Common bearing installation errors
Bearing installation is a critical process that directly impacts the performance and lifespan of the bearing. However, there are several common misunderstandings that can lead to premature failure or inefficient operation.
One frequent misconception is that applying excessive force during installation ensures a secure fit. In reality, excessive force can damage the bearing’s internal structure, leading to misalignment, increased friction, and early wear. Bearings should always be installed using the correct tools and methods, such as a press fit or the use of specialized bearing installation equipment, to avoid unnecessary strain.
Another common misunderstanding involves the assumption that all bearings can be installed without paying attention to cleanliness. Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can easily get trapped in the bearing housing during installation, resulting in poor performance or even total failure over time. It is crucial to keep the work environment clean and to ensure the bearing and housing are free of debris before installation.
Lubrication is also often misunderstood. Some believe that over-lubricating a bearing can enhance its performance, but too much lubricant can lead to overheating and increased friction. Bearings require the right amount and type of lubricant specific to their operating conditions. Inadequate lubrication or using the wrong type can equally contribute to bearing failure.
Lastly, many installers overlook the importance of proper alignment. Misalignment of the bearing or the shaft it supports can lead to uneven load distribution, increased vibration, and noise, which reduces efficiency and increases the risk of failure. Bearings should be installed precisely and checked for proper alignment before operation.
Taking angular contact bearings as an example, the following summarizes the common installation errors encountered in bearing installation.
1. Misunderstanding of bearing capacity
Double-row angular contact ball bearings can bear both axial and radial loads, and the bearing capacity of radial loads depends on the size of the contact angle. However, single-row angular contact ball bearings can only bear unilateral axial loads. If the load is applied in the opposite direction, the bearing may fall apart. Therefore, in the process of bearing selection and installation, if a single-row angular contact ball bearing is selected when the two-way connection is met, the bearing life may be greatly shortened in actual applications.
2. Misunderstanding between preload and actual service life of single-row angular contact ball bearings
For single-row angular contact ball bearings, if it has been used under light loads, it can still have a relatively long service life.
However, if the preload is too large, the bearing load will be too large, the sliding friction will increase, and the bearing is likely to have wheel locking, thereby reducing the service life of the angular contact ball bearing.
If the side clearance is too large, it will cause noise and vibration, and the precision of the machine equipment is difficult to ensure. At the same time, the number of roller bearings that bear the load inside the bearing will decrease, making the bearing at risk of premature failure. Therefore, in actual application scenarios, if a single-row bearing is installed, it must be ensured that it cannot always handle high loads.
3. Misunderstandings of pairing angular contact ball bearings
When the axial load is too large, people often choose to connect two angular contact ball bearings in series to increase the load, which is also incorrect.
In practical applications, because the height-width ratio and azimuth dimension tolerance of angular contact ball bearings are very large, when two bearings must be used close together, paired angular contact ball bearings should be selected.
Summary
There are also many misunderstandings when installing other types of bearings. This is mainly because the installers do not have a clear understanding of the comprehensive knowledge of bearings. It is recommended to consult the bearing manufacturer before selecting and installing, and install according to professional knowledge, and do not act on your own. If you find an installation error, you should also disassemble the bearing according to professional methods, and do not force it.
In another article of mine, the most comprehensive bearing disassembly method is introduced. Please click the following link to obtain professional knowledge.
