Bearing Failure

BEARING FAILURE
Load/Contact Patterns
As bearings rotate, the raceways of the inner ring and outer ring
make contact with the rolling elements. This results in a Wear path on
both the rolling elements and raceways. Running traces are useful,
because they indicate the load conditions. They should be carefully
observed when bearings are disassembled.
If the running traces are clearly defined, it is possible to determine
whether the bearing is carrying a radial load, axial load or moment load.
Additionally running traces can help determine the accuracy of bearing
roundness, confirm whether unexpected loads or large mounting errors
occurred, and shed light on probable causes of bearing damage. (R1)
Typical Running Traces of Deep Groove Ball Bearings
(a) shows the most common running trace generated when the inner
ring rotates under a radial load only. (e) through (h) show different
running traces that result in a shortened life due to their adverse effect on
bearings. (R2)
(a) (b) (c) (d)
Inner ring rotation Outer ring rotation Inner ring or Inner ring rotation
Radial load Radial load outer ring rotation Radial and axial
Axial load in one loads
direction
(e) (f) (g) (h)
Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation
No radial internal
Axial load and Moment load Housing bore is clearance
misalignment (Misalignment) oval (Negative operating
clearance)
Typical Running Traces of Roller Bearings
(i) Shows the outer ring running trace when a radial load is properly
applied to a cylindrical roller bearing which has a load on a rotating inner
ring. (j) Shows the running trace in the case of shaft bending or relative
inclination between the inner and outer rings. This misalignment leads to
the generation of slightly shaded (dull) bands in the width direction.
Traces are diagonal at the beginning and end of the loading zone. For
double-row tapered roller bearings where a single load is applied to the
rotating inner ring, (k) shows the running trace on the outer ring under
radial load while (I) shows the running trace on the outer ring under axial
load. When misalignment exists between the inner and the outer rings,
then the application of a radial load causes running traces to appear on the
outer ring as shown in (m). (R3)
(i) (j) (k) (l) (m)
Inner ring Inner ring Inner ring Inner ring Inner ring
rotation rotation rotation rotation rotation
Radial load Moment load Radial load Axial load Radial and
(Misalignment) moment loads
(Misalignment)
Damage Types & Causes

In general, if rolling bearings are used correctly, they will survive to
their predicted fatigue life. Bearings, however, often fail prematurely due
to avoidable mistakes. The causes of, this premature failure include
improper mounting, mishandling, poor lubrication, entry of foreign
matter or abnormal heat generation.
For example, one cause of premature failure is rib Scoring which is
due to insufficient lubrication, use of improper lubricant, faulty
lubrication system, entry of foreign matter, bearing mounting error,
excessive deflection of the shaft or some combination of these. If all
conditions are known for the times both before and after the failure,
including the application, the operating conditions, and environment, then
a countermeasure can be determined by studying the nature of the failure
and its probable causes. A successful countermeasure will reduce similar
failures or prevent them from happening again.
Examples of bearing damage and countermeasures are presented in
the following sections. Please consult these sections when trying to
determine the cause of bearing damage. (R4)
Flaking Peeling Scoring
Smearing Fracture Cracks
Cage Damage Denting Pitting
Wear Fretting False Brinelling
Electrical
Creep Seizure
Corrosion
Rust and
Mounting Flaws Discoloration
Corrosion
1. Flaking (R5)
Damage Condition Possible Causes Countermeasures
Flaking occurs when small Excessive load; Poor • Reconfirm the bearing
pieces of bearing material are mounting (misalignment); application and check the
split off from the smooth Moment load; Entry of load conditions
surface of the raceway or foreign debris, water • Improve the mounting
rolling elements due to rolling penetration; Poor lubrication, method
fatigue, thereby creating improper lubricant; • Improve the sealing
regions having rough and Unsuitable bearing clearance; mechanism, prevent rusting
coarse texture. Improper precision for shaft during non-running
or housing, unevenness in • Use a lubricant with a
housing rigidity, large shaft proper viscosity, improve the
bending; Progression from lubrication method
rust, corrosion pits, Smearing, • Check the precision of
dents (brinelling) shaft and housing
• Check the bearing
internal clearance
Part : Inner ring of an angular contact

ball bearing
Symptom : Flaking around half of the
circumference of the raceway surface
Cause : Poor lubrication due to entry of
Photo 1-1 cutting coolant into bearing
ball bearing
Symptom : Flaking diagonally along
raceway
Cause : Poor alignment between shaft
Photo 1-2 and housing during mounting
Part : Inner ring of deep groove ball
bearing
Symptom : Flaking of raceway at ball
pitch
Cause : Dents due to shock load during
mounting
Photo 1-3
ball bearing
Symptom : Flaking of raceway at ball
pitch
Cause : Dents due to shock load while
Photo 1-4 stationary
Part : Outer ring of Photo 1-4
Symptom : Flaking of raceway surface
at ball pitch
stationary
Photo 1-5
Part : Balls of Photo 1-4
Symptom : Flaking of ball surface
stationary
Photo 1-6
Part : Inner ring of a spherical roller
bearing
Symptom : Flaking of only one raceway
over its entire circumference
Cause : Excessive axial load
Photo 1-7
Symptom : Flaking of only one raceway
over its entire circumference
Cause : Excessive axial load
Photo 1-8
bearing
Symptom : Flaking of only one row of
raceway
Cause : Poor lubrication
Photo 1-9
Part : Rollers of a cylindrical roller
bearing
Symptom : Premature Flaking occurs
axially on the rolling surfaces
Cause : Scratches caused during
Photo 1-10 improper mounting
2. Peeling (R6)
Dull or cloudy spots appear Unsuitable lubricant Select a proper lubricant
on surface along with light Entry of debris into Improve the sealing
Wear. From such dull lubrication mechanism
spots, tiny Cracks are Rough surface due to poor Improve the surface finish
generated downward to a lubrication of the rolling mating parts
depth of 5-10 µm. Small Surface roughness of
particles fall off and minor mating rolling parts
Flaking occurs widely.

bearing
Symptom : Rounded areas of Peeling
Photo 2-1
Part : Enlargement of Photo 2-1
Photo 2-2
Part : Convex rollers of Photo 2-1
Symptom : Rounded areas of Peeling on
the center of the rolling surfaces
Photo 2-3
Part : Outer ring of a spherical roller
bearing
Symptom : Peeling occurs near the
shoulder of the raceway over the entire
circumference
Photo 2-4 Cause : Poor lubrication
3. Scoring (R7)
Scoring is surface damage Excessive load, excessive Check the size of the load
due to accumulated small preload Adjust the preload
seizures caused by sliding Poor lubrication Improve the lubricant and
under improper lubrication Particles are caught in the the lubrication method
or severe operating surface Check the precision of the
conditions. Linear damage Inclination of inner and shaft and housing
appears circumferentially outer rings
on the raceway and roller Shaft bending
surfaces. Cycloidal shaped Poor precision of the shaft
damage on the roller ends and housing
and Scoring on the rib
surface contacting roller
ends also occur.
bearing
Symptom : Scoring on large rib face of
inner ring
Cause : Roller slippage due to sudden
Photo 3-1 acceleration and deceleration
Part : Inner ring of a tapered roller
thrust bearing
Symptom : Scoring on the face of inner
ring rib
Cause : Worn particles mixed with
lubricant, and breakdown of oil film due
Photo 3-1
to excessive load
Part : Inner ring of a spherical thrust
roller bearing
Symptom : Scoring on the rib face of
inner ring
Cause : Debris caught in surface, and
Photo 3-1 excessive axial load
Part : Cage of a deep groove ball
bearing
Symptom : Scoring on the pressed-steel
cage pockets
Cause : Entry of debris
Photo 3-1
Symptom : Scoring on roller end faces
Cause : Roller slippage due to sudden
acceleration and deceleration
Photo 3-2
Part : Rollers of a double-row
cylindrical roller bearing
Symptom : Scoring. on the roller end
faces
Cause : Poor lubrication and excessive
axial load
Photo 3-2
Symptom : Scoring. on the roller end
faces
Cause : Debris caught in surface, and
excessive axial load
Photo 3-2
4. Smearing (R8)
Smearing is surface High speed and light load Improve the preload
damage which occurs from Sudden Improve the bearing
a collection of small acceleration/deceleration clearance
seizures between bearing Improper lubricant Use a lubricant with good
components caused by oil Entry of water oil film formation ability
film rupture and/or sliding. Improve the sealing
mechanism
Surface roughening occurs
along with melting.
Part : Inner ring of a cylindrical roller
bearing
Symptom : Smearing around
circumference of raceway surface
Cause : Roller slippage due to excessive
Photo 4-1 grease quantity
bearing
Photo 4-3
bearing
Symptom : Partial Smearing around
Photo 4-5
Symptom : Smearing of rolling surfaces
Photo 4-7
Cause : Roller slippage due to excessive
grease quantity
Photo 4-2
Photo 4-4
Symptom : Partial Smearing around
Photo 4-6
5. Fracture (R9)
Fracture refers to small Impact during mounting Improve the mounting
pieces which were broken Excessive load method (shrink fit, use of
off due to excessive load or Poor handling such as proper tools)
shock load acting locally on dropping Reconsider the load
a roller corner or rib of a conditions
raceway ring. Provide enough back-up
and support for the bearing
rib
Part : Inner ring of a double-row
Symptom : Chipping of the center rib
Cause : Excessive load during mounting
Photo 5-1
Part : Inner ring of a spherical thrust
roller bearing
Symptom : Fracture of the large rib
Cause : Repeated shock load
Photo 5-3
bearing
Symptom : Fracture of the cone back
face rib
Cause : Large shock during mounting
Photo 5-2
Part : Outer ring of a solid type needle
roller bearing
Symptom : Fracture of the outer ring rib
Cause : Roller inclination due to
excessive loading (Needle rollers are
long compared to their diameter. Under
Photo 5-4 excessive or uneven loading, rollers
become inclined and push against the
ribs.)
6. Cracks (R10)
Cracks in the raceway ring Excessive interference Correct the interference
and rolling elements. Excessive load, shock load Check the load conditions
Continued use under this Progression of Flaking Improve the mounting
condition leads to larger Heat generation and method
Cracks or Fractures. Fretting caused by contact Use an appropriate shaft
between mounting parts shape
and raceway ring
Heat generation due to
Creep
Poor taper angle of tapered
shaft
Poor cylindricality of shaft
Interference with bearing
chamfer due to a large
shaft corner radius

bearing
Symptom : Rounded areas of Peeling
Photo 6-1
Part : Outer ring of a double-row

Symptoms : Cracks propagated
outward in the axial and
circumferential directions from the
Photo 6-3 Flaking origin on the raceway surface
Cause : Flaking from a flaw due to
shock
Part : Raceway surface of outer ring in

Photo 6-4
Symptom : Outside surface crack
propagating to the raceway
Photo 6-5
Part : Cross section of cracked inner
ring in Photo 6-6
Symptom : Origin is directly beneath
the raceway surface
Photo 6-7

Symptom : Thermal Cracks on the
outer ring side face
Cause : Abnormal heat generation due
Photo 6-2 to contact sliding between mating part
and face of outer ring

cylindrical roller bearing used for
outer ring rolling (Outer ring rotation)
Symptom : Cracks on outside surface
Cause : Flat Wear and heat generation
Photo 6-4 due to non-rotation of the outer ring

bearing
Symptom : Axial Cracks on raceway
surface
Cause : Large fitting stress due to
temperature difference between shaft
Photo 6-6
and inner ring
Part : Roller of a spherical roller

bearing
Symptom : Axial Cracks on rolling
surface
Photo 6-8
7. Cage Damage (R11)
Cage damage includes: Poor mounting (Bearing Check the mounting method
Cage deformation, misalignment) Check the temperature,
Fracture and Wear Poor handling rotation and load conditions
Fracture of cage pillars Large moment load Reduce the vibration
Deformation of side face Shock and large vibration Use an appropriate shaft
Wear of pocket surface Excessive rotation speed, shape Select a different cage
Wear of guide surface sudden acceleration and type
deceleration Select a different
Poor lubrication lubrication method and/or
Temperature rise lubricant
Part : Cage of a deep groove ball

bearing
Symptom : Fracture of pressed-steel
cage pocket
Photo 7-1
Part : Cage of an angular contact ball
bearing
Symptom : Fracture of machined high-
tension brass cage
Photo 7-3
bearing
Symptom : Pressed-steel cage
deformation
Cause : Shock load due to poor handling
Photo 7-5
Part : Cage of a cylindrical roller
bearing
Symptom : Deformation and Wear of
machined high-tension brass cage
Photo 7-7
bearing
Symptom : Pocket pillar Fractures of a
cast iron machined cage
Cause : Abnormal load action on cage
due to misaligned mounting between
Photo 7-2 inner and outer rings
Part : Cage of a tapered roller bearing
Symptom : Pillar Fractures of pressed-
steel cage
Photo 7-4
Part : Cage of a cylindrical roller
bearing
Symptom : Deformation of the side face
of machined high-tension brass cage
Cause : Large shock during mounting
Photo 7-6
bearing
Symptom : Stepped Wear on the outside
surface and pocket surface of machined
high-tension brass cage
Photo 7-8
8. Denting (R12)

When debris such as small Debris such as metallic Clean the housing
metallic particles are particles are caught in the Improve the sealing
caught in the rolling surface mechanism
contact zone, Denting Excessive load Filter the lubrication oil
occurs on the raceway Shock during transport or Improve the mounting and
surface or rolling element mounting handling methods
surface. Denting can occur
at the rolling element pitch
interval if there is a shock
during the mounting
(brinell dents).
Part : Inner ring of a double-row tapered

roller bearing
Symptom : Frosted raceway surface
Cause : Debris caught in the surface
Photo 8-1
bearing
Symptom : Small and large indentations
occur over entire raceway surface
Photo 8-3
tapered roller bearing
Symptom : Indentations on raceway
surface
Photo 8-2
Part : Tapered rollers of Photo 8-3
Symptom : Small and large indentations
occur over the rolling surface
Photo 8-4
9. Pitting (R13)
Pitting has a dull luster and Debris becomes caught in Improve the sealing
appears on the rolling the lubricant mechanism
element surface or raceway Exposure to moisture in Filter the lubrication oil
surface. Poor lubrication thoroughly
Use a proper lubricant
Part : Outer ring of a slewing bearing

Symptom : Pitting on the raceway
surface
Cause : Rust
Photo 9-1
Part : Ball of Photo 9-1
Symptom : Pitting on the rolling
element surface
Photo 9-2
10. Wear (R14)
Wear is surface Entry of debris Improve the sealing
deterioration due to sliding Progression from rust and mechanism
friction at the surface of the electrical corrosion Clean the housing
raceway, rolling elements, Poor lubrication Filter the lubrication oil
roller end faces, rib face, Sliding due to irregular thoroughly
cage pockets, etc. motion of rolling elements Check the lubricant and
lubrication method
Prevent misalignment

bearing
Symptom : Many pits occur due to
electrical corrosion, and wave-shaped
Wear on raceway surface
Photo 10-1 Cause : Electrical corrosion
Part : Inner ring of a double-row tapered
roller bearing
Symptom : Fretting Wear of raceway
and stepped Wear on the rib face
Cause : Fretting progression due to
Photo 10-3 excessive load while stationary
bearing
Symptom : Wear with a wavy or
concave-convex texture on loaded side
of raceway surface
Photo 10-2 Cause : Entry of debris under repeated
vibration while stationary
Part : Tapered rollers of Photo 10-3
Symptom : Stepped Wear on the roller
head end faces
Cause : Fretting progression due to
excessive load while stationary
Photo 10-3
11. Fretting (R15)
Wear occurs due to Poor lubrication Use a proper lubricant
repeated sliding between Vibration with a small Apply a preload
the two surfaces. amplitude Check the interference fit
Fretting occurs at fitting Insufficient interference Apply a film of lubricant to
surface and also at contact the fitting surface
area between raceway ring
and rolling elements.
Fretting corrosion is
another term used to
describe the reddish brown
or black worn particles.
Part : Inner ring of a deep groove ball

bearing
Symptom : Fretting on the bore surface
Cause : Vibration
Photo 11-1
Symptom : Fretting on the raceway
surface at roller pitch intervals
Photo 11-3
ball bearing
Symptom : Fretting over entire
circumference of bore surface
Cause : Insufficient interference fit
Photo 11-2
12. False Brinelling (R16)
Among the different types Oscillation and vibration of Secure the shaft and
of Fretting, false brinelling a stationary bearing during housing during transporting
is the occurrence of hollow such times as transporting Transport with the inner
spots that resemble brinell Oscillating motion with a and outer rings packed
dents and are due to Wear small amplitude separately
caused by vibration and Poor lubrication Reduce the vibration by
swaying at the contact preloading
points between the rolling Use a proper lubricant
elements and raceway.
Part : Inner ring of a deep groove ball

bearing
Symptom : False brinelling on the
raceway
Cause : Vibration from an external
Photo 12-1 source while stationary
Part : Outer ring of a thrust ball bearing
Symptom : False brinelling of raceway
surface at ball pitch
Cause : Repeated vibration with a small
oscillating angle
Photo 12-3
Symptom : False brinelling on the
raceway
source while stationaryt
Photo 12-2
bearing
Symptom : False brinelling on rolling
surface
Photo 12-4 source while stationary
13. Creep (R17)
Creep is the phenomenon Insufficient interference or Check the interference, and
in bearings where relative loose fit prevent rotation
slippage occurs between Insufficient sleeve Correct the sleeve
fitting surfaces and thereby tightening tightening
creates a clearance between Study the shaft and housing
them surface. Creep causes precision
a shiny appearance, Preload in the axial
occasionally with Scoring direction
or Wear. Tighten the raceway ring
side face
Apply adhesive to the fitting
surface
Apply a film of lubricant to
the fitting surface

bearing
Symptom : Creep accompanied by
Scoring of bore surface
Cause : Insufficient interference
Photo 13-1
bearing
Symptom : Creep over entire
circumference of outside surface
Cause : Loose fit between outer ring and
Photo 13-2 housing
14. Seizure (R18)
When sudden overheating Poor lubrication Study the lubricant and
occurs during rotation, the Excessive load (Excessive lubrication method
bearing becomes discolored. preload) Reinvestigate the suitability
Then, the raceway rings, Excessive rotational speed of the bearing type selected
rolling elements, and cage Excessively small internal Study the preload, bearing
will soften, melt and deform clearance clearance, and fitting
as damage accumulates. Entry of water and debris Improve the sealing
Poor precision of shaft and mechanism
housing Excessive shaft Check the precision of the
bending shaft and housing
Improve the mounting
method

bearing
Symptom : Raceway is discolored and
melted. Worn particles from the cage
were rolled and attached to the raceway.
Cause : Insufficient lubrication
Photo 14-1
ball bearing
Symptom : Raceway Discoloration,
melting at ball pitch intervals
Cause : Excessive preload
Photo 14-3
Part : Balls and cage of Photo 14-3
Symptom : Cage is damaged by melting,
balls discolored and melted
Photo 14-3
Symptom : Discoloration and melting of
roller rolling surface, adhesion of worn
particles from cage
Cause : Insufficient lubrication
Photo 14-2
Part : Outer ring in Photo 14-3
Symptom : Raceway Discoloration,
melting at ball pitch intervals
Photo 14-4
15. Electrical Corrosion (R19)
When electric current passes Electric current passing Design electric circuits which
through a bearing, arcing and through a bearing prevent current flow through
burning occur through the the bearings
thin oil film at points of Insulate the bearing
contact between the raceway
and rolling elements. The
points of contact are melted
locally to form "fluting" or
groove-like corrugations
which can be seen by the
naked eye.
Magnification of these
grooves reveals crater-like
depressions which indicate
melting by arcing.

bearing
Symptom : Striped pattern of corrosion
occurs on the raceway surface
Photo 15-1
bearing
Symptom : Belt pattern of electrical
corrosion accompanied by pits on the
raceway surface
Photo 15-3
Part : Tapered rollers in Photo 15-1
Symptom : Striped pattern of corrosion
occurs on the rolling surface
Photo 15-2
Part : Balls of a deep groove ball
bearing
Symptom : Dark color covering the
entire ball surfaces
Photo 15-4
16. Rust and Corrosion (R20)
Bearing rust and corrosion Entry of corrosive gas or Improve the sealing
are pits on the surface of water mechanism
rings and rolling elements Improper lubricant Study the lubrication method
and may occur at the rolling Formation of water droplets Anti-rust treatment during
element pitch on the rings or due to condensation of periods of non-running
over the entire bearing moisture Improve the storage methods
surfaces. High temperature and high Improve the handling method
humidity while stationary
Poor rust-preventive
treatment during transporting
Improper storage conditions
Improper handling
Part : Outer ring of a cylindrical roller

bearing
Symptom : Rust on the rib face and
raceway surface
Cause : Water entry
Photo 16-1
bearing
Symptom : Rust on raceway surface at
roller pitch intervals
Cause : Entry of water into lubricant
Photo 16-3
Part : Outer ring of a slewing ring
Symptom : Rust on raceway surface at
ball pitch intervals
Cause : Moisture condensation during
stationary periods
Photo 16-2
Part : Rollers of a spherical roller
bearing
Symptom : Pit-shaped rust on rolling
contact surface. Corroded portions.
Cause : Moisture condensation during
Photo 16-4 storage
17. Mounting Flaws (R21)

Straight line scratches on Inclination of inner and outer Use appropriate jig and tools
surface of raceways or rings during mounting or Avoid shock loads by using a
rolling elements caused dismounting press machine
during mounting or Shock load during mounting Center the relative mating
dismounting of bearing. or dismounting parts during mounting

bearing
Symptom : Axial scratches on raceway
surface
Cause : Inclination of inner and outer
rings during mounting
Photo 17-1
bearing
Symptom : Axial scratches on rolling
surface
Photo 17-3
Symptom : Axial scratches at roller
pitch intervals on raceway surface
Photo 17-2
18. Discoloration (R22)
Discoloration of cages, Poor lubrication Improve the lubrication
rolling elements and raceway Oil stain due to a reaction method
rings occurs due to their with lubricant
reacting with lubricant at High temperature
high temperature
Part: Inner ring of an angular contact

ball bearing
Symptom: Bluish or purplish
Discoloration on raceway surface
Cause: Heat generation due to poor
lubrication
Photo 18-1
Part : Inner ring of a 4-point contact ball
bearing
Symptom : Bluish or purplish
Discoloration on raceway surface
Cause : Heat generation due to poor
Photo 18-2 lubrication
Bearing Fits (26)
1. Interference
For rolling bearings the bearing rings are fixed on the shaft or in the
housing so that slip or movement does not occur between the mated
surface during operation or under load. This relative movement
(sometimes called creep) between the fitted surfaces of the bearing and
the shaft or housing can occur in a radial direction, or in an axial
direction, or in the direction of rotation. This creeping movement under
load causes damage to the bearing rings, shaft or housing in the form of
abrasive wear, fretting corrosion or friction crack. This, in turn, can also
lead to abrasive particles getting into the bearing, which can cause
vibration, excessive heat, and lowered rotational efficiency. To ensure
that slip does not occur between the fitted surfaces of the bearing rings
and the shaft or housing, the bearing is usually installed with an
interference fit. The most effective interference fit is called a tight fit (or
shrink fit). The advantage of this “tight fit” for thin walled bearings is
that it provides uniform load support over the entire ring circumference
without any loss in load carrying capacity. However, with a tight
interference fit, ease of mounting and dismounting the bearings is lost;
and when using a non-separable bearing as a non-fixing bearing, axial
displacement is impossible.
2. Calculation of interference
1) Load and interference
The minimum required amount of interference for inner rings
mounted on solid shafts when acted on by radial loads, is found by
formula (7.1) and (7.2).
2) Temperature rise and interference
To prevent loosening of the inner ring on steel shafts due to
temperature increases (difference between bearing temperature and
ambient temperature) caused by bearing rotation, an interference fit must
be given. The required amount of interference can be found by formula
(7.3).
3) Effective interference and apparent interference
The effective interference (the actual interference after fitting) is

different from the apparent interference derived from the dimensions
measured value. This difference is due to the roughness or slight
variations of the mating surfaces, and this slight flattening of the uneven
surfaces at the time of fitting is taken into consideration. The relation
between the effective and apparent interference, which varies according
to the finish given to the mating surfaces, is expressed by formula (7.4).
4) Maximum interference
When bearing rings are installed with interference fit on shafts or
housings, the tension or compression stress may occur. If the interference
is too large, it may cause damage to the bearing rings and reduce the
fatigue life of the bearing. For these reasons, the maximum amount of
interference should be less than 1/1000 of the shaft diameter, or outside
diameter.
3. Fit selection
Selection of the proper fit is generally based on the following
factors: 1) the direction and nature of the bearing load, 2) whether the
inner ring or outer ring rotates, 3) whether the load on the inner or outer
ring rotates or not, 4) whether there is static load or direction
indeterminate load or not. For bearings under rotating loads or direction
indeterminate loads, a tight fit is recommended; but for static loads, a
transition fit or loose fit should be sufficient (see Table 2).
The interference should be tighter for heavy bearing loads or
vibration and shock load conditions. Also, a tighter than normal fit should
be given when the bearing is installed on hollow shafts or in housings
with thin walls, or housings made of light allows or plastic.
In applications where high rotational accuracy must be maintained,
high precision bearings and high tolerance shafts and housings should be
employed instead of a tighter interference fit to ensure bearing stability.
High interference fits should be avoided if possible as they cause shaft or
housing deformities to be induced into the bearing rings, and thus reduce
bearing rotational accuracy.
Because mounting and dismounting become very difficult when
both the inner ring and outer ring of a non-separable bearing (for example
a deep groove ball bearing) are given tight interference fits, one or the
other rings should be given a loose fit.
Table (2) Radial load and bearing fit

Lubrication (R25)
Lubrication of rolling bearings
The purpose of bearing lubrication is to prevent direct metallic
contact between the various rolling and sliding elements. This is
accomplished through the formation of a thin oil (or grease) film on the
contact surfaces. However, for rolling bearings, lubrication has the
following advantages.
(1) Friction and wear reduction
(2) Friction heat dissipation
(3) Prolonged bearing life
(4) Prevention of rust
(5) Protection against harmful elements
In order to achieve the above effects, the most effective lubrication
method for the operating conditions must be selected. Also, a good
quality, reliable lubricant must be selected. In addition, an effectively
designed sealing system prevents the intrusion of damaging elements
(dust, water, etc.) into the bearing interior, removes dust and other
impurities from the lubricant, and prevents the lubricant from leaking
from the bearing.
Almost all rolling bearings use either grease or oil lubrication
methods, but in some special applications, a solid lubricant such as
molybdenum disulfide or graphite may be used.
Grease lubrication
Grease type lubricants are relatively easy to handle and require only
the simplest sealing devices—for these reasons, grease is the most widely
used lubricant for rolling bearings.
Type and characteristics of grease
Lubricating grease is composed of either a mineral oil base or a
synthetic oil base. To this base a thickener and other additives are added.
The properties of all greases are mainly determined by the kind of base
oil used by the combination of thickening agent and various additives.
Standard greases and their characteristics are listed in (Table 3). As
performance characteristics of even the same type of grease will vary
widely from brand to brand, it is best to check the manufacturers’ data
when selecting grease.
Replenishment
As the lubricating efficiency of grease declines with the passage of
time, fresh grease must be re-supplied at proper intervals.
The replenishment time interval depends on the type of bearing,
dimensions, bearing’s rotating speed, bearing temperature, and type of
grease. An easy reference chart for calculating grease replenishment
intervals is shown in Fig. 1
This chart indicates the replenishment interval for standard rolling
bearing grease when used under normal operating conditions. As
operating temperatures increase, the grease re-supply interval should be
shortened accordingly. Generally, for every 10°C increase in bearing
temperature above 80°C, the relubrication period is reduced by exponent
“1/1.5”.
(Example)
Find the grease relubrication time limit for deep groove ball bearing
6206, with a radial load of 2.0 kN operating at 3,600 r/min.
Cr/Pr=19.5/2.0 kN=9.8, from Fig. 2 the adjusted load, fL, is
0.96.
From the bearing tables, the allowable speed for bearing 6206 is
11,000 r/min and the numbers of revolutions permissible at a radial load
of 2.0 KN are
therefore,
Using the chart in Fig. 1, find the point corresponding to bore

diameter d=30 (from bearing table) on the vertical line for radial ball
bearings. Draw a straight horizontal line to vertical line I. Then, draw a
straight line from that point (A in example) to the point on line II which
corresponds to the no/n value (2.93 in example). The point, C, where this
line intersects vertical line III indicates the relubrication interval h. In this
case the life of the grease is approximately 5,500 hours.
Fig. 1 Diagram for relubrication interval of greasing
Fig. 2 Value of adjustment factor fL depends on bearing load (R27)

Oil lubrication
Generally, oil lubrication is better suited for high speed and high
temperature applications than grease lubrication. Oil lubrication is
especially effective for those application requiring the bearing generated
heat (or heat applied to the bearing from other sources) to be carried away
from the bearing and dissipated to the outside.
Lubricating oil
Under normal operating conditions, spindle oil, machine oil, turbine
oil and other minerals are widely used for the lubrication of rolling
bearings. However, for temperatures above 150°C or below –30°C,
synthetic oils such as diester, silicone and fluorosilicone are used.
For lubricating oils, viscosity of the oil is one of the most important
properties and determines the oil’s lubricating efficiency. If the viscosity
is too low, the oil film will not be sufficiently formed, and it will damage
the load carrying surface of the bearing. On the other hand, if the
viscosity is too high, the viscosity resistance will also be high and cause
temperature increases and friction loss. In general, for higher speed,
lower viscosity oil should be used, and for heavy loads, higher viscosity
oil should be used.
In regard to operating temperature and bearing lubrication, Table 4
lists the minimum required viscosity for various bearings. Fig. 3 is a
lubricating oil viscosity-temperature comparison chart is used in the
selection of lubricating oil.
It shows which oil would have the appropriate viscosity at a given
temperature. For lubricating oil viscosity selection standards relating to
bearing operating conditions, see Table 5.
Table 4 Minimum viscosity of lubricating oil for bearings

Fig. 3 Relation between viscosity and temperature
Table 5 Selection standards for lubricating oils

Oil quality
In forced oil lubrication systems, the heat radiated away by housing
and surrounding parts plus the heat carried away by the lubricating oil is
approximately equal to the amount of heat generated by the bearing and
other sources.
For standard housing applications, the quantity of oil required can be
found by formula (11.1).
where,
Q : Quantity of oil for one bearing cm3/min
K : Allowable oil temperature rise factor (Table 6)
q : Minimum oil quantity cm3/min (From chart)
Because the amount of heat radiated will vary according to the shape
of the housing, for actual operation it is advisable that the quantity of oil
calculated by formula (11.1) be multiplied by a factor of 1.5 to 2.0. Then,
the amount of oil can be adjusted to correspond to the actual machine
operating conditions. If it is assumed for calculation purposes that no heat
is radiated by the housing and that all bearing heat is carried away by the
oil, then the value for shaft diameter, d, (second vertical line from right in
Fig. 4) becomes zero, regardless of the actual shaft diameter.
Table 6 Factor K
(Example)
For tapered roller bearing 30220U mounted on a flywheel shaft with
a radial load of 9.5 kN, operating at 1,800 rpm; what is the amount of
lubricating oil required to keep the bearing temperature rise below 15°C?
d=100 mm, dn=100´1,800=18´104 mm r/min from Fig. (4), q=180
cm3/min.
Assume the bearing temperature is approximately equal to the outlet
oil temperature, from Table (6), since K=1, Q=1´180=180 cm3/min.
Fig. 4 Guidance for oil quantity
Sealing Devices (R24)
Bearing seals have two main functions: 1) to prevent lubricant from
leaking out and 2) to prevent dust, water and other contaminants from
entering the bearing. When selecting a seal the following factors need to
be taken into consideration: the type of lubricant (oil or grease), seal
sliding speed, shaft fitting errors, space limitations, seal friction and
resultant heat, and cost.
Sealing devices for rolling bearings fall into two main
classifications: contact and non-contact types.
Non-contact seals
Non-contact seals utilize a small clearance between the seal and the
sealing surface; therefore, there is no wear, and friction is negligible.
Consequently, very little frictional heat is generated making non-
contact seals very suitable for high speed applications. As shown in
(Fig. 5), non-contact seals can have the simplest of designs. With its
small radial clearance, these types of seal are best suited for grease
lubrication, and for use in dry, relatively dust free environments.
When several concentric oil grooves (Fig. 6) are provided on the
shaft or housing, the sealing effect can be greatly improved. If grease is
filled in the grooves, the intrusion of dust, etc. can be prevented.
For oil lubrication, if helical concentric oil grooves are provided in
the direction opposite to the shaft rotation (horizontal shafts only),
lubricating oil that flows out along the shaft can be returned to the inside
of the housing (see Fig. 7). The same sealing effect can be achieved by
providing helical grooves on the circumference of the shaft.
Labyrinth seals employ a multistage labyrinth design which
elongates the passage, thus improving the sealing effectiveness.
Labyrinth seals are used mainly for grease lubrication, and if grease is
filled in the labyrinth, protection efficiency (or capacity) against the
entrance of dust and water into the bearing can be enhanced.
The axial labyrinth passage seal shown in (Fig. 8) is used on one-
piece housings and the radial seal shown in (Fig. 9) is for use with split
housings.
In applications where the shaft is set inclined, the labyrinth passage
is slanted so as to prevent contact between the shaft and housing
projections of the seal (Fig. 10).
Fig. 5 Clearance seal Fig. 6 Oil groove seal
Fig. 7 Helical oil groove seal Fig. 8 Axial labyrinth seal
Fig. 9 Radial labyrinth seal Fig. 10 Aligning labyrinth seal

Contact seals
Contact seals accomplish their sealing action through the constant
pressure of a resilient part of the seal on the sealing surface. Contact seals
are generally far superior to non-contact seals in sealing efficiency,
although their friction torque and temperature rise coefficients are
somewhat higher.
The simplest of all contact seals are felt seals. Used primarily for
grease lubrication (Fig. 11), felt seals work very well for keeping out fine
dust, but are subject to oil permeation and leakage to some extent.
Therefore, the Z type rubber seal shown in (Fig. 12) and GS type shown
in (Fig. 13), have been used more widely.
Fig. 11 Felt seal
Fig. 12 Felt seal Fig. 13 Felt seal

Bearing Failure

Transféré par

Informations du document

Description originale:

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Bearing Failure

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

BEARING FAILURE

(e) (f) (g) (h)

Damage Types & Causes

Flaking Peeling Scoring

Smearing Fracture Cracks

Cage Damage Denting Pitting

Wear Fretting False Brinelling

Part : Inner ring of an angular contact

Part : Inner ring of a spherical roller

Part : Inner ring of a spherical roller

Part : Outer ring of a double-row

Part : Raceway surface of outer ring in

Part : Outer ring of a double-row

Part : Outer ring of a double-row

Part : Inner ring of a spherical roller

Part : Roller of a spherical roller

Part : Cage of a deep groove ball

Damage Condition Possible Causes Countermeasures

Part : Inner ring of a double-row tapered

Part : Outer ring of a slewing bearing

Part : Inner ring of a cylindrical roller

Part : Inner ring of a deep groove ball

Part : Inner ring of a deep groove ball

Part : Inner ring of a spherical roller

Part : Inner ring of a spherical roller

Part : Inner ring of a tapered roller

Part : Outer ring of a cylindrical roller

17. Mounting Flaws (R21)

Part : Inner ring of a cylindrical roller

Part: Inner ring of an angular contact

3) Effective interference and apparent interference

The effective interference (the actual interference after fitting) is

Table (2) Radial load and bearing fit

Using the chart in Fig. 1, find the point corresponding to bore

Fig. 2 Value of adjustment factor fL depends on bearing load (R27)

Table 4 Minimum viscosity of lubricating oil for bearings

Table 5 Selection standards for lubricating oils

Fig. 7 Helical oil groove seal Fig. 8 Axial labyrinth seal

Fig. 9 Radial labyrinth seal Fig. 10 Aligning labyrinth seal

Fig. 11 Felt seal

Fig. 12 Felt seal Fig. 13 Felt seal

Vous aimerez peut-être aussi