Ball Bearing Failure and Prevention

 

Research on the manufacture and production of ball bearings has shown that only 1% does not reach full service life. This proves that if a ball bearing fails in a very small proportion, there is a good reason. Determining the cause of the ball bearing failure can prevent future failures and provide the necessary information for proper planning and maintenance.

Fortunately, experience shows that ball bearings fail for some very specific reasons and all this can be avoided. Therefore, you should be familiar with these main causes. It can save your company from unfortunate results, which include longer downtime, replacement costs, operational efficiency, and damage to the machine and, in the worst case, injured employees.

Improper Lubrication:-

Lubrication is essential to limit friction and extend bearing life. Inadequate lubrication is the number one cause of bearing failure and is the first thing to verify. Failures often occur when there is too little or too much lubricant, using the wrong or contaminated lubricant, using incompatible mixed lubricants and following the specifications of the incorrect lubrication interval.

Follow the bearing manufacturer's instructions for proper care and maintenance. These instructions not only keep your warranty valid, but also provide information on how to store, handle and inspect your lubricants. Many assume that a lubricant works for all applications, but this is rarely true. Investing in the right lubricant is investing in the machine in the long term.

Incorrect Installation:-

Even contaminants, dents or smaller scratches can significantly shorten the life of ball bearings, so mounting and installing the bearings is a task that requires the use of appropriate technology and tools. Make maintenance personnel well trained on how to handle, remove and properly install the bearings. In addition, before installation, the bearings must be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's careful specifications.

Overloading:-

Each bearing is designed with specific load, speed and temperature limits. Exceeding this limit may cause irreversible damage to the bearings. Overload is often caused by operational changes and operator stress or error. The first sign of overload is unusual noise or temperature rise in the application. If the bearing accidentally overloads, there is a risk of additional damage and must be replaced.

Although these are the three main causes of ball bearing failure, as you can see, each problem can be easily overcome with proper care and prediction. Understanding how to avoid ball bearing failures can maximize the life of the part, saving you a lot of cost and production time.