Top Tips for Proper Bearing Maintenance
Bearings are critical components in machinery and equipment that support and facilitate smooth and efficient operation. Proper bearing maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity and prevent equipment failure, therefore to achieve reliability, they must be maintained and handled correctly, which can either be done manually or using an automatic lubrication system. Given below are top tips to ensure optimal bearing care and maintenance.
Correct handling and storage
Always use specialist tools
Inspect the bearing housing and shaft
Mounting must be carried out correctly
Ensure using the correct method when mounting your bearings; this varies depending on the type of bearing and type of fit. Applying pressure to the wrong ring when fitting can damage the rolling elements. Equally, avoid overly loose or tight fits, or a poor finish on the bearing seats or out-of-round shafts or housings.
Ensure your lubrication is on point
Lubrication failure is among the leading reasons of bearing failure. The correct lubricant is chosen by bearing in mind the environmental conditions, temperature, speed, and load. This is where a bearing specialist can give the right advice on a suitable lubrication match and even control bearing lubrication to within a few milligrams. Another way to ensure you're getting your lubrication right is to invest in an automatic lubrication system, which delivers the correct amount of lubrication and the right time, ensuring your equipment is always properly lubricated.
Steer clear of temperatures outside the bearing’s range
Choosing a bearing that is apt for your temperature operating range is the first step. It has been observed that If a steel bearing is heated above the limit that it is designed for, can permanently deform or soften the bearing material, resulting in a reduced load-carrying capacity and resulting in equipment failure. Also, look out for discolouration of the rings, rolling elements, and cages, as this could indicate overheating.
Where possible, avert corrosion
Over time, if bearings are exposed to moisture, corrosion will occur which can lead to rust entering the raceway and ultimately, premature bearing and equipment failure. Wearing gloves can be helpful; this will help ensure that perspiration or other liquids do not penetrate the bearing. Also, when designing specifically for corrosive environments, choosing the right bearing is vital.
Careful selection of your replacement
If a bearing does not sustain until it reaches the end of its operating life, replace your bearing with a superior one since a poor-quality alternative could lead to more costly equipment failure in the long run.
Careful Monitoring
Monitoring bearing health is important and any warning signs such as excessive noise or an increase in vibration or temperature should be looked into along with any signs of operational abnormalities as these could be signs of a deeper problem.
Use Delo Grease ESI EP 2
Finally, look up Delo Grease ESI EP 2, a technically advanced, extended service premium grease for a wide variety of on-highway and light-duty offroad applications. It has excellent high-temperature stability up to 177°C, effective water resistance, protects metal surfaces, extended service protection, and superb low-temperature pumpability.
