Causes and Prevention of Bearing Damage

I. Improper Installation (Approximately 16%)

The use of brute force during installation, especially direct impact with a hammer, causes the most significant damage to the bearing and is the primary cause of deformation.

Improper installation, misalignment, or failure to install the bearing in the correct position leading to excessively small bearing clearance. When the inner and outer rings are not in the same rotation center, it causes eccentricity. Recommendation: Choose appropriate or professional bearing installation tools, and after installation, use specialized instruments for inspection.

II. Poor Lubrication (Approximately 50%)

According to research, poor lubrication is one of the main causes of premature bearing damage.

Main reasons include:

(1) Failure to timely add lubricant or oil.

(2) Improper addition of lubricant or oil.

(3) Improper selection of lubricant or oil type.

(4) Incorrect lubrication methods, and so on.

Recommendation: Choose the correct lubricant or oil and use the proper lubrication method for addition.

III. Contamination (Approximately 14%)

Contamination can also lead to premature bearing damage. Contaminants such as dust and metal entering the bearing interior.

Main reasons include:

(1) Prematurely opening the bearing package before use, leading to contamination.

(2) Unclean installation environment during installation leading to contamination.

(3) Contaminated working environment of the bearing due to the working medium, and so on.

Recommendation: It is best not to open the bearing package before use; maintain a clean installation environment during installation, clean the bearings to be used, and enhance the sealing device of the bearing.

IV. Fatigue (Approximately 34%)

Fatigue damage is a common way for bearings to fail.

Common causes of fatigue damage may include: prolonged overload operation of the bearing, failure to perform timely maintenance, improper maintenance, equipment aging, and so on.