How to Prevent Ball Bearing Failure

April 8, 2020

Different machines, appliances, and devices that are used in commercial and industrial applications have ball bearings to make them work. Without ball bearings, some assembly will not be as effective as they should be. Repetitive use of products can lead to wear and tear. So, expect your ball bearings to fail and get damaged over time.

The reason behind ball bearing failure varies according to various elements. If you do not trace the main cause of the failure, then you might end up replacing your ball bearing numerous times. Determining the reason for ball bearing failure can not only help you prevent future failures but also provide you vital information about proper planning and maintenance.

To help you out, here are some common reasons as to why ball bearings fail and how to fix them.

Practice Proper Lubrication 

Without proper lubrication, your ball bearing may face failure in a short amount of time. Ball bearing failures are primarily caused by applying too little or too much lubricant. Damages on a ball bearing can also be generated by the application of incorrect, contaminated, and incompatible fixed lubricant. Wrong lubrication internal specifications can also cause ball bearings to fail.

To fix this problem, you must follow the instructions found on your bearing’s manual. These guidelines not only ensure your warranty to stay valid, but they also give you useful information about storing, handling, and inspecting the lubricants. You must also invest in the correct and high-quality lubricants if you want your bearing to run for a long time.

Ensure Correct Installation

Sometimes, we tend to believe that installing ball bearing is easy. But even if the process of installation is smooth, we may have overlooked the presence of harmful elements. Any dents and scratches on your ball bearings can significantly decrease their service life. Even the smallest contaminant can have a negative impact on the bearings.

So, if you will be installing ball bearing, make sure that you use the right set of tools. It is also important that the ball bearing is stored properly before installation. To make the installation work accurately, you may want to ask some professionals who have adequate skills and experience in installing ball bearing. They know how to correctly handle, remove, and install bearings on the equipment without causing unnecessary damages.

Prevent Overloading

Just like any other internal components, ball bearings are also designed to operate at a specific limit for load, speed, and temperature. Once the ball bearings have exceeded these limits, then they can suffer from irreparable damage. As they continuously operate, they would gradually get torn down and get damaged permanently. One sign of overloading is the presence of an unusual noise or a sudden increase in temperature within the application.

The best way to prevent overloading is to study the specific limitations of the ball bearings. If your ball bearings have been already overloaded, then make sure to replace them right away to prevent any further damage.

Knowing these things can help you repair any failing ball bearing as well as prevent any instances of failures from happening in the future. If you want to know how to maintain ball bearings, then consult us now at Global Bearing Imports.

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