How to determine bearing wear

On the wear of the bearings installed in various machines and mechanisms is influenced by many factors: dynamic load shocks and impacts, heat from friction, temperature extremes, chemicals, dirt, salt. Only regular and systematic inspection of the bearing allows to identify any signs of wear.

Instruction

1. First and foremost, always pay attention to appears and noises during operation of the unit or mechanism. This is the only symptom to detect wear of the bearing without regular inspection. However, note that the source of the noise may not be a bearing, but a completely different part of the mechanism. In any case, extraneous noise should cause you to examine all the bearings for their wear.
2. If possible, check for overheated bearing during operation. Too high temperature of heat – another sign of wear, but not describing it 100%. To confidently diagnose the deterioration, the temperature must greatly exceed the normal for their specific work. Observe safety precautions and do not touch the very hot bearing, so as not to burn.
3. Check the backlash of the bearing. New should have no backlash. Worn bearing obsolete, has a sensitive outsider knocking and looseness in the vertical plane. Under load during operation of the mechanism of such a bearing is very noticeable buzzing. The noise should increase when the lateral loads.
4. Frequent diagnostics of bearings, purchase a specialized device that allows you with 90% accuracy to determine their wear and tearwithout stopping the machine or mechanism. The device is very easy to use and does not require any special knowledge or skills. However, the fact of its high cost (about thousand dollars) makes it unprofitable to acquire it for a single work.
5. When replacing a worn bearing on the new pay special attention to the correctness and accuracy of its installation and installation. According to statistics, this factor in 52% of cases is the cause of accelerated wear. Especially sensitive to proper installation tapered roller bearings. On the other hand, when correctly installed, the service life of such bearings is very high.
6. Also to reduce the likelihood of premature wearand follow lubrication of the bearings. Bearings with closed housings are laid on the factory long-lasting lubrication for the entire service life. Open case bearings need regular replenishment of fresh grease compositions. Lubricants use only approved manufacturer of bearings.