Bearing Installation
A bearing is a machine element designed to help support and maintain an axial or radial load. In order for it to function properly, the bearing itself must be mounted precisely onto the shaft and/or housing. With proper installation, a bearing will ensure optimal performance, prolonging its lifespan and reducing wear. Without proper installation, the integrity of the bearing system can be compromised, resulting in premature failure or increased wear.
It is important to understand the processes and techniques used to install a bearing, as most failure and damage to bearings is caused during the installation process. Improper installation is one of the most common causes of a bearing failure.
When installing a bearing, the shaft and/or housing must be inspected, cleaned and prepared. The shaft should be checked for dirt, nicks and other surface damage. If any irregularities are found they should be corrected with a file, abrasives or other tools. The surface should also be cleaned of debris such as grease, oil and dirt. The shaft should be free from burrs or sharp edges, and should be lightly lubricated before inserting the bearing.
As for the housing, these are often pre-machined for bearing installation. As such, the housing should be inspected for obstructions, scratches or other damages. The mounting surface should also be cleaned, and lightly lubricated before insertion.
Once the shaft and housing are prepped for installation, the next step is to align the two components. During this stage, it is important to align the bearing’s inner diameter to the shaft, and the outer diameter to the housing. A feeler gauge should be used to determine the gap between the shaft and the bearing and between the housing and the bearing. Once the gap is determined, the bearing can be inserted and torqued to the specified specifications.
After installation, the bearing should be checked and adjusted, if necessary. This is often done by spindling the assembly, and checking the end play, which is the amount of rotation the bearing has after it’s been installed. If the end play is too great, it can be adjusted by tightening the bearing adjuster screw. If the end play is too small, the bearing retainers should be loosened or the bearing itself replaced.
Once the bearing has been properly installed and adjusted, the final step is to lubricate the assembly. The lubricant should be applied to the contact points between the shaft and bearing, as well as between the housing and bearing. The lubricant should be applied sparingly, and the lubrication should be checked and re-applied periodically.
By following these steps, it is possible to ensure that bearings are installed properly and functioning correctly. Proper installation is essential for a bearing’s proper functioning and long life. Avoiding steps or performing them improperly can result in premature wear and failure, resulting in costly repairs and downtime. Bearing installation is important to be taken seriously, and should be done with the utmost precision and accuracy.
