Damage to Rolling Bearings
Source: China Bearing Network | Date: November 2, 2013
Rolling bearings are essential components in many mechanical systems. If they start showing signs of abnormal heat, vibration, or noise, it's a clear indication that something is wrong. These symptoms can point to potential damage, and it's important to investigate and analyze the root cause as soon as possible.
Here are some common causes of rolling bearing damage:
- Fatigue Spalling: This occurs when the rolling elements or raceway surface begins to lose material due to repeated stress from alternating loads. Over time, small flakes of metal may break off, forming pits that eventually grow into larger areas of damage. Improper installation or misalignment between the shaft and housing can also lead to uneven loading, accelerating this type of failure.
- Cracks and Fractures: These can develop due to improper heat treatment, excessive interference fit, or incorrect assembly. If the bearing’s inner or outer ring has grooves or other imperfections, stress concentrations can occur, leading to cracks or even complete fractures in the component.
- Indentation: Hard particles entering the bearing can become lodged between the rolling elements and the raceway, causing dents on the contact surfaces. Additionally, excessive impact loads can result in plastic deformation, creating small pits that affect performance and increase noise levels.
- Wear: Poor sealing can allow dust or debris to enter the bearing, causing scratches or severe wear on the contact surfaces. This not only increases vibration and noise but also reduces the bearing's lifespan significantly.
- Electrical Corrosion: When electric current passes through the bearing, small sparks can form, causing localized heating and discoloration. In more severe cases, this can lead to pitting on the contact surfaces, reducing the bearing's effectiveness.
- Rusting and Corrosion: Exposure to moisture, acids, alkalis, or salts—either directly or through lubricants—can cause corrosion. Even minor corrosion can render a bearing inoperable, especially in precision applications.
- Cage Damage: The cage, which separates the rolling elements, can be damaged if there is insufficient lubrication. This can lead to friction, wear, and even cracking of the cage, particularly in high-speed bearings.
Proper maintenance, correct installation, and regular inspection are crucial for extending the life of rolling bearings. Understanding the different types of damage and their causes can help prevent failures and ensure smooth operation of machinery.
Related Bearing Knowledge:
- The issue of heat treatment in bearing parts in China and common quality defects after heat treatment
- The fundamental functional requirements of NSK rolling bearings
- How NTN bearing load factors affect bearing life (Part 2)
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