Product Overview

The Ingersoll Rand 47629376001 38034914 Motor Bearing Grease is a lubrication product intended for motor-bearing maintenance in compatible Ingersoll Rand compressor equipment. The grease is identified as POLYREX EM, a bearing lubricant used in electric motor applications where suitable grease is required to maintain smooth bearing operation.

Motor bearings support the rotating shaft and maintain the alignment needed for stable mechanical operation. During operation, friction develops at the bearing contact surfaces, and inadequate or unsuitable lubrication can accelerate wear, increase operating temperature, and shorten bearing service life. Applying the specified grease during scheduled maintenance helps maintain the lubrication film between moving surfaces.

The 38034914 part number identifies this motor-bearing grease in the Ingersoll Rand spare-parts range. It is supplied in a tube for maintenance work on compatible equipment. The lubricant should be used for the bearing application specified by the motor manufacturer rather than treated as a universal grease for every component in a compressor.

Correct grease selection matters because electric motor bearings can have specific requirements for thickener chemistry, base oil, consistency, operating temperature, and rotational speed. Mixing incompatible greases or adding excessive lubricant can lead to poor lubrication performance and elevated bearing temperature.

Before servicing a motor, check the motor’s lubrication instructions and grease identification plate where fitted. The required grease type and quantity depend on the bearing arrangement and motor design.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Motor-bearing lubrication: Supports the formation of a lubricating film between bearing contact surfaces.
• POLYREX EM identification: Connects the part number with a grease formulation used in electric motor bearing applications.
• Maintenance-ready packaging: The tube format supports controlled application during servicing.
• Bearing wear management: Appropriate lubrication helps limit friction-related wear when the correct grease and quantity are used.
• Equipment-specific servicing: Provides a defined part reference for maintenance teams working on compatible compressor motors.
• Lubricant traceability: The part number helps distinguish the required grease from compressor coolant, airend lubricant, and other maintenance materials.

Working Principle

Motor bearing grease reduces direct contact between moving bearing surfaces by forming a lubricating film in the contact zone. This film helps reduce friction and wear while supporting the rolling motion of the bearing elements.

A typical lubrication arrangement is:

Grease Supply → Motor Bearing → Lubricating Film → Bearing Contact Surfaces

When the motor operates, the bearing elements roll under load while the grease supplies lubricant to the contact areas. The base oil provides the lubricating action, while the thickener helps retain the lubricant within the bearing assembly. The performance of the grease depends on its formulation and the bearing’s operating conditions.

Over time, grease can degrade through oxidation, contamination, mechanical working, or exposure to excessive temperature. Insufficient lubrication can increase friction and wear, while over-greasing can cause churning, temperature rise, and lubricant leakage in arrangements that are sensitive to excess grease.

The correct maintenance procedure depends on whether the motor uses regreasable bearings or sealed, pre-lubricated bearings. Some motors have designated grease fittings and relief plugs; others are not intended to be regreased in service. The motor manufacturer’s instructions determine whether lubrication is required, how much grease to apply, and how often maintenance should be performed.

POLYREX EM is associated with the 38034914 product identification, but the grease should not automatically be substituted for another lubricant simply because both are described as motor-bearing greases. Compatibility and suitability must be established for the specific bearing and operating conditions.

Role in the Compressor Motor Maintenance System

The 38034914 grease supports the lubrication requirements of compatible electric motor bearings. It is a maintenance consumable rather than a component in the compressor’s compressed-air flow path.

Motor Maintenance Procedure → Specified Grease → Motor Bearing → Lubricated Bearing Operation

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the part number: Confirm 38034914 and the associated product reference before using the grease on the motor.
2. Check the motor lubrication specification: Read the motor nameplate and maintenance instructions to establish the approved lubricant type and service requirements.
3. Confirm bearing suitability: Ensure that the bearing arrangement is compatible with the specified grease and is intended for field lubrication.
4. Shut down the equipment: Stop the compressor and motor using the approved shutdown procedure before carrying out lubrication work.
5. Isolate the power supply: Apply the required electrical lockout and isolation measures to prevent unexpected motor startup.
6. Clean the lubrication points: Remove dirt and residue around grease fittings, plugs, and access points before opening the lubrication system.
7. Inspect the bearing arrangement: Check for abnormal noise, vibration, overheating, or lubricant leakage that may indicate a mechanical problem.
8. Prepare the grease application equipment: Use clean, suitable tools and avoid introducing dust, moisture, or incompatible grease into the bearing.
9. Apply the specified quantity: Follow the motor manufacturer’s lubrication instructions. Do not estimate the grease quantity from the tube size or add grease simply because the bearing appears dry.
10. Manage displaced grease where applicable: Follow the specified procedure for relief plugs or grease drains if the motor design includes them.
11. Check operation after servicing: Restore the equipment according to the approved procedure and monitor the motor for abnormal noise, temperature, or vibration.
12. Record the lubrication work: Document the grease part number, service date, operating hours, quantity applied where recorded, and any bearing abnormalities found.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Provides a specified lubricant for compatible motor-bearing maintenance.
• Supports friction and wear control when used under the correct operating conditions.
• Helps maintain bearing performance as part of a planned lubrication program.
• Provides a defined part number for maintenance inventory and service records.
• Helps distinguish motor-bearing grease from compressor coolant and other lubricants.

Technical FAQs

What does the 38034914 part number identify?

Part number 38034914 identifies Ingersoll Rand motor-bearing grease associated with POLYREX EM. The lubricant should be used only where the motor’s lubrication requirements specify or approve this grease.

Can this grease be used in the compressor airend?

Not automatically. Motor-bearing grease and airend lubricant serve different functions and may have different formulations. Use the lubricant specified for the particular component rather than substituting one product for another.

Should grease be added whenever a motor bearing becomes noisy?

No. Abnormal noise can indicate bearing wear, contamination, misalignment, or other mechanical damage. Check the motor’s lubrication requirements and diagnose the fault before adding grease, because additional lubricant will not repair a damaged bearing.

Why is it important to control the amount of grease applied?

Excessive grease can increase churning and operating temperature, while insufficient grease can accelerate wear. The correct quantity and interval depend on the motor’s bearing design and the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.