Design/methodology/approach The Hertz contact stiffness formula for full ceramic ball bearings is constructed; the equivalent comprehensive stiffness calculation model and vibration model of full ceramic ball bearings are established. The dynamic characteristic test of full ceramic ball bearing under grease lubrication was carried out by using the bearing life testing machine, and its vibration was measured, and its vibration acceleration root-mean-square was obtained by software calculation and compared with the simulation results. Findings At the rotational speed of 12,000 r/min, the root-mean-square value of vibration acceleration is maximum 10.82 m/s2, and the error is also maximum 7.49%. As the rotational speed increases, the oil film stiffness decreases. In the radial load of 600 N, the vibration acceleration root-mean-square is minimum 6.40 m/s2, but its error is maximum 6.56%. As the radial load increases, the vibration of the bearing decreases and then increases, so under certain conditions increasing the radial load can reduce the bearing vibration. With different types of grease, the best preload is also different; low-speed heavy load should be used when the viscosity of the grease is large, and high-speed light load should be used when the choice of smaller viscosity grease is made. Originality/value It provides a theoretical basis for the application of full ceramic ball bearings under grease lubrication, which is of great significance for reducing the vibration of bearings as well as enhancing the service life of bearings. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-03-2024-0094/