Abstract: By using different activated carbons as adsorbents, the effects of pore size distribution and surface properties on the adsorption capacity of activated carbon for lubricant wear elements were studied, which based on the analysis of activated carbon by basic properties, specific surface area and pore structure, FT-IR, XPS and surface functional group analysis. The results showed that the mesopore volume and the contents of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups of activated carbon were the key factors affecting the adsorption capacity. Moreover, the adsorption effect of activated carbon on wear elements in simulated oil continuously increased with the increasing of the mesopore volume and the content of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. Among the six kinds of activated carbons, AC4 with a mesopore volume of 0.901 cm³/g and a total carboxyl and hydroxyl group contents of 0.929 2 mmol/g, exhibited the best wear elements removal performances. Under the optimal adsorption conditions of temperature 80 ℃, adsorption time 60 min and additive amount of activated carbon 5%, the removal rates of Fe, Cu, Pb and Al in the simulated lubricant by AC4 were more than 95%. The removal effect of wear elements by activated carbon was significantly better than that of sawdust, activated clay, silica gel and filter paper, indicating that activated carbon could be used as an excellent adsorbent for waste lubricating oil regeneration and the high-performance material of oil filter.