What are the causes of bearing damage?

There are many reasons for bearing damage, which can be summarized as follows:

1. Material fatigue

Definition: Material fatigue refers to the gradual degradation of material properties caused by periodic loads during the long-term operation of the bearing, which eventually leads to damage.

Cause: The rolling elements and the inner and outer ring raceways of the bearing are subjected to periodic pulsating loads, generating periodic contact stress. When the number of stress cycles reaches a certain value, fatigue peeling occurs on the rolling elements or the inner and outer ring raceway working surfaces.

2. Poor lubrication

Definition: Poor lubrication refers to the increase in friction on the bearing surface, wear and corrosion due to insufficient lubricant, poor quality or improper lubrication methods during the operation of the bearing.

Cause:

Insufficient or deteriorated lubricant.

Improper lubrication methods, such as too long lubrication cycles and inappropriate lubricant selection.

The bearing is assembled too tightly, resulting in the inability of the lubricant to fully enter the friction surface.

3. Pollution

Definition: Pollution refers to the wear, corrosion or jamming of the bearing surface due to the invasion of particles, moisture, corrosive substances, etc. from the external environment into the bearing during operation.

Cause:

Intrusion of solid particles, such as dust, metal debris, etc.

Intrusion of moisture and corrosive substances (such as acid, alkali, etc.).

Poor bearing sealing performance leads to the entry of pollutants.

IV. Installation problem

Definition: Installation problem refers to the bearing being damaged during installation due to improper installation method, insufficient installation accuracy or unclean installation environment.

Cause:

Failure to knock on the correct ring during installation leads to deformation of the bearing.

Failure to keep clean during installation leads to foreign matter entering the bearing.

Insufficient installation accuracy, such as poor precision of shaft or bearing box, leads to uneven force on the bearing.

V. Improper handling

Definition: Improper handling refers to the degradation or damage of bearing performance due to improper maintenance, care or operation during the use of the bearing.

Cause:

The bearing is overloaded and used, exceeding its load-bearing capacity.

Failure to take timely measures to cool down the bearing after it heats up leads to overheating and damage of the bearing.

The bearing is installed or operated in an inclined state, resulting in uneven force.

VI. Other factors

Abnormally high temperature: When the bearing works in a high temperature environment, the material properties may change, leading to bearing damage.

Impact load: Excessive impact load on the bearing may cause cracks, breakage and other damage.

Vibration and swing: During the micro-vibration of the bearing, the contact part of the rolling element and the raceway wheel will develop wear due to vibration and shaking.

In summary, there are many reasons for bearing damage, including material fatigue, poor lubrication, contamination, installation problems, improper handling and other factors such as abnormally high temperature, impact load and vibration. In order to avoid bearing damage, it is necessary to pay attention to the selection, installation, lubrication and maintenance of the bearing during use to ensure that the bearing operates in a good working environment.