Ten Tips For Correct Bearing Maintenance

Time：2020.11.02  Source：Roller Bearings Suppliers

What do clocks, skateboards and industrial machinery have in common? They all rely on bearings to maintain their smooth rotational movement. However, in order to obtain reliability, they must be properly maintained and handled. This will ensure a long bearing life and avoid many common problems that can lead to bearing failure and costly downtime.

1. Correct handling and storage

To prevent contaminants including moisture, dust or dirt from entering the bearing, they should be handled and stored properly. First, the bearing should be placed horizontally in the original packaging in a clean, dry and room temperature environment. For example, in the case of unnecessarily handling bearings, if their wrappers are removed prematurely, they can be exposed to corrosion or contaminants. Bearings are precision parts and should be handled with care. Therefore, dropped components should not be used as this may cause premature failure.

2. Use professional tools

In addition, proper equipment should be used when handling bearings. Unused tools during bearing installation and removal may cause unnecessary damage, dents and wear. For example, bearing pullers or induction heaters are specifically designed for bearings. WSBC 23120 CC/W33 bearings online , pls click here : 

3. Check the bearing housing and shaft

Before installing the bearing, check the physical condition of the housing and shaft. Before getting familiar with the correct installation method, please wipe the surface with a soft cloth.

4. Install correctly

When installing the bearing, the correct method should be used. The specific method depends on the type of bearing and the type of fit. Radial ball bearing rings can be installed in a variety of ways, from sliding fit to press fit, depending on the type of load, speed and vibration level. Applying pressure on the wrong ring during installation may cause damage to the rolling elements. Similarly, excessive looseness or tight fit should also be avoided, and the smoothness of the bearing seat is too low or the round shaft or bearing seat is too thick.

5. Lubricate properly

One of the main causes of bearing failure is lubrication failure. This includes using incorrect lubricant, and using too much or too little lubricant. Choose the right lubricant by considering environmental conditions, temperature, speed and load. Bearing experts will be able to make suitable lubrication recommendations and control bearing lubrication within a few milligrams. Therefore, if you need low, normal or high grease filling, you can rest assured that lubrication will not cause problems in the future.

6. Avoid temperature exceeding the bearing range

If the steel bearing is heated to exceed its design limit, it will permanently deform or soften the bearing material, resulting in reduced load-bearing capacity and equipment failure. Choosing a bearing suitable for your temperature operating range is the first step. During regular maintenance, pay attention to the discoloration of the ring, rolling elements and cage, as this may indicate overheating. This may be caused by high operating temperature and improper lubrication, so you need to get your attention quickly.  WSBC 23152 CCK/W33 bearings online , pls click here : 

7. Prevent corrosion as much as possible

Corrosion is the natural enemy of bearings. Over time, if the bearing is exposed to a humid environment, corrosion will occur. This may cause rust to enter the raceway and eventually lead to premature failure of the bearing and equipment. Wearing gloves will ensure that sweat or other liquids will not enter the bearing. When designing specifically for corrosive environments, choosing the right bearing is the key. For example, in marine or chemical environments, choosing 316 stainless steel bearings with seals is usually a good choice.

8. Choose alternatives carefully

If the bearing does reach the end of its service life, replace the bearing with one of the same or higher quality as the original bearing. In the long run, low-quality alternatives are likely to fail and may cause more expensive equipment to malfunction.

9. Monitoring

Bearings rarely fail without any warning signs. Excessive noise, vibration or temperature rise may be signs of deeper problems. If there is any abnormality in the operation of the bearing, it should be monitored more closely.

10. Convene experts

Finally, if you have any questions, please seek expert help. Bearing experts will be able to advise on the best maintenance methods for your specific application and be able to help you diagnose any bearing problems. It is easy to send the problem bearing to the expert, who will check and lubricate the bearing when needed.