How To Determine If A Rolling Contact Bearing Is Worn?

One of the most straightforward methods of determining whether a rolling contact bearing is worn is to simply examine it. This can be done during regular maintenance or when troubleshooting equipment. A visual inspection may reveal signs of wear such as discoloration, pitting, spalling, or localized abrasion. These signs can point to either overload, inadequate lubrication, or an excessive amount of contaminants in the bearing.

More sophisticated methods for determining the level of wear on a bearing involve testing the bearing for clearance and vibration analysis. One of the most popular and straightforward methods is to use a dial indicator. A dial indicator can be used to measure the radial clearance of the bearing. An increase in clearance is an indicator of wear. Vibration analysis will also provide information about the level of wear. This involves analyzing the vibration frequency of the bearing for changes in pitch and intensity.

There are many types of wear that can occur in a rolling contact bearing. Here are a few of the most common types of wear:

Adhesive Wear: This is the most common type of wear in rolling contact bearing. It can occur when there is a lack of lubrication between the rolling elements and the raceway. The rolling elements then contact the surface at high speeds under high pressure, causing the surface to degrade due to friction.
Abrasive Wear: This type of wear occurs when the surface of the rolling elements becomes rough or abrasive, resulting in friction between the rolling elements and the raceway.

Fatigue Wear: This wear occurs from the repeated stress that comes with the load cycle of a bearing. It is a progressive type of wear that can lead to cracking and spalling of the surface of the bearing.

Preventing Wear
Preventing bearing wear is key to extending the lifespan of machinery. Here are some tips:

1.Lubrication: Adequate lubrication is critical to the functioning and lifespan of bearings. Proper procedures and schedules need to be followed, and attention should be paid to the type of lubricant used.

2.Installation: Incorrectly installed bearings can create problems such as misalignment, which can lead to wear. Proper installation is crucial for the lifespan of the bearing.

3.Clean Environment: Contaminants in the environment can lead to premature wear of bearings. Machinery should be kept clean and free from dust, metal chips, and other debris.

4.Maintenance: Regular maintenance of machinery can help to identify potential problems early, allowing for corrective action to be taken before significant wear occurs.

Conclusion:

Determining whether a rolling contact bearing is worn can be done through a visual inspection or more sophisticated testing methods. Understanding the types of wear and how to prevent it can help to extend the lifespan of equipment and avoid unplanned downtime. Proper installation, adequate lubrication, and regular maintenance are key to preventing premature wear of bearings.