English 
Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-03-16 Origin: Site
The lubrication of steel wire rope is closely related to its performance, corrosion resistance, and service life. Steel wire ropes with an oil-retaining core, such as those containing sisal, hemp, or fiber materials, can better withstand friction and rust during operation. These cores help store lubricant and allow oil to remain inside the rope structure for a longer period of time.
However, even if the traction rope has an oil-impregnated fiber core and has been treated with special anti-rust lubricating oil during manufacturing, regular relubrication is still necessary after long-term use. Proper lubrication helps maintain rope flexibility, reduce internal wear, and protect the rope against corrosion.
In actual maintenance work, some technicians apply a thick layer of grease to the surface of the traction rope. This is not the correct lubrication method.
Heavy grease applied only to the outer surface usually cannot penetrate into the inner strands and core of the rope. As a result, the inside of the rope may remain insufficiently lubricated, which can accelerate internal wear, friction, and corrosion. At the same time, too much grease on the rope surface can reduce the friction between the rope and the groove, increasing the risk of rope slipping. In elevator applications, this may even affect the normal starting performance of the car and create potential safety hazards.
To ensure continuous lubrication of traction steel wire rope, it is recommended to use special wire rope lubricant. This type of lubricant can protect the rope from wear and corrosion while helping maintain a stable coefficient of friction between the rope and the groove.
If dedicated wire rope oil is not available, medium-viscosity machine oil, such as No. 30 or No. 45 oil, may also be used as an alternative. However, the amount of oil should be carefully controlled. The correct method is to apply a moderate amount so that the rope surface becomes only slightly penetrated, rather than heavily coated.
For sections of traction rope that do not pass over the traction sheave, additional anti-corrosion oil can be applied for better protection.
Proper lubrication provides several important benefits for steel wire rope:
It reduces friction between wires and strands
It helps prevent internal wear
It protects the rope from rust and corrosion
It extends rope service life
It maintains safer operating performance
For elevator traction ropes in particular, lubrication must be carefully balanced. The goal is to protect the steel wire rope from corrosion without significantly reducing the traction force between the rope and the groove.
In updated versions of standards such as 10060 and 8903, the previous specific requirements for oil application have been removed. One reason is that with the development of new materials and technologies, a single unified lubrication requirement is no longer suitable for all traction steel wire ropes, especially for special types such as galvanized steel wire rope.
In practice, the main purpose of lubrication is to protect the rope against corrosion, rather than specifically to reduce the friction coefficient between the rope and the groove, although lubrication may have some effect on friction in actual operation.
When a steel wire rope shows signs of wear, the need for lubrication should be judged according to its actual condition. At the same time, maintenance personnel must ensure that lubrication does not significantly reduce traction performance.
It is also worth noting that thick accumulations of oily sludge on traction ropes may indicate that the elevator has not been properly maintained for a long time. In such cases, although the elevator may still continue operating, this does not mean the rope is in good condition. Instead, it may be a warning sign of neglected maintenance.
Knowing how to lubricate steel wire rope properly is essential for maintaining performance and extending service life. The correct method is to use suitable wire rope oil, apply it in a controlled amount, and avoid thick grease on the surface. Proper lubrication can reduce wear, prevent corrosion, and improve long-term operating reliability. For traction steel wire rope, lubrication should always be carried out carefully to ensure both protection and safe traction performance.
