Introduction
Bearings are important mechanical elements that allow rotational or linear movement between two surfaces that come into contact with each other. They are needed to ensure the smooth operation of machines and mechanisms. The adjustment of bearings is one of the most critical activities in preventive maintenance services and is essential for keeping production machines and other related components in reliable working condition. This paper explains the importance of bearing adjustment and various methods used to align and adjust bearings.
Importance of Bearing Adjustment
Adjustment of bearings is a fundamental part of maintenance and is necessary to ensure proper operation and maximum life of the bearing. Poor bearing adjustment can result in a decrease in the efficiency of the central machine, as well as failure of the bearings. If the bearing is incorrectly aligned or adjusted, the bearing can create excessive vibration and may even cause the motor to generate incorrect readings. In addition to this, incorrect bearing alignment or adjustment can cause premature deposition of contaminants on the bearing and/or an increase in the noise levels.
Methods of Bearing Adjustment
There are several different methods of adjusting bearings, depending on the type of bearing, the environment, the load placed on the bearing, the speed, and other factors. Generally speaking, the most common methods of bearing adjustment are gap adjustment, rubber belt adjustment, oil wedge adjustment, and shim adjustment.
Gap Adjustment: Gap adjustment is the simplest and most common method used to align and adjust bearings. It involves using a pair of adjustable wrenches to tighten the bearings inner and outer races until the gap between the surfaces is balanced and even.
Rubber Belt Adjustment: This is another method used to align and adjust bearings. It involves wrapping a rubber belt around the circumference of the bearing, making sure that it is secured tightly and evenly. The belt is then tightened until the gap between the inner and outer races is balanced and even.
Oil Wedge Adjustment: This method involves inserting a wedge or tapered blade between the inner and outer races of the bearing. The wedge is then gradually tightened until the gap between the two races is balanced and even.
Shim Adjustment: This is a more complex method of bearing adjustment. It involves positioning a small metal shim between the inner and outer races of the bearing, and then turning the shim to adjust the amount of clearance.
Conclusion
Bearing adjustment is a critical part of preventive maintenance and is necessary to ensure proper operation and maximum life of the bearing. There are several different methods of adjusting bearings, depending on the type of bearing, the environment, the load placed on the bearing, the speed, and other factors. Generally speaking, the most common methods are gap adjustment, rubber belt adjustment, oil wedge adjustment, and shim adjustment. It is important to note that correct bearing adjustment is essential for keeping production machines and other related components in reliable working condition.
