Reasons for Bearing Failures

Nowdays, Bearings are used everywhere in automotive vehicles and machine industry. But like any other mechanical item, bearings also have their own life. 

However, not all the problems of bearings mean replacement. 

Generally, when bearings fail, you can get in touch with your bearing manufacturer and get it fixed. You can also fix those problems by yourself. 

Reasons for Bearing Failures -

Nowdays, Bearings are used everywhere in automotive vehicles and machine industry. But like any other mechanical item, bearings also have their own life. 

However, not all the problems of bearings mean replacement. 

Generally, when bearings fail, you can get in touch with your bearing manufacturer and get it fixed. You can also fix those problems by yourself. 

Here are some reasons for bearing failures:

1. DUE TO IMPROPER LUBRICATING OF BEARING

According to a recent study on bearings, Bearing failures are 80% mainly caused by improper lubrication. 

This improper lubrication includes -  

• Insufficient lubrication 
• Use of improper lubricants 
• Excessive temperatures that degrade the lubricant. 

Important point to be Remembered - 

Always use the right type of lubrication to make your bearings function smoothly.

Whenever any foreign substances enter the bearings and grooves, they can cause contamination. 

This Contamination can be caused by -

• Dirt

• Abrasive grit

• Dust

• Steel chips from contaminated work areas & dirty hands or tools 
   

In this case, you have to just do that filter the lubricant and clean the contamination properly as much as you can.

2. DUE TO IMPROPER FITTING THE BEARING

Improper installation or mounting the bearings can also cause bearing failure as it leads to misalignment. 

You have to only need to ensure that the bearings are mounted and installed correctly. 

3. DUE TO CORROSION

Another reason for bearing failure is corrosion. 

This Corrosion can be caused by -  

• Moisture
• Acid
• Low-quality or broken-down grease 
• Poor wrappings 
• Condensation from excessive temperature reversals 

To Avoid Corrosion -

• Use the right material for bearings
• Keep substances away which cause Corrosion

To Study more in depth -

There are several reasons why bearings can fail, including:

1. Overloading: Excessive load or pressure can cause bearing damage, leading to failure.

2. Lubrication problems: Poor lubrication can result in increased friction and heat, causing wear and eventual bearing failure.

3. Contamination: Dirt, dust, or other contaminants can cause increased wear and damage to bearings.

4. Corrosion: Moisture or other corrosive substances can damage bearings and reduce their lifespan.

5. Fatigue: Repeated stress from cyclic loads can cause cracks and eventually lead to bearing failure.

6. Improper installation: Incorrect installation or handling can cause damage to bearings and result in failure.

7. Improper maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance or inspections can result in early bearing failure.

8. Manufacturing defects: Defective bearings may fail soon after installation or after a short period of use.

Early detection and proper maintenance of bearings can help prevent these types of failures and extend the lifespan of the bearing.

 

Explain in details the reason for bearing failures:

Bearing failures can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

1. Overloading: Excessive load or pressure can cause bearing damage, leading to failure. The load capacity of the bearing must be taken into consideration when selecting a bearing for an application.

2. Lubrication problems: Insufficient or incorrect lubrication can increase friction and generate heat, leading to wear and eventual bearing failure. Proper lubrication is essential for prolonging the lifespan of bearings.

3. Contamination: Dirt, dust, or other contaminants can cause increased wear and damage to bearings. Proper seals and regular maintenance can help prevent contamination.

4. Corrosion: Moisture or other corrosive substances can damage bearings and reduce their lifespan. Corrosion-resistant bearings and proper storage can help prevent corrosion-related failures.

5. Fatigue: Repeated stress from cyclic loads can cause cracks and eventually lead to bearing failure. This can be prevented by selecting a bearing with sufficient fatigue life for the application.

6. Improper installation: Incorrect installation or handling can cause damage to bearings and result in failure. Proper installation techniques, such as using proper tools and following manufacturer's instructions, can help prevent installation-related failures.

7. Improper maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance or inspections can result in early bearing failure. Regular inspections and maintenance can help detect potential issues and prevent bearing failures.

8. Manufacturing defects: Defective bearings may fail soon after installation or after a short period of use. Quality control and proper sourcing can help prevent manufacturing defect-related failures.

Early detection and proper maintenance of bearings can help prevent these types of failures and extend the lifespan of the bearing.

 

In addition to understanding the reasons for bearing failures, it's also important to consider the solutions to prevent or address these failures:

1. Overloading: Selecting a bearing with adequate load capacity for the application and avoiding overloading can prevent failure due to excessive load.

2. Lubrication problems: Proper lubrication and regular maintenance can help prevent bearing failure due to insufficient or incorrect lubrication.

3. Contamination: Proper seals, regular maintenance, and a clean operating environment can help prevent contamination-related failures.

4. Corrosion: Using corrosion-resistant bearings and proper storage can help prevent corrosion-related failures.

5. Fatigue: Selecting a bearing with sufficient fatigue life for the application can help prevent fatigue-related failures.

6. Improper installation: Proper installation techniques and following manufacturer's instructions can help prevent installation-related failures.

7. Improper maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspections can help detect potential issues and prevent bearing failures.

8. Manufacturing defects: Quality control and proper sourcing can help prevent manufacturing defect-related failures.

In the event of a bearing failure, the damaged bearing should be replaced and the cause of the failure should be identified and addressed to prevent future failures.