When it comes to machine maintenance, one of the most vital things you need to do is keep your bearings well lubricated. While these components are exceptionally reliable, you need to ensure they are lubricated to avoid a breakdown. According to research, this is the number one reason for bearing failure, with up to 80 per cent of bearings failing because of this. The only other significant causes are improper mounting and reaching the natural fatigue limit, yet the latter accounts for less than ten per cent of failings. Therefore, to avoid costly repairs, and, even worse, a replacement, you need to ensure the bearing is lubricated properly.
Lubricant failure
Lubricating the bearing is not enough – you need to make sure you do it correctly. There are many different ways improper lubrication can occur, with the most common being the use of improper lubricants, insufficient lubrication, and excessive temperatures that have an adverse impact on the lubricant, causing it to degrade. Other reasons for lubricant failure at any business using machines include using too much lubricant, use of grease when the conditions require circulating oil or static oil, contamination with foreign matter, and deterioration that has occurred because of a prolonged service without replenishment.
In most cases, improper lubrication can cause adhesive wear, which will get worse and worse as time goes on. This is especially the case if you have not applied enough lubrication, or the lubricant in question has started to lose some of its lubricating properties. Either way, the problem with this is that it results in metal-to-metal contact between the raceways and rolling elements, which causes adhesive wear, such as scuffing, seizing, galling and scoring. This may only be a small problem to begin with, however, this is an issue that will only escalate as time goes on. The machine will undoubtedly lose its effectiveness until the point whereby it is no longer able to function properly, and thus this can be a very costly problem.
Select the right lubricant from the start
To make sure this doesn’t happen, you need to begin by selecting the right lubricant for your machine. If you are seeking lubricant for rolling element bearings, oil or grease are ideal. Once you have done this, you must apply the right amount, which depends on the lubricant you are using and the functions of the machine. Talk to specialists like MCCT to find out what sort of lubricant works well with their components. The operating temperature also plays a pivotal role when it comes to the viscosity of the lubricant. Finally, keeping the lubricant clean is also vital.
To conclude, hopefully you now have a better understanding of why it is so important to lubricate your bearings, and do so correctly, so that your machine does not fail. Keeping that in mind, you need to ensure you are using the right lubrication and applying the correct amount. You should also prevent grease loss and make sure you adhere to the appropriate re-lubrication intervals. Also, keep a regular check on your machines so that you can re-lubricate whenever is required.