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EW BEARING
EARING DOCTOR
OCTOR
Diagnosis of bearing problems. Objective: Smooth & reliable operation.
On the occasion of the “New Bearing dling and/or maintenance.
Doctor” pamphlet being published, we This pamphlet is useful in determining
would like to express our sincere thanks causes of and measures against prema-
for your continuous patronage of NSK ture failure.
products. It’s our pleasure to offer you this pam-
phlet.
This pamphlet contains explanations Please be sure to consult the NSK Roll-
about correct bearing handling, mount- ing Bearing Catalog (CAT. No. E1102) for
ing, lubrication, and maintenance to more details regarding handling, mainte-
prevent premature failure together with nance, etc.
color photos of bearing failures.
Bearings become unserviceable when
they suffer premature failure which is
due to a lack of attention to proper han-
Index of “New Bearing Doctor”
Topic Page
1.8Introduction..................................................... 3 7.8Bearing Damage and Measures.................. 9
7.1 Flaking......................................................... 10
2.8Bearing Handling. ......................................... 4 7.2 Peeling........................................................ 12
2.1 Precautions for Handling............................... 4 7.3 Scoring........................................................ 13
2.2 Mounting....................................................... 4 7.4 Smearing..................................................... 15
2.3 Check the Operation..................................... 4 7.5 Fracture....................................................... 17
7.6 Cracks......................................................... 18
3.8Bearing Maintenance................................... 5 7.7 Cage Damage............................................. 20
7.8 Denting........................................................ 22
4.8Bearing Performance Factors................... 5 7.9 Pitting.......................................................... 23
4.1 Bearing Noise................................................ 5 7.10 Wear............................................................ 24
4.2 Bearing Vibration........................................... 5 7.11 Fretting........................................................ 25
4.3 Bearing Temperature..................................... 5 7.12 False Brinelling............................................ 26
4.4 Effects of Lubrication.................................... 5 7.13 Creep.......................................................... 27
4.5 Selection of Lubrication................................ 6 7.14 Seizure........................................................ 28
4.6 Replenishment and 7.15 Electrical Corrosion..................................... 29
Replacement of Lubricant............................. 7 7.16 Rust and Corrosion..................................... 30
7.17 Mounting Flaws........................................... 31
5.8Bearing Inspection. ...................................... 7 7.18 Discoloration............................................... 32
2
1. Introduction Table 2.1 Methods to check operation
Machine size Operating procedure Bearing condition checks
When a rolling bearing is damaged dur housing. Usually the cause can be determined Manual operation. Turn the bearing by hand. If no Stick-slip (Debris, cracks, dents).
ing machine operation, the entire machine or by considering operation of the bearing before problems are detected, then proceed to operate the Uneven rotating torque (Faulty mounting).
machine. Excessive torque (Error in mounting or insufficient
equipment may seize or malfunction. Since the failure, investigating the lubrication condi Small radial internal clearance).
machine
bearings that fail prematurely or unexpectedly tions and the mounting condition, and carefully Power operation. Initially start at a low speed and without Check for irregular noise. Check for bearing
a load. Gradually increase speed and load to reach temperature rise. Lubricant leakage. Discoloration.
cause trouble, it is important to be able to iden observing the damaged bearing itself. rating.
tify and predict failure beforehand, if possible, Idle operation. Turn ON power and allow machine to rotate Vibration.
so that preventive measures can be adopted. Sometimes bearings are damaged and fail slowly. Turn OFF the power and allow the bearing to coast Noise, etc.
to a stop. If no irregularities are detected by the test, then
both quickly and unexpectedly. Such premature Large
proceed to the loaded rotation testing.
machine
Generally, bearing inspection or housing in failure is different from fatigue failure which is Power operation. Follow the same power operation testing Follow the same checkpoints as the small machine
spection can identify the cause of the problem. due to flaking. Bearing life can be separated and as used for small machine testing. test.
Often the cause is attributable to poor lubrica categorized into two types: premature failure
tion, improper handling, selecting the wrong and normal rolling contact fatigue. Table 2.2 Causes and measures for operating irregularities
bearing, or not enough study of the shaft and Irregularities Possible causes Measures
Abnormal load Improve the fit, internal clearance, preload, position of housing
shoulder, etc.
Loud Metallic Incorrect mounting Improve the machining accuracy and alignment of shaft and housing,
3 4
3. Bearing Maintenance (1) Grease lubrication
Grease is a lubricant that is made from base oil, thickener,
Table 4.3 Required viscosity by bearing type
5 6
4.6 Replenishment and Replacement of
Lubricant
than 70℃, the usage of lithium soap-mineral oil grease or lithium
soap-syntheticoil grease is appropriate.) 6. Running Traces and Applied Loads
(1) Replenishing Interval It is advisable to consult NSK.
Even if high-quality grease is used, there is deterioration • Load As the bearing rotates, the raceways of the inner ring and Similarly, Fig. 6.2 shows different roller bearing running
of its properties with time; therefore, periodic replenishment The replenishing time interval depends on the magnitude of outer ring make contact with the rolling elements. This results traces: Fig. 6.2 (i) shows the outer ring running trace when a
is required. Figs. 4.2 (1) and (2) show the replenishment time the bearing load. in a wear path on both the rolling elements and raceways. radial load is properly applied to a cylindrical roller bearing
intervals for various bearing types running at different speeds. Please refer to Fig. 4.2 (3), and multiply the replenishing time Running traces are useful, since they indicate the loading con which has a load on a rotating inner ring. Fig. 6.2 (j) shows the
Figs. 4.2 (1) and (2) apply for the condition of high-quality lithi interval by the load factor. ditions, and should be carefully observed when the bearing is running trace in the case of shaft bending or relative inclina
um soap-mineral oil grease, bearing temperature of 70°C, and If P/C exceeds 0.16, it is advisable to consult NSK. disassembled. tion between the inner and outer rings. This misalignment
normal load (P/C=0.1). If the running traces are clearly defined, it is possible to de leads to the generation of slightly shaded (dull) bands in the
(2) Lubrication oil replacement interval
• Temperature termine whether the bearing is carrying a radial load, axial load width direction. Traces are diagonal at the beginning and end
The oil replacement intervals depend on the operating
If the bearing temperature exceeds 70°C, the replenishment or moment load. Also, the roundness condition of the bearing of the loading zone. For double-row tapered roller bearings
conditions and the oil quantity. In general, for an operat
time interval must be reduced by half for every 15°C tempera can be determined. Check whether unexpected bearing loads where a single load is applied to the rotating inner ring, Fig.
ing temperature under 50°C, and in clean environments, the
ture rise of the bearings. or large mounting errors occurred. Also, determine the prob 6.2 (k) shows the running trace on the outer ring under radial
replacement interval is 1 year. If the oil temperature is above
• Grease able cause of the bearing damage. load while Fig. 6.2 (l) shows the running trace on the outer ring
100°C, then the oil should be changed at least once every
In case of ball bearings especially, the replenishing time Fig. 6.1 shows the running traces generated in deep groove under axial load. When misalignment exists between the in
three months.
interval can be extended depending on used grease type. bearings under various load conditions. Fig. 6.1 (a) shows the ner and the outer rings, then the application of a radial load
(For example, high-quality lithium soap-synthetic oil grease most common running trace generated when the inner ring causes running traces to appear on the outer ring as shown in
may extend about two times of replenishing time interval Remarks P : Equivalent load rotates under a radial load only. Figs. 6.1 (e) through (h) show Fig. 6.2 (m).
shown in Fig. 4.2 (1). If the temperature of the bearings is less C : Basic load rating several different running traces that result in a shortened life
due to their adverse effect on the bearings.
Inner ring rotation Outer ring rotation Inner ring or Inner ring rotation
Radial load Radial load outer ring rotation Radial and axial loads
min-1 Axial load in one direction
min-1
(e) (f) (g) (h)
(1) Radial ball bearing and cylindrical roller bearing (2) Tapered roller bearing and spherical roller bearing
5. Bearing Inspection
When inspecting a bearing during periodic inspection of (1) Cracks or chipping in the cage, rolling elements, or race Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation
equipment, operating inspections, or replacement of adjacent way ring. Axial load and Moment load Housing bore is oval No radial internal clearance
parts, determine the condition of the bearing and if its contin (2) Flaking in the rolling elements or raceway ring. misalignment (Misalignment) (Negative operating clearance)
ued service is advisable. (3) Notable scoring on the rolling elements, rib face (collar), or
A record should be kept of the inspection and external ap raceway surface. Fig. 6.1 Typical running traces of deep groove ball bearings
pearance of dismounted bearings. After taking a grease sam (4) Notable wear on the cage or loose rivets.
ple and measuring the quantity of residual grease, the bearing (5) Flaws or rust on the rolling elements or raceway surface.
should be cleaned. Also, determine whether abnormalities and (6) Notable dents on the rolling elements or raceway surface.
damage exist in the cage, fitting surfaces, rolling element sur (7) Notable creep of the outer ring outside surface or inner ring
faces, and raceway surfaces. Refer to Section 6 regarding the bore.
observation of running traces on the raceway surface. (8) Discoloration due to heating.
When evaluating whether a bearing can be reused or not, (9) Serious damage on shield or seal of grease packed bear
the following points need to be considered: degree of bearing ings.
damage, machine performance, critical nature of the applica
tion, operating conditions, inspection interval. If the inspection
reveals bearing damage or abnormalities, then try to confirm
the cause and determine a measure by referring to Section 7
and then carry out the countermeasure.
If your inspection discovers any of the following kinds of
damage, which would prevent the bearing from being reused,
then the bearing must be replaced with a new one.
7 8
(i) (j) (k) (l) (m) 7.1 Flaking
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
Flaking occurs when small pieces of Excessive load ● Reconfirm the bearing application and check
bearing material are split off from the Poor mounting (misalignment) the load conditions
smooth surface of the raceway or Moment load ● Improve the mounting method
rolling elements due to rolling fatigue, Entry of foreign debris, water penetration ● Improve the sealing mechanism, prevent
thereby creating regions having rough Poor lubrication, Improper lubricant rusting during non-running
and coarse texture. Unsuitable bearing clearance ● Use a lubricant with a proper viscosity,
Improper precision for shaft or housing, improve the lubrication method
unevenness in housing rigidity, large shaft ● Check the precision of shaft and housing
bending ● Check the bearing internal clearance
Progression from rust, corrosion pits, smearing,
dents (Brinelling)
Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation Inner ring rotation
Radial load Moment load Radial load Axial load Radial and
(Misalignment) moment loads
(Misalignment)
9 10
7.2 Peeling
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
Dull or cloudy spots appear on Unsuitable lubricant ● Select a proper lubricant
surface along with light wear. Entry of debris into lubricant ● Improve the sealing mechanism
From such dull spots, tiny cracks are Rough surface due to poor lubrication ● Improve the surface finish of the rolling
generated downward to a depth of Surface roughness of mating rolling part mating parts
5 to 10 μm. Small particles fall off and
minor flaking occurs widely.
11 12
7.3 Scoring
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
Scoring is surface damage due to accumulated Excessive load, excessive preload ● Check the size of the load
small seizures caused by sliding under improper Poor lubrication ● Adjust the preload
lubrication or under severe operating conditions. Particles are caught in the surface ● Improve the lubricant and the
Linear damage appears circumferentially on the Inclination of inner and outer rings lubrication method
raceway surface and rolling surface. Shaft bending ● Check the precision of the shaft and
Cycloidal shaped damage on the roller end. Poor precision of the shaft and housing housing
Scoring on rib surface contacting roller end.
13 14
7.4 Smearing
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
Smearing is surface damage which occurs from a High speed and light load ● Improve the preload
collection of small seizures between bearing Sudden acceleration/deceleration ● Improve the bearing clearance
components caused by oil film rupture and/or Improper lubricant ● Use a lubricant with good oil film
sliding. Entry of water formation ability
Surface roughening occurs along with melting. ● Improve the lubrication method
● Improve the sealing mechanism
15 16
7.5 Fracture 7.6 Cracks
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
Fracture refers to small pieces which were broken Impact during mounting ● Improve the mounting method (Shrink Cracks in the raceway ring and rolling elements. Excessive interference ● Correct the interference
off due to excessive load or shock load acting Excessive load fit, use of proper tools) Continued use under this condition leads to larger Excessive load, shock load ● Check the load conditions
locally on a part of the roller corner or rib of a Poor handling such as dropping ● Reconsider the loading conditions cracks or fractures. Progression of flaking ● Improve the mounting method
raceway ring. ● Provide enough back-up and support Heat generation and fretting caused by ● Use an appropriate shaft shape
for the bearing rib contact between mounting parts 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
17 18
7.7 Cage Damage
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
Cage damage includes cage Poor mounting (Bearing misalignment) ● Check the mounting method
deformation, fracture, and wear Poor handling ● Check the temperature, rotation, and load
Fracture of cage pillar Large moment load conditions
Deformation of side face Shock and large vibration ● Reduce the vibration
Wear of pocket surface Excessive rotation speed, sudden acceleration ● Select a cage type
Wear of guide surface and deceleration ● Select a lubrication method and lubricant
Poor lubrication
Temperature rise
19 20
7.8 Denting
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
When debris such as small metallic particles are Debris such as metallic particles are ● Wash the housing
caught in the rolling contact zone, denting occurs caught in the surface ● Improve the sealing mechanism
on the raceway surface or rolling element surface. Excessive load ● Filter the lubrication oil
Denting can occur at the rolling element pitch Shock during transport or mounting ● Improve the mounting and handling
interval if there is a shock during the mounting methods
(Brinell dents).
21 22
7.9 Pitting 7.10 Wear
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
The pitted surface has a dull luster which appears Debris becomes caught in the lubricant ● I mprove the sealing mechanism Wear is surface deterioration due to sliding friction Entry of debris ● Improve the sealing mechanism
on the rolling element surface or raceway surface. Exposure to moisture in the atmosphere ● Filter the lubrication oil thoroughly at the surface of the raceway, rolling elements, Progression from rust and electrical ● Clean the housing
Poor lubrication ● Use a proper lubricant roller end faces, rib face, cage pockets, etc. corrosion ● Filter the lubrication oil thoroughly
Poor lubrication ● Check the lubricant and lubrication
Sliding due to irregular motion of rolling method
elements ● Prevent misalignment
23 24
7.11 Fretting 7.12 False Brinelling
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
Wear occurs due to repeated sliding between the Poor lubrication ● Use a proper lubricant Among the different types of fretting, false Oscillation and vibration of a stationary ● Secure the shaft and housing during
two surfaces. Vibration with a small amplitude ● Apply a preload brinelling is the occurrence of hollow spots that bearing during such times as transporting transporting
Fretting occurs at fitting surface and also at contact Insufficient interference ● Check the interference fit resemble brinell dents, and are due to wear caused Oscillating motion with a small amplitude ● Transport with the inner and outer rings
area between raceway ring and rolling elements. ● Apply a film of lubricant to the fitting by vibration and swaying at the contact points Poor lubrication packed separately
Fretting corrosion is another term used to describe surface between the rolling elements and raceway. ● Reduce the vibration by preloading
the reddish brown or black worn particles. ● Use a proper lubricant
25 26
7.13 Creep 7.14 Seizure
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
Creep is the phenomenon in bearings Insufficient interference or loose fit ● Check the interference, and prevent rotation When sudden overheating occurs Poor lubrication ● Study the lubricant and lubrication method
where relative slipping occurs at the Insufficient sleeve tightening ● Correct the sleeve tightening during rotation, the bearing becomes Excessive load (Excessive preload) ● Reinvestigate the suitability of the bearing type
fitting surfaces and thereby creates a ● Study the shaft and housing precision discolored. Next, raceway rings, Excessive rotational speed selected
clearance at the fitting surface. ● Preload in the axial direction rolling elements, and cage will Excessively small internal clearance ● Study the preload, bearing clearance, and
Creep causes a shiny appearance, ● Tighten the raceway ring side face soften, melt and deform as damage Entry of water and debris fitting
occasionally with scoring or wear. ● Apply adhesive to the fitting surface accumulates. Poor precision of shaft and housing, excessive ● Improve the sealing mechanism
● Apply a film of lubricant to the fitting surafce shaft bending ● Check the precision of the shaft and housing
● Improve the mounting method
Photo 7-14-3
Part: Inner ring of an angular contact ball bearing
Symptom: Raceway discoloration, melting occurs at ball pitch
intervals
Cause: Excessive preload
Photo 7-14-4
Part: Outer ring in Photo 7-14-3
Symptom: Raceway discoloration, melting occurs at ball pitch
intervals
Cause: Excessive preload
27 28
7.15 Electrical Corrosion 7.16 Rust and Corrosion
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures
When electric current passes through a bearing, Electrical potential difference between ● Design electric circuits which prevent Bearing rust and corrosion are pits on the surface Entry of corrosive gas or water ● Improve the sealing mechanism
arcing and burning occur through the thin oil film inner and outer rings current flow through the bearings of rings and rolling elements and may occur at the Improper lubricant ● Study the lubrication method
at points of contact between the race and rolling Electrical potential difference of a high ● Insulation of the bearing rolling element pitch on the rings or over the entire Formation of water droplets due to ● Anti-rust treatment for periods of non-
elements. The points of contact are melted locally frequency that is generated by instruments bearing surfaces. condensation of moisture running
to form “fluting” or groove-like corrugations which or substrates when used near a bearing. High temperature and high humidity while ● Improve the storage methods
are seen by the naked eye. The magnification of stationary ● Improve the handling metheod
these grooves will reveal crater-like depressions Poor rust preventive treatment during
which indicate melting by arcing. transporting
Improper storage conditions
Improper handling
29 30
7.17 Mounting Flaws 7.18 Discoloration
Damage Condition Possible Cause Measures Damage Condition Possible Cause Measure
Straight line scratches on surface of raceways or Inclination of inner and outer rings during ● Use appropriate jig and tool Discoloration of cage, rolling elements, and Poor lubrication ● Improve the lubrication method
rolling elements caused during mounting or mounting or dismounting. ● Avoid a shock load by use of a press raceway ring occurs due to a reaction with Oil stain due to a reaction with lubricant
dismounting of bearing. Shock load during mounting or machine lubricant and high temperature. High temperature
dismounting. ● Center the relative mating parts during
mounting
Photo 7-17-3
Part: Rollers of a cylindrical roller bearing
Symptom: Axial scratches on rolling surface
Cause: Inclination of inner and outer rings during mounting
31 32
Appendix Bearing Diagnostic Chart
Cause
Bearing Lubri-
Handling Load Speed
surrounding cation
Bearing Selection
Shaking·Vibration
High speed, High
Ultra small load
Stock·Shipping
Excessive load
Sealed device
Water·Debris
Temperature
Impact load
Stationary
Mounting
Lubricant
Moment
Housing
Shaft
Damage name Location (Phenomenon) Remarks
1. Flaking Raceway, Rolling surface ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Raceway, Rolling surface ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
2. Peeling Bearing outside surface *
*
Mating rolling
○ ○ ○ ○
(Rolling contact) part
Roller end face surface,
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Rib surface
3. Scoring
Cage guide surface, Pocket
○ ○ ○ ○
surface
4. Smearing Raceway, Rolling surface ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
5. Fracture Raceway collar, Rollers ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Raceway rings, Rolling elements ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
6. Cracks Rib surface, Roller end face, Cage
○ ○ ○ ○
guide surface (Thermal crack)
(Deformation), (Fracture) ○ ○ ○ ○
7. Cage damage
(Wear) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
Raceway, Rolling surface,
○ ○
(Innumerable small dents)
8. Denting
Raceway (Debris on the rolling
○ ○ ○ ○
element pitch)
9. Pitting Raceway, Rolling surface ○ ○ ○
Raceway, Rolling surface, Rib
10. Wear ○ ○ ○ ○
surface, Roller end face
Raceway, Rolling surface ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
○
*
corrosion
Raceway, Rolling surface ○ through the rolling
element
16. Rust and Raceway ring, Rolling element,
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
corrosion Cage
17. Mounting flaws Raceway, Rolling surface ○ ○
Raceway ring, Rolling element,
18. Discoloration ○ ○ ○
Cage
Remark: This chart is not comprehensive. It lists only the more commonly occurring damages, causes, and locations.
33
MEMO
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