Abstract: A rolling element bearing comprises an inner ring (3) and an outer ring (2) each provided with a raceway (4, 5), said rings having land regions (10, 11) on opposite sides of their raceways, and a series of rolling elements (6) which are in rolling contact with the raceways and which are mutually spaced by a cage (7), said cage (7) engaging the land regions (10, 11) of said ring, and at least one of said rings (2, 3) being coated. Said at least one ring is coated with a wear and friction reducing, elastic coating over its full surface.

Abstract: The use of bismuth-compounds in an extreme pressure grease lubricant composition for rolling bearing applications can extend the useful service life of rolling bearings. The bismuth can be used as an additive, preferably an EP additive, or as a soap or non-soap thickener. The invention further relates to a method for preparing an extreme pressure lubricant composition in which a bismuth containing soap or thickener is mixed with an oil and optionally one or more EP- or other additives.

Abstract: A greased lubricated rolling element bearing including an inner ring, an outer ring, a plurality of rolling elements disposed between said rings, and a cage for holding the rolling elements at a predetermined mutual spacing, has a lubricating grease composition present on the surfaces of said rings, said rolling elements and said cage. The cage is coated on at least the parts of its surface that are in sliding contact with said rolling elements, said inner ring or said outer ring, with a solid lubricant containing coating for lowering the running temperature of at least the cage. The solid lubricant containing coating preferably comprises a disulfide and/or diselenide of a Group V or VI transition metal, more preferably MoS.sub.2 and/or WS.sub.2 in combination with an organic resin such as PTFE.