Bearing Check

Bearing Check

1. NOTE: Use the following procedure when checking taper roller bearings and roller bearings:

General notes.
^ Check the condition of all the components when disassembling them.
^ Find out the cause of the damage with the aid of the following illustrations.
^ Remedy the problem and, if necessary, renew the bearing (see bearing checks).





2. Bearing cage damaged at the top or side through incorrect use of a special tool or use of the wrong tool.
^ Renew the bearing.





3. The taper roller ends are discolored as a result of inadequate lubrication, overheating or excessive bearing pre-load.
^ Renew the bearings and gaskets and make sure there is adequate lubrication.





4. Taper roller ends are worn away as a result of incorrect installation, excessive bearing pre-load or incorrect seating.
^ Renew the bearings and gaskets and make sure there is adequate lubrication.





5. The bearing surfaces are gray or gray/black with abraded particles between the taper rollers.
^ Renew the bearings and gaskets and make sure there is adequate lubrication.





6. The surface of the bearing race is notched as a result of impacts at standstill.
^ Renew the bearing if its surface is rough, or if it is noisy.





7. Dark blue coloring from overheating (yellow or brown color is normal) due to excessive bearing pre-load or inadequate lubrication. Overheating can cause the bearing to lose its surface hardness. Use a file to test the surface hardness. Material can be filed away from soft bearings but not from hard bearings.
^ If overheating is diagnosed, renew the bearing and check the gaskets and other components.





8. Surface abrasion due to material fatigue.
^ Renew the bearing and clean all the affected components.