Efficient Plant July/August 2021 - 25

bearing maintenance
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Minimize how often you handle bearings and
always wear gloves to keep rust-causing perspiration
and other moisture off the metal surfaces.
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How to
Maximize
Bearing
Performance
WHAT DO CLOCKS, skateboards, and
industrial machinery have in common? They
all rely on bearings to maintain smooth rotational
movement. To perform reliably, however,
they must be maintained and handled
correctly. Chris Johnson, Managing Director
at specialist bearing supplier, SMB Bearings,
Oxfordshire, UK (smbbearings.com), offers
these tips for optimal bearing care.
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For information, visit the SMB Bearings website,
smbbearings.com.
JUL/AUG 2021
HANDLE AND STORE CORRECTLY
To keep contaminants from entering a bearing, store it horizontally in its original packaging in a
clean, dry, room-temperature environment. Unnecessary handling and/or removing the wrapping
prematurely can also expose bearings to corrosion or contaminants. Dropped bearings shouldn't
be used. Unseen damage could lead to premature failure.
USE SPECIALIST TOOLS
Tools that are not designed for bearing mounting and dismounting can cause unnecessary
damage, denting, and wear.
CHECK THE BEARING HOUSING AND SHAFT
Inspect the physical condition of the housing and shaft prior to mounting the bearing. Use a soft
cloth to wipe the surfaces clean and familiarize yourself with the correct mounting method.
MOUNT CORRECTLY
The correct mounting method depends on the bearing and type of fit. Applying pressure to the
wrong ring when fitting can damage the rolling elements. Equally, excessively loose or tight fits, a
poor finish on the bearing seats, or out-of-round shafts or housings should also be avoided.
GET LUBRICATION RIGHT
One of the leading causes of bearing failure is improper lubrication. This encompasses using the
incorrect and/or too much or too little lubricant. The correct lubricant is determined by environmental
conditions, temperature, speed, and load. A bearing specialist will be able to advise on a
suitable lubrication match.
AVOID TEMPERATURES OUTSIDE THE BEARING'S
DESIGNED RANGE
If a steel bearing is heated above the temperature for which it is designed, the bearing material
can deform or soften, resulting in a reduced load-carrying capacity and leading to equipment
failure. During regular maintenance, be aware of discoloration of the rings, rolling elements, and
cages, as this can indicate overheating.
WHERE POSSIBLE, PREVENT CORROSION
Exposure to moisture can introduce rust in the raceway, resulting in premature bearing and
equipment failure. When handling bearings, wear gloves to keep perspiration and other liquids
off bearing surfaces. When specifying bearings for corrosive environments, select the proper
material. For example, a 316 stainless-steel bearing with seals is often a good choice in marine
or chemical environments.
CHOOSE REPLACEMENTS CAREFULLY
If a bearing reaches the end of its operating life, replace it with one that is identical or
superior in quality. A low-quality alternative will be more likely to fail and could lead to
costly equipment failure in the long run.
MONITOR. IT'S RARE THAT A BEARING WILL
FAIL WITHOUT WARNING
Excessive noise or an increase in vibration or temperature can indicate a deeper problem. If a
bearing exhibits any operational abnormalities, it should be closely monitored. EP
EFFICIENTPLANTMAG.COM | 25

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Efficient Plant July/August 2021

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