How should bearings be stored when not in use?

The are many reasons for bearing failure, but storage issues can create problems before your parts are ever installed in your application. It’s important to make sure you store these parts properly to ensure optimal performance.

The key to proper bearing storage is to limit any exposure of the parts to damaging factors like dampness, dust, and excessive temperatures. Many of these factors rely on the state of your storage area. Dry shelves that stay at room temperature are best for this task, especially for any bearings that use a grease that can degrade in high heat.

Recommended storage temperatures can vary based on the manufacturer, so consult with them or your bearing supplier for more information if it’s not indicated on the packaging. It’s also important to keep these parts in their packaging while not in use. Covering these parts during storage will help prevent loose dirt or other debris getting into the bearings.

In addition to the storage conditions, it’s also important to make sure that both the packaging and the parts themselves are handled carefully. Any tears in the packaging will allow contaminants to make their way into the bearings. To avoid this, make sure to keep your bearings wrapped until you take them to the installation site.