Five steps to avoid common causes of bearing failure

Bearings may be small, but they play an invaluable role in keeping industrial machinery running smoothly. Improper lubrication, contamination, corrosion, overload, along with improper handling, mounting and storage are all leading causes of bearing failure. There are five steps to avoid these common problems and future process disruption.

 

1. Steer clear of improper handling, mounting and storage

Bearings should be stored horizontally in their original packaging in a clean, dry and room temperature environment. When bearings are unnecessarily handled, for example, if their wrappings are prematurely removed, this can expose them to corrosion or contaminants. Even while they’re being stored on shelves, the bearings can still experience harmful vibration because of the facility’s daily operations so it is important to store the bearings in an area not exposed to vibration.

 

Bearings are delicate components and should be treated with care. Apropriate equipment should be used when handling and mounting bearings. Tools that are not specialised for use during the bearing mounting and dismounting process can cause damage, denting and wear.

 

2. Don’t overload the bearing

When selecting the bearing to best fit your needs, it’s important to remember that inappropriate loads cause increased fatigue and risk of bearing failure. To get the best life ratings from your bearings, limit the actual load to between six and twelve per cent of the bearing’s dynamic load rating. This load rating does however vary according to the bearing material. For example, stainless steel bearings will support approximately 80 to 85 per cent of the load figures indicated for chrome steel bearings.

 

The more the bearing is overloaded, the shorter the bearing life. Overloaded bearing components will experience premature wear. These bearings should be replaced to safeguard the surrounding equipment.

 

3. Avoid contamination

Contamination in the form of dust or dirt entering the bearing’s raceway is problematic. Therefore, choosing a closure that protects against these foreign particles entering the bearing and keeps the lubrication inside, is crucial. Closures should be expertly matched to the application, depending on the operating environment.

 

Firstly, choose closures that will withstand the environmental and operating conditions. Routinely check bearing seals for hardening or wear. Inspections should also be carried out for lubrication leaks. When conducting maintenance, try to avoid using steam cleaning methods or high-pressure sprays.

 

4. Limit corrosion

Wearing gloves will ensure that perspiration or other liquids do not affect the bearing in low-corrosive environments. However, corrosion-resistant bearings will be needed in applications where corrodible materials wouldn’t suffice — think food processing, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production and bearings for marine applications.

 

5. Use the correct lubrication for the bearing

Standard lubrication will do its bit in reducing friction and dissipating heat. However, this lubricant may not satisfy the maximum running speed, torque level and temperature requirements of your application. Specialist lubrication may be required.

 

While these five steps offer a good starting point to reduce bearing failure and extend service life, appropriate design engineering and early intervention are key. For more bearing information,please contact us!