The impact of improper bearing installation on its service life.

Aug 12, 2024

As a mechanical engineer, maintenance technician, or equipment operator, your role in ensuring the proper installation of bearings is crucial. The quality of installation directly affects the operating stability and service life of the equipment. This article will equip you with the knowledge to identify and prevent the specific manifestations of improper bearing installation, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of the entire equipment.

1. Specific manifestations of improper bearing installation

There are many forms of improper bearing installation, mainly including the following aspects:

Incorrect installation angle: If the external force applied to the bearing during installation is too large or the installation angle is incorrect, it may cause damage to the raceway, cage, and other components inside the bearing. This damage will manifest as abnormal noise, vibration and other faults during the operation of the bearing, seriously affecting the normal operation of the equipment.

Overtight or loose fit: Overtight or loose fit between the bearing and the shaft or bearing seat is also a common problem. An overtight fit will cause the bearing to generate too much friction heat during operation, causing the bearing temperature to be too high and accelerating wear. In contrast, an overly loose fit will cause the bearing to loosen during operation, generate vibration and noise, and even cause the failure of the entire transmission system.

Coaxiality is not guaranteed: If the coaxiality of the bearing and the shaft is not guaranteed during the installation process, or the bearing seat is not installed flat, the bearing will be skewed. The skewed bearing will generate unbalanced force during operation, causing vibration and noise in the equipment and may even cause damage to the bearing and shaft.

Insufficient or excessive lubrication: Lubrication is an important method for the normal operation of the bearing. Insufficient lubrication will cause increased bearing wear and temperature rise, resulting in excessive wear and early failure. In contrast, excessive lubrication, especially in high-speed equipment, will generate high temperatures due to oil agitation, causing chemical degradation of the lubricating oil, which will also cause bearing damage.

Improper use of installation tools: During the installation process, if sharp tools or hard objects are used to contact the bearing surface directly, the bearing may be scratched or damaged, affecting its service life.

2. The impact of improper bearing installation on service life

Improper bearing installation has a far-reaching impact on its service life, which is specifically manifested in the following aspects:

Accelerated wear: Problems such as overtight or loose fit and coaxiality not guaranteed caused by improper installation will cause the bearing to generate excessive friction heat and unbalanced force during operation, thereby accelerating the wear of the bearing. Worn bearings not only affect the running accuracy and stability of the equipment but also shorten its service life.

Reduced load-bearing capacity: The load-bearing capacity of the bearing is one of its important performance indicators. Improper installation may cause internal damage to the bearing, such as deformation or fracture of the raceway, cage, and other components, thereby reducing the bearing's load-bearing capacity. Reduced load-bearing capacity will cause the bearing to fail when subjected to normal loads.

Cause failure: Improper installation may also cause abnormal noise, vibration, and other faults in the bearing during operation. These faults will not only affect the normal operation of the equipment but may also damage other parts of the equipment, leading to more serious faults.

Increased maintenance costs: Premature failure of the bearing will increase the maintenance cost of the equipment. On the one hand, new bearings need to be replaced to restore the normal operation of the equipment; on the other hand, other faults that may be caused by bearing failure also need to be repaired. These maintenance costs are often high, bringing unnecessary economic burdens to the enterprise.

3. Preventive measures

In order to avoid the impact of improper bearing installation on its service life, the following preventive measures can be taken:

Strictly check the bearings and related parts: Before installation, the integrity of the bearings and related parts should be regularly checked to ensure that there are no defects such as damage and cracks. At the same time, clean the bearing and the installation part and remove oil, impurities, etc., to ensure the cleanliness of the installation environment.

Accurately measure the matching size: measure the diameter of the shaft and the bore diameter of the bearing seat to ensure that they match the matching size of the bearing. Avoid too tight or too loose matching.

Ensure coaxiality and installation flatness: During the installation process, the coaxiality of the bearing and the shaft and the installation flatness of the bearing seat should be ensured. For large bearings, special tools can be used for auxiliary installation to avoid applying excessive external force directly by hand.

Reasonable lubrication:

1. Choose a suitable lubrication system and high-quality lubricants.

2. Follow the instructions of the equipment manufacturer to ensure that the bearings are fully lubricated during operation.

3. At the same time, pay attention to monitoring the indicating instruments of the equipment to detect signs of problems as early as possible, such as temperature fluctuations and abnormally high temperatures.

Correct use of installation tools: During the installation process, avoid using sharp tools or hard objects to directly contact the bearing surface to avoid scratching or damaging the bearing. Use special tools for installation and removal to ensure the accuracy and safety of operation.

Regular inspection and maintenance: After installation, the bearings should be inspected and maintained regularly. Check the operation of the bearing, including temperature, vibration, and noise; keep the bearing and the surrounding environment clean; regularly replace lubricating oil or grease according to the requirements of the equipment manual; and regularly perform anti-rust treatment on equipment that has been out of service for a long time.

Professional training: Improving your professional skills is a powerful tool in preventing improper installation of bearings. By participating in professional training, you can better master the installation and maintenance methods of bearings, reducing the risk of bearing damage and failures caused by improper operation. This empowerment through knowledge and skills is a key aspect of ensuring the correct installation and maintenance of bearings.

As a key component in mechanical equipment, the installation quality of bearings has an important impact on the operating stability and service life of the equipment. Improper installation will accelerate the wear of bearings, reduce load-bearing capacity, cause failures, and increase maintenance costs. Therefore, effective preventive measures must be taken to ensure the correct installation and maintenance of bearings by strictly inspecting bearings and related parts, accurately measuring matching dimensions, and ensuring the correct installation and use of rolling bearings.