Multiwall carbon nanotubes reinforced nickle (MWCNTs/Ni) coatings were electrodeposited in electrolyte solution containing carboxylated MWCNTs with dimensions of 285 to 427 nm. Surface morphology and hardness analysis determined 3 g/L MWCNTs as the optical addition concentration under low current density of 1 Adm -2. Based on friction and wear behaviors, the tribological compatibility of Ni coating sliding against silicon nitride was improved by using MWCNTs as lubrication reinforcements. 50.6 and 44.4 % of friction and wear reduction was achieved under dry friction at 1214 MPa and 0.089 m/s while 35.8 % and 24.2 % of that was accomplished under oil lubrication. Micro-protrudes containing MWCNTs were crushed because of the high contact stress caused by coarse surface during sliding and hereby MWCNTs were released into oil. The improved tribological properties were attributed to the synergistic mechanism of MWCNTs serve as solid lubricants inside coatings and lubrication additives in oil.