Bearing Maintenance Tips By Manufacturers

Small or large, plain bearing or any other type, this mechanical component plays an important role in movements in a machine. To ensure the long operational life of a bearing and machine, you need to ensure that your plain bearing and other bearings get proper maintenance. All machines have moving mechanical components or parts. Bearings have a role to play in the movements of these components. From your skateboard to car wheels, you will find bearings in most machines. A bearing handles the load and facilitates movements without or with reduced friction.

Imagine a machine without bearings. Its moving parts will stick and malfunction. A machine does its job when its components move. Therefore, it is important to choose the right bearing. After that, pay attention to bearing maintenance. Regular maintenance reduces downtime and extends bearing life.

Here are some tips for bearing maintenance.

Handle with care

Bearings are made from different materials. Some bearings can be delicate. Not handling them with care can damage them. The packing should be intact. Store them horizontally in a dry and clean place. Make sure that bearings are not exposed to contaminants as this can lead to premature failure. Don't pound or hammer bearings. Applying direct force can cause bearing misalignment by damaging rolling elements. Remove them from packaging only when you are going to use them.

Check Shaft and Housing

Inspect the shaft and housing before using a bearing for mounting. Look for signs of damage. Make sure that the shaft and housing are in good physical condition. Wipe the surface clean using a soft cloth. Remove all the nicks and burrs.

Mount Correctly

Use the right method to mount a specific type of bearing. For example, you need to use the press and fit method to mount a bearing with cylindrical bores. Use tapered sleeves to mount bearings with tapered bores on cylindrical or tapered shafts. Apply pressure only in the case of the press and fit method.

Avoid Overheating

Materials used for making bearings are often heat treated. The maximum preheating or overheating allowed for plain bearing and other bearings depend on this heat treatment. Make sure that heat does not exceed the permitted limit. This can permanently soften or deform the metal. The bearing will lose its load-bearing capacity. This can lead to failure. Use an induction heater to heat the bearings. Don't expose bearings to an open flame.

Use Proper Tools

Use specialized tools such as oil injector kits, bearing fitting tool kits, bearing pullers, induction heaters or hydraulic nuts. Use the right tool to mount or dismount. This reduces the risk of wear and other damages.

Proper Lubrication

If it is not a self-lubricating bearing, use lubricants recommended by the manufacturer for given plain bearing applications.

Avoid Corrosion

Many plain bearing materials offer excellent corrosion resistance. However, if a bearing is not made for underwater use, don't expose it to water for a long time. Corrosion and rust will lead to premature failure. This will affect the productivity and performance of the machine. The operation will be more costly.