Question:
The ballscrew in my machine does not seem to be lubricated by the central lubrication system and there is no manual way to get oil into the ball nut. How should I lubricate it and what should I use?

Answer:
Usually a manufacturer provides for automatic lubrication of all ways and ballscrews. Some of the less expensive machines and machines designed to operate in clean environments are either not intended to be lubricated or manual lubing is required. Most machine tools use the same oil designed as a way lube for its ballscrews. Way lube has proven to work well because of it's sticky quality that prevents it being easily thrown off as the screw turns. Central lubrication systems have the added bonus of continually flushing the ball nut, expelling fine particles. Express Ball Screw Repair ships its reconditioned ballscrews prepacked with an oil soluble grease that has similar properties to way lube. If your ball nut is fitted with felt wipers they retain oil like a sponge and help when automatic lubrication is not available. Depending on conditions, a coating of way lube is recommended. Because of its incompatibility with many oil based lubricants, synthetics should be avoided.