Three Methods for Identifying Bearing Failures

Bearings are precision components in mechanical equipment. To improve factory productivity, optimal mechanical equipment performance is paramount. Bearings are one of the most crucial components that influences mechanical equipment performance.

For this reason, factories must thoroughly inspect the bearings in their machinery during production and processing. For safety reasons, the Bearing Encyclopedia editor has compiled three methods for identifying bearing failures, hoping they will be helpful.

Identification by sound: Sound identification requires extensive experience. Thorough training is required to distinguish between bearing sounds and non-bearing sounds. To this end, this should be performed by a dedicated person whenever possible. A stethoscope or stethoscope placed against the housing can clearly detect bearing sounds.

Identification by operating temperature: This method is a comparative identification method and is limited to applications with minimal operating fluctuations. Therefore, continuous temperature recording is essential. Failures can cause not only elevated temperatures but also irregular fluctuations. This method is best used in conjunction with sound identification.

Identification by lubricant condition: Lubricant sampling and analysis are performed to determine contamination levels, foreign matter, or metal powder. This method is particularly effective for bearings that cannot be inspected closely or for large bearings.