Introduction
The rolling-contact bearing is an element of machinery with a very important role, and it dominates the performance of the machine. If one of the bearings breaks or seizes, not only the machine but also the assembly line may stop. If one of the axle bearings of an automobile or a railway car breaks down, a serious accident could occur.
To avoid trouble, every bearing manufacturer should make efforts to assure the highest quality for each bearing, and should emphasize that the user carefully handle and maintain all bearings.
Every bearing becomes unserviceable in the course of time even if it is installed correctly and operated properly. The raceway surfaces and the rolling contact surfaces of the rolling elements are repeatedly subjected to compressive loads, and the surfaces eventually flake.
The life of a rolling-contact bearing is defined as the total number of revolutions (or the number of operating hours at a given constant speed) before flaking occurs.
The bearing may also become unserviceable because of seizing, breakage, wear, false brinelling, corrosion, etc.
These problems are caused by improper selection or handling of the bearing. The problems are avoidable by correct selection, proper handling and maintenance, and are distinguished from the fatigue life of the bearing.
However, breakdowns due to improper application, bearing design, and maintenance are more frequent than flaking due to rolling fatigue in the field.
Inspection of Bearings
Inspection of a machine’s bearings during operation is important to prevent unnecessary bearing failure. The following methods are generally adopted to inspect the bearing.
- Check of bearings in operation Included are the check of bearing temperature, noise, and vibration, and the examination of the properties of lubricant to determine when lubricant should be replenished or exchanged.
- Inspection of bearings after operation.
Any change of the bearing is carefully examined after operation and during periodic inspections so as to take measures to prevent recurrence.
It is important for proper bearing maintenance to determine inspection requirements and intervals, according to the importance of the system or machine, and adhere to the established schedule.
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