The present invention provides a fluid bearing unit capable of achieving lower torque and lower current consumption in comparison with a conventional bearing unit, and a spindle motor using the same. The present invention employs an ester derived from 1,5-pentanediol having one alkyl side chain and saturated monovalent fatty acid having 5 to 8 carbon atoms as a base oil of a lubricant with which a gap between a shaft and a sleeve is filled.