How to judge whether the bearings of medical casters need to be lubricated?

To judge whether the bearings of medical casters need to be lubricated, you can observe the running status, perceive the feedback from use, and make a comprehensive judgment based on the use environment. The specific methods are as follows:

1. Judge by running sound
In a quiet medical environment (such as a ward or a treatment room), push the equipment with casters installed and listen carefully to the sound of bearing rotation:
If there is a continuous "rustling sound", "friction noise" or "stuck sound" instead of the normal slight and uniform rolling sound, it means that the internal lubrication of the bearing is insufficient and the metal parts are directly rubbing against each other. Lubricant needs to be added immediately.
If the sound suddenly becomes louder or irregular noises appear, it may be that the grease has deteriorated or dried up, causing increased friction, which needs to be replenished in time.

2. Judge by rotation resistance
Push the caster or equipment gently with your hand to feel the resistance during turning and rolling:
If you obviously feel that the rotation is stuck and not smooth (such as requiring more force when pushing, or there is a "stuck feeling" when turning), especially in scenarios where medical casters frequently turn (such as nursing carts and inspection equipment), it is likely that the bearing lubrication has failed and lubricant needs to be added to reduce friction.
Compared with the rotation feel of the new caster, if the resistance of the old caster increases significantly, even if there is no obvious abnormal sound, it may be an early signal of insufficient lubrication.

3. Judge through regular inspection
Even if the above problems do not occur, regular inspections are required in combination with the frequency of use and the environment:
Regular cycle: For medical equipment casters that are used more than 10 times a week, it is recommended to check the bearing surface every 2-3 months. If the bearing gap is found to be dry and not covered with oil film, or the original lubricant has evaporated, contaminated with dust/disinfectant and deteriorated (such as hard lumps and discoloration), it is necessary to replenish it in time.
Special environment: In scenes with a lot of dust (such as cleaning vehicles, clothing vehicles) and frequent contact with disinfectants (such as dispensing vehicles, disinfection equipment), the bearings are easily contaminated and lubrication fails. It is recommended to shorten the inspection cycle (such as once a month) and replenish the lubricant when the rotation becomes slightly astringent.

The above methods can timely judge the bearing lubrication status, avoid aggravated wear due to insufficient lubrication, and ensure that the medical caster operates in a silent and flexible state, which meets the requirements of medical scenes for equipment stability and safety.