How to Prepare Ceramic Bearings for RC Speed Runs

If you're chasing maximum speed with your RC vehicle, every bit of rolling resistance matters. While FastEddy Bearings ceramic bearings are supplied with premium grease for excellent all-around protection and long service life, many speed-run enthusiasts choose to prepare their bearings differently for maximum top-end performance.

For dedicated speed runs, removing the factory grease and replacing it with a lightweight machine oil can reduce drag and help the bearings spin more freely. However, this comes with an important tradeoff: significantly increased maintenance.

At FastEddy Bearings, this preparation method is recommended only for dedicated speed-run applications, not for everyday bashing, racing, or off-road driving.

Why Remove the Grease?

The grease installed in FastEddy Bearings ceramic bearings is designed to:

• Protect against dirt and dust
• Resist water intrusion
• Reduce wear
• Extend bearing life
• Minimize maintenance

For everyday driving, grease is the best choice.

For speed runs, however, grease creates more rolling resistance than a light oil. By replacing the grease with a high-quality lightweight machine oil, the bearings can spin more freely and generate less drag.

The Trade-Off

Running oil instead of grease provides:

• Lower rolling resistance
• Freer spinning bearings
• Reduced drag
• Maximum efficiency
• Potentially higher top speed

However, oil also provides:

• Less contamination protection
• Shorter lubrication life
• More frequent maintenance
• Increased exposure to dust and moisture

This setup is best suited for clean pavement and controlled speed-run conditions.

Step 1: Remove the Bearing Seals

Carefully remove the rubber seals using a fine hobby knife, dental pick, or seal removal tool.

Work slowly and gently to avoid damaging the seal or scratching the race.

Place the seals somewhere clean while servicing the bearings.

Step 2: Remove the Factory Grease

Clean all of the grease from inside the bearing.

Common cleaning methods include:

• Bearing cleaning solution
• Isopropyl alcohol, 90% or higher
• Naphtha or a dedicated bearing cleaner
• An ultrasonic cleaner, if available

Rotate the bearing while cleaning to ensure all grease is removed.

Continue cleaning until the bearing spins freely with no grease residue remaining.

Allow the bearing to dry completely before lubrication.

Step 3: Apply Lightweight Machine Oil

Once the bearing is completely clean and dry, apply only a small amount of lightweight machine oil.

Usually, one small drop per side is sufficient.

Too much oil creates unnecessary drag and attracts dirt.

The goal is lubrication, not flooding the bearing.

Step 4: Reinstall the Seals

Reinstall the rubber seals carefully.

Verify they seat evenly around the bearing without being pinched or distorted.

Maintenance Is Critical

This is the most important part of preparing bearings for speed runs.

Oil does not remain inside the bearing nearly as long as grease.

After every speed run, you should:

• Remove the bearings if necessary
• Inspect for contamination
• Clean away dirt and debris
• Reapply lightweight machine oil
• Check that the bearings still spin smoothly

Neglecting maintenance can quickly lead to corrosion, contamination, and premature bearing failure.

Keep Speed-Run Bearings Separate

Many experienced RC enthusiasts keep two sets of bearings:

• A greased set for everyday driving
• An oil-lubricated set reserved exclusively for speed runs

This allows them to enjoy maximum durability during normal use while switching to a low-drag setup when chasing top speed.

When Should You Keep the Grease?

For most RC drivers, including bashers, racers, crawlers, and trail trucks, we recommend leaving the factory grease in place.

Greased ceramic bearings provide:

• Longer service life
• Better dirt protection
• Improved moisture resistance
• Less maintenance
• Excellent all-around performance

The small increase in rolling resistance is usually outweighed by the increased durability.

Why Choose FastEddy Bearings Ceramic Bearings?

FastEddy Bearings ceramic bearings combine precision manufacturing with premium materials to deliver exceptional performance.

Whether you choose to run them greased for maximum durability or oil-lubricated for dedicated speed runs, you'll benefit from:

• Reduced friction
• Smooth operation
• High-quality construction
• Long service life when properly maintained
• Reliable performance

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I remove the grease from every ceramic bearing?

No. This preparation is intended only for dedicated speed-run vehicles. For everyday driving, we recommend keeping the factory grease.

Can I run ceramic bearings without any lubricant?

No. Bearings should always have lubrication. Running them dry can quickly cause excessive wear and shorten their lifespan.

How often should I re-oil speed-run bearings?

For the best performance and protection, inspect, clean, and re-oil the bearings after every speed run or whenever they become contaminated.

Final Thoughts

Preparing ceramic bearings for speed runs can provide a small but meaningful reduction in rolling resistance, helping maximize efficiency and top speed. The trade-off is increased maintenance.

By removing the factory grease, cleaning the bearings thoroughly, lubricating them with a lightweight machine oil, and servicing them after every run, you can get the most from your FastEddy Bearings ceramic bearings while helping ensure reliable performance when every mile per hour counts.