The service life of a bearing depends on a number of factors that influence lubrication, the level of contamination in the bearing's environment, misalignment, correct installation and operating conditions such as loads, speed, temperature and vibration levels. So what practical steps can you take to ensure your industrial bearings remain in good working order?
Bearings are delicate components and must be treated with care. Contaminants, including moisture, dust or dirt, should be avoided whenever possible as they can cause real problems if they get into the bearing. Proper handling and storage methods will help mitigate this issue. When bearings are handled unnecessarily, for example if their housings are removed prematurely, this can expose them to corrosion or contaminants.
Secondly, when replacing bearings or removing them for cleaning, it can be tempting to use every tool available. To avoid damage, dents and unnecessary wear, consider using specialized tools for bearing handling and assembly process.
You also need to use the correct method when installing your bearings and this varies depending on the type of bearing and the type of fit. Applying pressure to the wrong ring during assembly can cause damage to the rolling elements. Likewise, excessively loose or excessively tight adjustments, poor workmanship of bearing or shaft seals or round housings should be avoided. Ultimately, if your assembly method is clumsy, it could reverse the benefits of the cleaning process you initially performed.
Finally, one of the main causes of bearing failure is poor lubrication. This includes using the wrong lubricant, as well as using too much or too little lubrication. The correct lubricant is chosen considering environmental conditions, temperature, speed and load. A bearing specialist will be able to recommend a suitable lubrication combination and will be able to control the bearing lubrication to within a few milligrams.
However, you may choose to carry out your own relubrication activities. Be careful when opening a bearing to replace the lubricant, as doing so incorrectly represents as much risk as doing nothing. Make sure all bearing surfaces are clean and dry before changing the lubricant.
If shielded bearings are used, the shields will be damaged and cannot be reassembled. If you use rubber-sealed bearings, they can be reseated, but you need to be careful not to damage them or they will not keep dirt out as effectively. If in doubt, seek additional resources or help from a bearing specialist.
While these three tips provide a good starting point for reducing bearing failures and extending bearing life, no amount of maintenance can replace proper bearing selection. It is essential to ensure that your bearing accurately matches the needs of your industrial equipment.
