7 Tips for proper bearing maintenance

BySara Willson

Maintenance and handling of the bearing in the proper manner, it has a huge impact on its performance. It leads to longer bearing life, minimizes downtime and best productivity. These lead to savings in the cost of your business. Moreover, many devices depend on the bearings to operate. For this reason, here are simple points for your bearing handled with the correct way to perform.

1. Bearing handle with the care

Bearing is an accurate component. It should be handled and stored to stop the entry of contaminants. Stored it horizontally with the clean and dry environment, and should take care to prevent airborne pollutants. A spot of dirt in the raceway can be the reason for premature bearing failure. Do not apply the direct force on bearings and bushings or its outer ring. It can be the reason for the damaged and misaligned rolling elements. Bearings also not be installed if they have a little crack and scratches. Otherwise, the result can be poor performance and premature failure.

2. Correct mounting method

The mounting bearing method is the correct method, and it depends on the bearing type and kind of fit. Cylindrical type bearings are mounted through the press-fit process or shrink-fit. Bronze sleeve bearings with narrow bores can be mounted on the tapered or cylindrical shaft with tapered sleeves’ help. Always remember that you should only apply pressure with pressure-fit. Apply pressure without the press-fit to the ring; it will damage raceways.

3. Prevent the heating and overheating

It depends on the heating treatment of the bearing; the maximum temperature will change. If the temperatures are better than the heat limit, it can create permanent deformation or the soft bearing steel. When it happens, it will reduce the load-carrying capacity, and failure will occur. It is not a good idea to apply the heat using an open flame. If you are mounting using the shrink-fit method, use the induction heater to get the coveted effect.

4. Use the exact tools

When you are using the common tools to handle the bearings, it can create unwanted damages and unnecessary repairing costs. Because they are not expert at handling delicate things like bearings and bushes suppliers. Instead, it uses the exact and proper tools to maintain their condition. Some examples of tools like:

  • Bearing fitting tool kits

  • Oil injector kits

  • Induction heaters

  • Hydraulic nuts

These tools, as mentioned above, ensure the mounting and dismounting process. It goes smooth while minimizing the risk of a bad bearing.

5. Prevent the corrosion

If the bearings are exposed to the presence of water over time, rust and corrosion may occur. It will make your bearing premature, weak and affect your machine performance and productivity over time. And also increase the unnecessary operating costs. When you handle the bearings, wear gloves on your hands to cause the water and pollutants to create corrosion.

You may use the water-resistant grease as your lubricant, which will act as protective barriers in humid climates. You might consider using bearings with different materials like ceramic bearings. It is for excess corrosive environments.

6. Proper lubrication is required

Proper lubrication is the most important if you give your bearings to prolonged life. Lubricants can be oil or grease, and the right lubricant depends on a series of factors. It is an environment condition, temperature, speed, and load. The Linear sleeve bearing manufacturer recommends using the most suitable type of lubricant. If you fail to use the right oil, you are at greater risk of your machine or voiding the warranty. So, check your lubricant level frequently, and make sure to change annually.

7.  Observe the danger signs

The final step, make sure you observe and be alert with abnormal and poor bearing performance signs. For example, excess noise, increased temperature or vibration, or if the bearings display the signs as monitored closely. Remove it before any further damages occur to your machinery. 

Vibration analysis helps you to detect danger signals. It is the part of monitoring that includes technologies like oil analysis and vibration analysis. It also helps compare the current bearing state with the data and provide an accurate assessment of life-bearing.

To summing-up:

Your equipment and machinery are working; it is vital for your bearing maintenance. By following these tips, your bearings work better, reducing operation costs and repairs to the machinery. If your business relies on the bearing, contact Hi-bond. Our friendly team will be happier to walk you through our product options and provide the best work as per your need.