Common problems with bearings and their solutions

Thread Content

The analysis of common bearing problems is mainly divided into 9 categories: 1. Delamination and scorching ； 2. Crack defects ； 3. Broken cage ； 4. Scratches and jamming ； 5. Rust and corrosion ； 6. Abrasion ； 7. Electroerosion ； 8. Dents and scratches ； 9. Creep. Next, we will use a chart to analyze the causes of the problem and the solutions in a quick, accurate, and concise manner, so as to assist you during implementation. Project | Phenomenon | Causes | Measures
---|---|---|---
Spalling | Spalling occurs on the running surface; after spalling, the surface becomes noticeably uneven | • Excessive load<br>• Improper usage<br>• Poor installation<br>• Inadequate precision of shaft or bearing housing<br>• Too small a clearance<br>• Foreign matter intrusion<br>• Rust formation<br>• Hardness reduction due to abnormal high temperature | • Re-evaluate operating conditions<br>• Select a different bearing<br>• Reconsider the clearance size<br>• Check the machining precision of the shaft and bearing housing<br>• Review the design around the bearing<br>• Examine installation procedures<br>• Verify lubricant type and lubrication method
Burnout | Bearing heats up, changes color, and eventually burns out, losing its ability to rotate | • Too small a clearance (including areas where deformation reduces clearance)<br>• Insufficient lubrication or use of inappropriate lubricant<br>• Excessive load (excessive preload)<br>• Roller misalignment | • Set an appropriate clearance (increase it if needed)<br>• Confirm lubricant type and ensure sufficient application amount<br>• Re-examine operating conditions<br>• Prevent positioning errors<br>• Review the design around the bearing (including heat effects on the bearing)<br>• Improve bearing assembly methods
Cracks | Defective areas show notches and cracks | • Excessive impact load<br>• Excessive interference fit<br>• Significant spalling<br>• Frictional cracks<br>• Poor precision at the installation side (excessively large corner radii)<br>• Improper usage (e.g., using a copper hammer; foreign objects getting stuck) | • Re-evaluate operating conditions<br>• Determine an appropriate interference fit and check material properties<br>• Improve installation and usage practices<br>• Prevent frictional cracks (verify lubricant type)<br>• Review the design around the bearing
Cage damage | Rivets loosen or break; cage fractures occur | • Excessive torque load<br>• High-speed rotation or frequent speed fluctuations<br>• Poor lubrication<br>• Foreign objects getting stuck<br>• Excessive vibration<br>• Poor installation (installation while tilted)<br>• Abnormal temperature rise (for cages made of resin) | • Re-examine operating conditions<br>• Check lubrication conditions<br>• Re-evaluate cage selection<br>• Exercise caution when using bearings<br>• Assess the rigidity of the shaft and bearing housing
Scuffing / Brinelling | Surface becomes rough, with minor welding-like deposits; scuffing refers to damage between the ring rib and roller end face | • Poor lubrication<br>• Foreign matter intrusion<br>• Roller misalignment caused by tilted bearing<br>• Oil film breakdown on rib surfaces due to excessive axial load<br>• Excessive surface roughness<br>• Excessive sliding of rolling elements | • Re-evaluate lubricant type and lubrication method<br>• Check operating conditions<br>• Set an appropriate preload<br>• Enhance sealing performance<br>• Use bearings under normal operating conditions
Rust / Corrosion | Localized or total rust formation; rust appears in patterns matching rolling element pitch | • Poor storage conditions<br>• Inadequate packaging<br>• Insufficient anti-rust agents<br>• Moisture or acidic solutions penetrating the bearing<br>• Handling bearings with bare hands | • Prevent rust during storage<br>• Strengthen sealing performance<br>• Periodically inspect lubricating oil<br>• Exercise caution when using bearings
Abrasion | Reddish rust-colored wear particles appear on mating surfaces | • Insufficient interference fit<br>• Small bearing oscillation angle<br>• Inadequate lubrication (or no lubrication at all)<br>• Unstable loads<br>• Vibration during transport | • Check interference fit and lubricant application status<br>• Pack inner and outer rings separately during transport; apply preload if they cannot be separated<br>• Select a different lubricant<br>• Choose a different bearing type
Wear | Surface wears down, causing dimensional changes; often accompanied by abrasions and wear marks | • Foreign matter mixing into lubricant<br>• Poor lubrication<br>• Roller misalignment | • Check lubricant type and lubrication method<br>• Strengthen sealing performance<br>• Prevent positioning errors
Electrical erosion | Crater-like depressions form on the rolling surface; these may develop into wavy patterns | • Electric current passing through the rolling surface | • Install a current bypass valve<br>• Take insulation measures to prevent current flow through the bearing
Indentations / Bruises | Surface depressions caused by solid foreign objects getting stuck or by impact; also includes scuffing during installation | • Foreign objects intruding into the bearing<br>• Pieces of spalled material getting lodged<br>• Impact or detachment due to poor installation<br>• Installation while tilted | • Improve installation and usage practices<br>• Prevent foreign matter intrusion<br>• If metal fragments are the cause, inspect other parts as well
Creep | Inner or outer diameter surfaces slip, resulting in mirror-like finishes or discoloration; sometimes leads to seizure | • Insufficient interference fit at mating surfaces<br>• Inadequate sleeve tightening<br>• Abnormal temperature rise<br>• Excessive load | • Re-evaluate interference fit magnitude<br>• Re-examine operating conditions<br>• Check the precision of the shaft and bearing housing