Common Causes of Premature Bearing Failure

Not every bearing will live up to its expected life span. In this blog we will have a look at some common causes of premature bearing failure. All bearings must be replaced at some point, but by considering the following points you will get the most out of them.

Poor lubrication

A common cause of premature failure is incorrect lubrication. Proper lubrication will reduce friction between parts. This reduces energy consumption, heat generation, wear and tear and noise levels. In addition, the lubricant provides protection against corrosion and dirt. Proper lubrication is therefore of utmost importance. Things to look out for are:

Wrong type of lubrication: There are a great many types of lubricants, of which greases and oils are the most common. However, not all products are the same! They can differ in terms of consistency, viscosity of the (base) oil, water resistance, shelf life, etc. Also, some applications may require special properties. These include lubricants for use in the food- and pharmaceutical industries, or applications involving chemical vapours or extreme temperatures. Be sure to match the choice of lubricant to its application.

Not enough lubrication: Too little lubricant may result in steel-steel contact between rolling body and raceway. This will increase heat generation and will accelerate wear.

Too much lubrication: Using too much lubricant may also result in an increase of temperature due to the increased friction of the lubricant itself. The seals can also be damaged. Again, this may lead to premature bearing failure.

When changing lubricants, always remember to remove the old, contaminated grease first.

Tip: Use the handy Schaeffler Grease App for customized lubrication advice.