Do NOT use a normal oil. It will attracts fine dust and sands. It is not visible to naked eye. Once it is sucked into the propeller bearings. It causes frictions to the bearings and eventually it impacts the high speed bearing. You will notice the weaker propeller spinning compare to the rest. Then, the drone will try to compensate by sending more power to the weaker propeller to ensure it is steady. This consumes a lot of battery.

I would recommend to use lubrication designed for Drone instead. I uses DEUTHLON drone lubrication. Try this out. It has technology that would repel water and does not attract dust. It also able to resurrect dead bearing with just 2 drops of lube. Try it out guys.

 

[WithTheBirds]

Do NOT use a normal oil. It will attracts fine dust and sands. It is not visible to naked eye. Once it is sucked into the propeller bearings. It causes frictions to the bearings and eventually it impacts the high speed bearing. You will notice the weaker propeller spinning compare to the rest. Then, the drone will try to compensate by sending more power to the weaker propeller to ensure it is steady. This consumes a lot of battery.

I would recommend to use lubrication designed for Drone instead. I uses DEUTHLON drone lubrication. Try this out. It has technology that would repel water and does not attract dust. It also able to resurrect dead bearing with just 2 drops of lube. Try it out guys.

Don’t any magic ”salt absorbing” or “moisturising” Magic oil in shielded bearings. The factory lube is sufficient for the service life.

Thats some good snake oil your peddling.

 

[cheddar-man]

They are manufactured as "oiled for life" otherwise we'd get oiling instructions. Once assembled, there is nowhere for the oil to go so doesn't need any more. If you put more in it will just come out and make a mess!