1, bearing lubrication failure
According to a recent study, up to 80% of bearing failures are caused by improper lubrication. This includes inadequate lubrication, the use of improper lubricant or high temperature will reduce the performance of the lubricant.
Bearing Phenomena
Look for discoloured rolling elements (e.g. blue or brown) and rolling element tracks as well as whether the bearing is overheated or excessively worn.
Bearing measures
Use the proper type and correct amount of lubricant, avoid grease loss, and follow proper relubrication intervals.
2. Contaminated bearings
Contamination is caused by foreign matter entering the bearing lubricant or cleaning solution. These include dirt, abrasive particles, dust, steel shavings from contaminated work areas, and dirty hands or tools.
Bearing phenomena
Note pits in the rolling elements and raceways that cause vibration.
Bearing measures
Filter the lubricant and clean the work area, tools, fixtures and hands to reduce the risk of contamination.
3. Improper bearing mounting
In most cases, bearings should be mounted on the rotating ring by means of a press fit.
Bearing phenomena
A number of conditions can cause bearings to develop dents, wear, ring rupture, high operating temperatures, premature fatigue and premature failure. These include mounting the bearing on the shaft by applying pressure or blows to the outer ring, mounting the bearing in the housing by pressing on the inner ring, loose shaft fits, loose housing fits, over-tightened fits, out-of-round housings, and poor finishes on the housing.
Bearing measures
Follow proper mounting instructions and provide training to ensure that all employees understand the difference between proper and improper mounting.
4. Bearing misalignment
Bent shafts, unsquare shoulders, unsquare spacers, unsquare clamping nuts, and incorrect mounting due to loose fit can lead to misalignment, which may result in overheating and separator failure.
Bearing Phenomena
Wear paths on raceway edges that are not parallel to the non-rotating ring should be noted.
Bearing measures
Check shaft and housing for shoulder and housing runout and use precision grade locknuts.
5. Bearing friction corrosion indentation
The rapid movement of the balls in the raceways when the equipment is idle wears out the lubrication. In addition, the lack of bearing rotation does not allow fresh lubricant to return to the field. Both of these conditions can lead to false indentations.
Bearing phenomena
Instead of marks caused by incorrect mounting, you may see linear wear marks in the axial direction or no raised edges at the rolling element pitch.
Bearing measures
Eliminate or absorb external vibrations that may cause the balls to move. In addition, be sure to use a lubricant containing anti-friction additives.
Check the shaft and housing for shoulder and housing runout and use precision grade locknuts.
6. Bearing corrosion
Moisture, acids, poor quality or broken grease, poor packaging and condensation caused by high temperatures can cause corrosion of ball and roller bearing finishing surfaces.
Bearing phenomena
Look for red and brown stains or deposits on rolling elements, raceways or cages, as well as increased vibration, wear, increased radial clearance or loss of preload.
Bearing measures
Divert corrosive fluids away from the bearing area. Choose integrally sealed bearings and consider using external seals in particularly harsh environments. If you cannot avoid corrosive environments, using a suitable bearing material (e.g. stainless steel) can help.
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Post time: Jun-11-2025