Bearings and Lubrication Failure

Bearings are precision machine components that are found in different kinds of applications. These machine components are usually very reliable even under the toughest operating conditions. Bearings have a substantial service life under normal operating conditions. The service life of the bearings are usually based on a period of time or number of rotations. Bearing failures of machines can greatly affect operations. The downtime and repairs can result to a lot of lost money. The cause of a bearing failure must be correctly identified. This is important to prevent future failures which can further increase the operation expense and negatively affecting productivity.

A premature bearing failure is usually caused by an issue that could have been avoided. The cause of failure can be determined by performing a visual examination of the bearing construction. Once the cause of failure has been identified, a solution can be enacted that will prevent the same problem from happening in the future.

Bearings rely on a lubricant to function properly. An industrial grease is used cover the rolling and sliding contact surfaces to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact. This facilitates smoother movement, prevents wear damage, and excessive heat generation.

One of the leading causes of bearing failures has to do with lubrication. A bearing failure can happen due to using the wrong kinds of lubricant, under greasing and over greasing, and contamination of grease by water or other kinds of lubricant.

The grease must have the viscosity suitable for the speed and the load that the bearing is exposed to. Industrial grease must be properly stored to prevent contamination. Lube technicians must be properly trained and able to perform calculations that will help them determine the exact amount of grease that is applied on the bearings.