Which of the back-to-back angular contact ball bearings is more likely to fail first?
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Recently someone asked me a question that really confused me; I would appreciate some guidance from those who know more. Back-to-back mounted angular contact ball bearings are subjected to stress during normal operation, but for them to function properly, there must be a minimum level of load. If the load is too low, the rollers tend to slide. So which bearing is more likely to get damaged first: the one under stress or the one not under stress?
You mean that bearing assemblies like this require pre-tensioning, right? In my experience, as long as the preload is appropriate and the lubrication is good, both types of operation seem to work well. But if I have to say something, it’s that the load comes from only one direction; logically, the part under greater stress is more likely to get damaged.
Theoretically, a higher load results in a shorter lifespan; therefore, the lifespan is calculated based on the weakest component
During actual maintenance, the part that is opposite the impeller and located closer to it is more prone to damage, as the axial force generated during the operation of the centrifugal pump acts in the direction of the impeller. So that bearing can bear more load
That thing has extremely high assembly requirements; it needs to be paired； Replace it with a deep groove ball bearing of the corresponding model – it’s easy to install, reliable in performance, and low in cost! Its service life will definitely exceed that of your original bearings.
It is related to the way the pump is installed; if it is horizontal, it is likely the impeller that will fail first. If it is installed vertically, such as in the case of submersible pumps, it also depends on the pump’s own weight
The centrifugal pump is of the cantilever type; it relies on the bearing at the impeller, which is subject to high stresses. If alignment is not proper, the bearing at the coupling end will also get damaged
It shouldn’t differ by much; one bearing will take over the load that was carried by the other two.