| Bearing Life Cycle | Buy a bearing | Mounting | Lubrication | Alignment | Basic Condition Monitoring | Dismounting
| Bearing Life Cycle | Buy a bearing | Mounting | Lubrication | Alignment | Basic Condition Monitoring | Dismounting
The right tools help you to prevent premature bearing failure
Introduction to the Bearing Life Cycle
Every bearing has a certain service life potential. However, research has shown that, for various reasons, not every bearing achieves it. Important stages which have a major impact on a bearing service life can be identified over the bearing’s lifecycle. These stages are selecting and buying a bearing, mounting, lubrication, alignment, basic condition monitoring and dismounting.
Main causes of premature bearing failures
Poor fitting
Around 16% of all premature bearing failures are caused by poor fitting (usually excessive or incorrectly applied force...) and maintenance personnel being unaware of the availability of the correct tools. Individual installations may require mechanical, hydraulic or heat application methods for correct and efficient mounting or dismounting. Professional fitting, using specialized tools and techniques, is another positive step towards achieving maximum machine uptime.
Poor lubrication
Although ‘sealed-for-life’ bearings can be fitted and forgotten, some 36% of premature bearing failures are caused by incorrect specification and inadequate application of the lubricant. Inevitably, any bearing deprived of proper lubrication will fail long before its normal service life. Because bearings are usually the least accessible components of machinery, improper lubrication practice frequently compounds the problem.
Contamination
A bearing is a precision component that will not operate efficiently unless both the bearing and its lubricants are isolated from contamination. And, since sealed-for-life bearings in ready-greased variants account for only a small proportion of all bearings in use, at least 14% of all premature bearing failures are attributed to contamination problems.
Fatigue
Whenever machines are overloaded, or see induced loads from incorrect maintenance practice, bearings suffer from the consequences, resulting in 34% of all premature bearing failures. Sudden or unexpected failure can also be avoided, since neglected or overstressed bearings emit ‘early warning’ signals which can be easily detected.
Over the next 6 weeks we will guide you through the different stages of the Bearing Life Cycle
As an introduction, have a look at this unique video. The difference between using the right tools and methods and doing it the wrong way is presented in an amusing, but very recognisable way. This video was recorded some time ago and may look a little old-fashioned, but maintenance methods and tool type have not really changed.
Get in touch with the team to learn more about the benefits of how to prevent premature bearing failure.
The right tools help you to prevent premature bearing failure
Introduction to the Bearing Life Cycle
Every bearing has a certain service life potential. However, research has shown that, for various reasons, not every bearing achieves it. Important stages which have a major impact on a bearing service life can be identified over the bearing’s lifecycle. These stages are selecting and buying a bearing, mounting, lubrication, alignment, basic condition monitoring and dismounting.
The stages in a bearing life cycle are extremely important in maximizing the service life of the bearing. By selecting the right bearing for the application, applying the right maintenance practices and using the correct tools, you can considerably extend your bearing’s service life, reduce energy consumption, increase plant productivity and efficiency and last but just as important, the health & safety environment will considerably improve by reduced accidents and a corresponding reduction in the resulting absenteeism.
Main causes of premature bearing failures
Poor fitting
Around 16% of all premature bearing failures are caused by poor fitting (usually excessive or incorrectly applied force...) and maintenance personnel being unaware of the availability of the correct tools. Individual installations may require mechanical, hydraulic or heat application methods for correct and efficient mounting or dismounting. Professional fitting, using specialized tools and techniques, is another positive step towards achieving maximum machine uptime.
Poor lubrication
Although ‘sealed-for-life’ bearings can be fitted and forgotten, some 36% of premature bearing failures are caused by incorrect specification and inadequate application of the lubricant. Inevitably, any bearing deprived of proper lubrication will fail long before its normal service life. Because bearings are usually the least accessible components of machinery, improper lubrication practice frequently compounds the problem.
Contamination
A bearing is a precision component that will not operate efficiently unless both the bearing and its lubricants are isolated from contamination. And, since sealed-for-life bearings in ready-greased variants account for only a small proportion of all bearings in use, at least 14% of all premature bearing failures are attributed to contamination problems.
Fatigue
Whenever machines are overloaded, or see induced loads from incorrect maintenance practice, bearings suffer from the consequences, resulting in 34% of all premature bearing failures. Sudden or unexpected failure can also be avoided, since neglected or overstressed bearings emit ‘early warning’ signals which can be easily detected.
Over the next 6 weeks we will guide you through the different stages of the Bearing Life Cycle
As an introduction, please have a look at this unique video. The difference between using the right tools and methods and doing it the wrong way is presented in an amusing, but very recognisable way. This video was recorded some time ago and may look a little old-fashioned, but maintenance methods and tool type have not really changed. In terms of worker safety, cost reduction and time efficiency, this may be an eye-opener for many of you.
Get in touch with the team to learn more about the benefits of how to prevent premature bearing failure.