-

\ -fJeariing Maintenance\i
;;r;F" ""'" '" ".. ",_::::",}

Bearing Maintenance
Plain Journal Beorings

Inspection
[Bearing Maintenance A",-r1- F~c.I/Oti-
It is standard practice to inspect bearing
surface!; when equipment is being overhauled. If the : . Bearing maintenance includes not only tI
bearings are not worn, fatigued, or damaged, and replacement of worn-out bi.:<trtngs";-butperiodic il
the clearances are within proper limits, there is no spections, lubrication, and proper be~ring prok
reason to replace them. tion as well. As a maintenance crafts~nan, you a
responsible fat all of these steps. A sm(\11number I
If you do tind wear, improper clearances, or !
bearing failures or bearbigprtiblc'l'.1s ,indicates II
journal damage, or evidence of fatigue, embedded work of a good n),liol:'::'nu.ncc-'t:raftsnian.
-',
A mill
particles, or scoring, it is necessary to replace or mum of failures and de-l'c.:clsis'C'ilcjirFiclilt goal
. ,;f"'., renewthe bearings. Although sudden failure" is un- achieve, but one that can be at:hicv~d by employif
good work techniques and by paying dose altentil
usual with a plain journal bearing, all bearings to problem sources.
wear and become-misaligned in time. When journal
bearings or bushings must be replaced, use the ex- Proper bearing maintenance takes time
act type and class of bearing specified in the main- time to make proper observatiuns, to check bcaril
I tenance or operating manual provided by the equip-
ment manufacturer. temperatures, to ensure that the proper amount al
type of lubricant is used, anJ to be slire th,:t tl
machinery is not operateJ under l>verload cone
In all cases, careful handling of bearings is lions for long periodsof time, Time taken to Jl)
essential. Careless handling can ruin any bearing,
regardles~ of its construction. '
good job when initially installing a bearing, as II
as time spent effectively during regular main
A common rule of thumb is to replace high- nance procedures or overhauls, can eliminate a
speed equipment ,!:>earingsa.1 ~wice the amount of of emergency breakdowns and extra work latel
their original clearance. On 'slower speed, non-criti-
Cal 'equipment, the allowance may be' three times rvbny maintenance jobs involving repair
replacement of equipment that has broken de
the original clearance. Slow-speed, rough-equip-
r ' ment bearings can generally wear even more before can be traced directly to failed bearings. In m
they have to be replaced. Worn journals can be cases, bearing failures are due to hasty and imQn
i 'machined smooth again and, with a new bearing er installation procedures. Usually, the bearing I
run sarislactorlly for a short period of time with(
:whosc I.D. is sized to tit, tht>.ycan provide many
nore years of service. any noticeable problems. Then, quite suddenly, t
bearing will fail. When this happens, poor instal
tilHl frequently can be [1innointed as the reason
the failure of the bearing,

.
L -------------- -------------
Rev.
r ":""", ,:-'~ -

iI tnsp:~s!iqrfandMarntenance~
. ,.m".~

'2'.61 Keeping bearings in top operating condi-

tion need not be especially complicated. It does,
howe;ver, require that you conduct regular pre-
ventive maintenance and remain alert to signs
of possible trouble.

2.62 When you are responsible. for regularly

inspecting and lubricating bearings, you should
first construct a maintenance chart. With so many
varieties of bearings, bearing applications, and
bearing care, a chart simplifies regular maintenance
procedures.

2.63 The chart should specify the location of therefore, replace a faulty bearing before serious
bearings, what kind of lubricant to put in them, damageresults.
and how often to lubricate them. Remember that
overlubrication can be just as destructive as no 2.66 Three major signals can alert you to be;: ~g
lubrication at all. Figure 2-12 shows a lubrication faiture : c::::.--'- {

chart based on type of bearing, bearing size, and

..---
shaft speed in revolutions per minute. . higher noise level or a difference in the
type of noise,
2.64 A regular schedule of inspection is very
important. A bearing almost always gives some . rise in temperature,
kind of signal before it fails. But someone has to
be there to pick up the signal and prevent the . increased vibration.
failure.
You can monitor these indicators by careful listen-
2.65 If a bearing fails and the machinery is not ing,by touch, and with instruments available for
shut down right away, the shaft and other parts of the purpose.
the machinery will eventually fa~, too. You must,
2.67 To measure the temperature of a bearing
housing, you should use a magnetic-base thermom-
~ a contact thermometer with a digital read-
~. The length of time that you can hold 'Ir
hand on a bearing housing does not provide a good
indication of a temperature problem.

2.68 A bearing typically operates within a range

16~\NG R4N~\Nc; -re.r.AP: of 120 to 185°F (49 to 85°Ct Temperatures above
0 0- 200°F (93°q indicate serious problems (unless
CD So -8~ c. found in equipment that normally operates in
0 0 great heat). Such high temperatures cause rapid
oxidation of the lubricant and allow nonmetallic
Ci;) ~20 -( %~ F' seals to become brittle and leak. The bearing tem-
perature can be 20 to 3?oF (9 to 17°C) higher
than the housing temperature.-,

2.69 Careful inspection and maintenance con-

tribute as much to the smooth functioning of a
bearing as proper installation does. Your attention
I to all the matters discussed here can ultimately save
\you
i
time and effort :md avoid expensive repairs.
----------------- --. a,. ..,.-----------------
Rev.
~ff1r@ TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTRE @
@
..,
--;:.
(

BEARBING REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES:

, ..

All bearings are stamped or coded with the manufacturerst~J

. - . .
identification. A bearing compatibility chart is requirea~~'
if a bearing from one manufacturer is replaced by another.
Bearing that look like the original may not be a suitable"1'".~
replacement. Bearing must be compatible to the machine :-

0 Oil and Greases

0 Fits
0 Surfaces
0 Load Carrying Ability.

Bearings that do not meet these standards of compatibility

may be hazardous to the machine and the operator.

Machines generally are desigi1ed with the following Suidelines

for bearing selection :-

1) Ball bearings are used for lighter loads.

2) Roller bearings are used for heavier loads.
3) Rolfer bearings work better under shock and
impact loadin9..
4)
Shaft'mis~lignment between the bearing usually
requires self-aligning balls or sphe~ical rollers
bearing..
!J;/
5) Ball thrust bearings are designed for thrust loads
in one direction'only~
6) Angular contact ball bearings or deep groove ball
bearings are better fo~ nigh speed thrust loads.
. (. . .
7) Low friction apRlicatio~ usually call for self-l
aligning'~all be~rihgs and~ylinde~ical roller
~bearings .
8)
Deep groove bearings can ce sealed when bearing and
machine surface can be contaminated.

Bearing type must

. never be
. mixed unless there is specific
information concerning their compatibility.
.-~--

AHJ/mb.
-----

~
 .;.,."-: 1;~':."'-: 1.-- . ,':°

, .

Hose 10(yl;..&.,
We;o;"te~ H;,.,,;. F,om Hyd. p, p

Se,e-

'. .
]

Jc- P.-: to I)~ I<.=.e-'-

..-...

x,e- -"
-.
5U;E ~E~. EXTERNAL SCRF." TYpe: PULLER HYDRAUlI(AlL Y PO"'ERED PULLER
I"IF~~ p-,y-LEP.
.:
1:':::'

- Typicc.lBearing Pullers

MAINTENANCE
OF ANTiFRICTIONBEARINGS nical Manual or Service Manual for removal pro-
cedures. If no procedures are given, study the
The most impo~~ll factor for iong bearing life is bearing Imounting carefully to determine how it
good bearing maintenance, This includes proper mu~ be removed. The maintenance tips on the
lubrication, repa, diagnosis of failures, installa- preceeding page are important when wOtking with
-".
tion, and adjustment Some of the k~y "do's" and bearings. - ~l.
"don'ts" are shOWTlon page 26. 'b.-
.~.
Let's examine b:aring maintenance, starting with
bearing remov-d -Bearings can be removpl'i thrQ9 '::aY3. r
'J<.-
-...
1. Using either mechanical or hydraulic pullers
'K'"", ~ ' .. -,
Removing Bearings
2. Using either mechanical or hydraulic presses
Before 2t1emt)!;~ to remove any bearing, clean
the bearing oo\.'Sing-and shaft. Consult the Tech- 3. Using a ha'mmer and Droper driver

S~~~I~G.p~ ;"'lLER - ':r:iFe:EDGEPULLER

~- --,

, ~
:- ' p;-H
r--t:f~
Ulfd"
I

~ ~l]
-
HEI.C)8, +
~,~,
un,
~~, 0 ~"h
~~
\ !r--\--
HUB O~ CtIP ?';LLER
1 11
.(1 [ld
ADJ.?TER 2a_~
\
rU~H-Pl!:...LER
TWO-LEGGED /'"
PULLER
HOUSING
I"TE;::'~~ P-.!lLER KNIFE EDG= PULLER EXTERNAL SCRE~ T'FE PUllE~
I ,",'T"" P'_~~ P:'~lEF'. PLA TE IIITH FUSH FULLER

-L:':~ Fig.49- Correct Puller Applications

i1: -"':'~~'7"'"--~~--=-,:"",:,_':,..,:;:,~,:,:"""=-"",~, ~~,_,:,,,:,, ~ ':':'-':':;"~ ~~-" - ~'~:, =-'.-,:;'_.,--.~

.."'" ' ".::2:
",- ~.:;' "~l
 P,... R:."
Sc':t.dlin..

PIa!.
~ Pro"er
S.eling
B.t- een
8.o,i"9
And Sea!
-1~~

[b]
'-:toper
C!."ao,"
8~,...~
B.:rin9

S.a!

r--- Tubi'9

0 00 SOT P::<Ess ON
WTER RACE TO FORCE
9
0

@
..,,;., N"
Prop.r!y
Seot~ Go..o'.s
.
~ i~NER ~ACE l!i?ROPER SEATING @ DA..o.GED SURFAc5"
-

Dis".U
l:>di"'J
1

,-r;-- j

@ ~O SOT ;:~ESS ~
I~~E~ R.1.CE TO PUT
FORCE C~ OUTER RACE 0 00 SOT HA!o\MER
OR USE A DRIFT CN
tf\
~
CUTB ;UCE SOT
SCUJ.i<E 'nTH HCUSiSG
BEA.~INGRACES,
'..:) ~:

- Improper Ins!aHation Techniques For An!iFric!icn 8eari:r,.s

"-

\ -- ----
'i
Rev.
 Press Rom
:- PressRom
Plale

HI'
II
SIoaft

Tubing CI.",s \1
Shaft. Pres'~S
Againsllnn~ Roce

Suppo<t
Blod,s

@ TWO METHODS OF J4.SHAFT

PRESSING
0 PRESSING CtJi3
HCtJS(~
RACE IH
INNER RACE OH

Dr;...

Tubing

Housing

/,,"-

'Puller Plale
Press B.d
0 USING PUSH PULLER TO
IHSTALL BEARING OH J4.SHAFT
0 RACE Q4 oo;E~
DRIV!NG S,UFT
@ PRfSSIHG
INTO HMr~
NEEl..E BEARING

IZH/

- Proper Installation Techniq\Je5 For Anti-Friction Bearings

- --- -----
Rev.
~ff1f@ TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTRE \:j)
@-

METHODS OF LUBRICATION;
-.c:::

In addition to applying lubricant to bearing with a grease-gun,

packing and splash methods, are also used. Keep in min~
design and application of bearing determine the type of
lubricant required and the frequency of the lubrication. Some
bearings such as. wheel bearings
-
are usually packing with
grease by either using a grease pack or by ~and packing.

REMEMBER that too much lubrication can be as harmful

as too little. If too much grease is applied to a bearing,
churning will cause friction and heat, leading to premat~red
bearing failure.

As a general rule, pack antifriction bearings 'half-full'.

In splash system of lubrication such as in transmission, the

most important concerns are :-

1) Keep sufficient lubricant in the housing.

2) Use the correct lubricant.

3) Change lubricants at recommended intervals.

4)
Use lubrica~t rated fo! proper temp~rature. Higher
temperature than recommend8d for a given lubricant
will break-down extreme pressure additives.

Usually filler plugs or caps provide a means of filling the

housing.

. Methods of lubrication

I,~ '

r;~-
" . ,

"UN ,'" .. :, ~~~ .

.~ ). '.~~~..,.
!}8 .~.
~4
I ':':
.
.:.. ',.:..-,,"-'Ao~'
~,~-~~-\.t:~t;~-
;.;~ ~~~
-",pplying Grease Ta Pressure
! ~ng Using Hand
-~
Q:JQ
-- -----
,- Pacldng A Bearing By Hand

Rev.
 INSTALLATION OF BEARING:

Proper installation is important if bearing damage is to be

prevented.

1) The first (1) shows two proper methods of pressing an

inner race on a shaft. Notice that no pressure is
exerted on the outer race.

2 )
When pressing the outer race into a housing, apply
\
pressure to the outer race only.

3 ) A push puller may be used in

, ,
certain situaticns
\
to
install a b~aring. When 'care is taken, a ~ace may be
.,.---.
driven onto a shaft with a hammer & tube.

4 ) Needle bearings require a special driver which is under-

cut as shown'by the lnset drawing. This under-cut is
shaped to transmit the driving force to the cuter shell,
preventing the bearing shell from buckling

Some bearings have a very tight fit on the shaft and must be
heated for ease in assembly. If the bearing is small, it can
be heated in a container of oil but not more than 300°F (~~~OC)
The bearing must .not contact the bottom of th~ container :"9
because it will absorb heat directly and may be damaged.

Remember bearings are heat treated to harden them. If the

f-T-
bearing gets too hot, it will loose some of its hardness.