What Are the Common Causes of Bearing Failure?
Bearings prematurely fail due to multiple factors, ranging from particulate contamination and improper mounting to misalignment, bearing fatigue, and poor storage conditions. Failure can also occur due to poor material choice and operating environment. In this article, we look in detail at the main factors that cause bearing failure in machinery. Key Drivers of Bearing Failure Foreign Matter: Foreign matter such as dust, moisture, dirt, lint, and metal shavings tend to accelerate wear of bearings. In certain operating environments, it is almost impossible to avoid foreign particles. Therefore, proper sealing becomes essential to prevent unnecessary levels of abrasive particulates. Improper Mounting: Too much mounting pressure on the outer race can cause surface indentations. A loose shaft fit can rotate the shaft inside the inner ring, which produces heat and particulates responsible for wearing down bearings. Similarly, loose housing can also contribute to such wear. Not only l...