Phenomenon and Causes of Bearing Fatigue Failure

Bearing fatigue failure can bring a lot of trouble to the proper performance of the machines. Therefore, it is rather urgent to learn something about it. At first, we would like to see something about the analysis on the phenomenon of bearing fatigue failure.

First of all, the length of the period between the beginning of bearing usage and the emergency of the fatigue phenomenon has a close relationship with the rotation speed, bearing loads, and the lubrication.

Secondly, fatigue is a result of the cyclic shearing stress under the loads. After a period of time, the shearing stress will lead to small cracks which then gradually extend to the surface. When the rolling parts are through these small cracks, then some will split off the block and form the so-called "peeling phenomenon". If this situation becomes worse, then the bearing will be damaged.

Let us take the bicycle bearing as an example. At the primary stage, it is difficult to feel the bearing damage when rotates. Because the bicycle bearing adopts the mode of low speed and extreme pressure, it is not unusable even if the "peeling phenomenon" is very serious. Thus, before the complete destruction of the bearing, users have enough time to find its symptom. Do not ignore the existence of the friction which can decrease the speed of riding. As a result, the speed will slower and the consumption will be more.

What are the causes and solutions of the bearing failure? One cause is the improper lubrication. Although you can install the "maintenance free" sealed bearings, there are still about 36% of early failure of bearings are due to the improper lubrication. Inevitable bearing failure will occur if there is any improper lubrication.

Another reason for the bearing failure is the improper assembly. It can lead to 16% of bearing failure. The improper assembly can cause the damage before the packing of the products. For example, bikes usually use sealed deep groove ball bearings. These products are afraid of percussion. Because bicycle bearings have small interference, it is safer to knock with a rubber hammer.