Abstract: A rolling element bearing having balls and races, each having the surface of rolling contact coated with a laminar solid lubricant, such as molybdenum or tungsten disulfide, and a retainer made of a heat-resistant composite material having self-lubricating properties. The retainer material is composed of a polyether ether ketone resin, a polytetrafluoroethylene resin, one or both of molybdenum and tungsten disulfides, and polyamide fibers. During the initial period of its use, the bearing is lubricated by the MoS.sub.2 with which the surfaces of rolling contact are coated, and as the films of MoS.sub.2 become worn with the passage of time, the frictional contact between the balls and the retainer transfers an appropriate amount of material from the retainer to the surfaces of the balls and, further, to the track surfaces of the races to continuously form lubricating films thereon. The bearing is, therefore, not substantially worn during its use in a vacuum, or in air, but has a long life.