SERVICE
After the mounting has been completed, a running test should be conducted to determine if the bearing has been mounted correctly. Small machines may be manually operated to assure that they rotate smoothly. Items to be checked include sticking due to foreign matter or visible flaws, uneven torque caused by improper mounting or an improper mounting surface, and excessive torque caused by an inadequate clearance, mounting error, or seal friction. If there are no abnormalities, powered operation may be started.
Although the bearing temperature can generally be estimated by the temperature of the outside surface of the housing, it is more desirable to directly measure the temperature of the outer ring using oil holes for access.
The bearing temperature should rise gradually to the steady state level within one to two hours after the operation starts. If the bearing or its mounting is improper, the bearing temperature may increase rapidly and become abnormally high. The cause of this abnormal temperature may be an excessive amount of lubricant, insufficient bearing clearance, incorrect mounting, or excessive friction of the seals.
In the case of high speed operation, an incorrect selection of bearing type or lubricating method may also cause an abnormal temperature rise.
The sound of a bearing may be checked with a noise locater or other instruments. Abnormal conditions are indicated by a loud metallic sound, or other irregular noise, and the possible cause may include incorrect lubrication, poor alignment of the shaft and housing, or the entry of foreign matter into the bearing.
Large machines, which cannot be turned by hand, can be started after examination with no load, and the power immediately cutoff and the machine allowed to coast to a stop. Confirm that there is no abnormality such as vibration, noise, contact of rotating parts, etc.
Although the bearing temperature can generally be estimated by the temperature of the outside surface of the housing, it is more desirable to directly measure the temperature of the outer ring using oil holes for access.
The bearing temperature should rise gradually to the steady state level within one to two hours after the operation starts. If the bearing or its mounting is improper, the bearing temperature may increase rapidly and become abnormally high. The cause of this abnormal temperature may be an excessive amount of lubricant, insufficient bearing clearance, incorrect mounting, or excessive friction of the seals.
In the case of high speed operation, an incorrect selection of bearing type or lubricating method may also cause an abnormal temperature rise.
The sound of a bearing may be checked with a noise locater or other instruments. Abnormal conditions are indicated by a loud metallic sound, or other irregular noise, and the possible cause may include incorrect lubrication, poor alignment of the shaft and housing, or the entry of foreign matter into the bearing.