For New Technology Network

NTN corporation
CAT.NO.3017/E

Care and Maintenance of Bearings

Explanation of the Photos. These are microscopic photographs of peeling damage

generated on the surface of a ball/roller bearing. Peeling can occur when the surface
roughness is high, or when the lubrication performance is poor. Peeling has a flat-colored appearance, and when observed under a microscope, shows minute flaking and
cracks. The top photo shows an example of minute flaking interconnected with cracks.
The photo in the middle shows an example of partial separation of the surface, occurring after a number of areas where minute flaking occurred have been connected. This
is often seen when grease lubrication is used. The bottom photo shows an example in
which a directionality is seen in the minute flaking. The example also shows cracks due
to slippage.

Care and Maintenance of Bearings (Revised)

We thank you for your interest in NTN bearings.
This booklet is intended as a guide to bearing maintenance, with the main consideration being on-site bearing maintenance.
Bearings may fail earlier than the expected rolling fatigue life. Early failure is mostly
attributable to inadequate handling or maintenance.
We will be pleased if this guide book assists the user in preventing early bearing
failure or in troubleshooting the causes of bearing failure.

Care and Maintenance of Bearings

Contents

1.

Introduction .................................................................................................................. 5

2.

Inspection of Bearings .................................................................................................. 5

3.

Inspection When Machine is Running .......................................................................... 5

3.1

Bearing Temperature .................................................................................................... 5

3.2

Operating Sounds of Bearing ....................................................................................... 5

3.3

Vibration of Bearing ...................................................................................................... 7

3.4

Lubricant Selection ...................................................................................................... 7

3.5

Relubrication ................................................................................................................ 7

4.

Check of Bearings after Operation ............................................................................... 9

5.

Bearing Failures and Solutions ..................................................................................... 9

5.1

Flaking ....................................................................................................................... 10

5.2

Peeling ....................................................................................................................... 12

5.3

Spalling ...................................................................................................................... 13

5.4

Smearing ................................................................................................................... 15

5.5

Wear .......................................................................................................................... 15

5.6

Speckles and Discoloration ........................................................................................ 16

5.7

Indentations ............................................................................................................... 17

5.8

Chipping .................................................................................................................... 18

5.9

Cracking .................................................................................................................... 19

5.10

Rust and Corrosion .................................................................................................... 20

5.11

Seizing ....................................................................................................................... 21

5.12

Fretting and Fretting Corrosion ................................................................................... 22

5.13

Electrical Pitting ......................................................................................................... 23

5.14

Rolling Path Skewing ................................................................................................. 24

5.15

Damage to Retainers ................................................................................................. 25

5.16

Creeping .................................................................................................................... 26

1. Introduction
The rolling-contact bearing is an element of machinery with a very
important role, and it dominates the performance of the machine. If
one of the bearings breaks or seizes, not only the machine but also the
assembly line may stop. If one of the axle bearings of an automobile or
a railway car breaks down, a serious accident could occur.

3. Inspection When Machine is

Running
3.1 Bearing Temperature
Bearing temperature generally rises with start-up and stabilizes at a
temperature slightly lower than at start-up (normally 10 to 40(C higher

To avoid trouble, every bearing manufacturer should make efforts to

than room temperature) in a certain time. The time before stabilizing

assure the highest quality for each bearing, and should emphasize that

depends on the size, type, speed, and lubrication system of the bear-

the user carefully handle and maintain all bearings.

ing and the heat dissipation condition around the bearing. It ranges

Every bearing becomes unserviceable in the course of time even if it

from about 20 minutes to as long as several hours. If bearing tempera-

is installed correctly and operated properly. The raceway surfaces and

ture does not stabilize but continues to rise, the causes shown in Table

the rolling contact surfaces of the rolling elements are repeatedly sub-

3.1 are conceivable. Operation should be stopped and an appropriate

jected to compressive loads, and the surfaces eventually flake.

corrective action should be taken.

The life of a rolling-contact bearing is defined as the total number of

High bearing temperature is not desirable in view of maintaining an

revolutions (or the number of operation hours at a given constant speed)

adequate service life and preventing lubricant deterioration. A desir-

before flaking occurs.

able bearing temperature is generally below 100C.

The bearing may also become unserviceable because of seizing,

breakage, wear, false brinelling, corrosion, etc.
These problems are caused by improper selection or handling of the

Table 3.1 Major causes of high bearing temperature

bearing. The problems are avoidable by correct selection, proper han-

(1) Extremely insufficient or excessive lubricant

dling and maintenance, and are distinguished from the fatigue life of

(2) Poor installation of the bearings

the bearing.

(3) Extremely small bearing clearance or extremely heavy

load

However, breakdowns due to improper application, bearing design,

and maintenance are more frequent than flaking due to rolling fatigue

(4) Extremely high friction between lip and seal groove

in the field.

(5) Improper lubricant type

(6) Creep between the fitting surfaces

2. Inspection of Bearings
Inspection of a machines bearings during operation is important to
prevent unnecessary bearing failure. The following methods are generally adopted to inspect the bearing.
(1) Check of bearings in operation

3.2 Operating Sound of Bearing

The following Table 3.2 lists typical abnormal bearing sounds and
their causes. Please note that the decription of some of these sounds

Included are the check of bearing temperature, noise, and

is rather subjective and thus could vary considerably from person to

vibration, and the examination of the properties of lubricant to

person.

determine when lubricant should be replenished or exchanged.

(2) Inspection of bearings after operation
Any change of the bearing is carefully examined after operation and
during periodic inspections so as to take measures to prevent recurrence.
It is important for proper bearing maintenance to determine inspection requirements and intervals, according to the importance of the system or machine, and adhere to the established schedule.

Table 3.2 Typical Abnormal Bearing Sounds and Their Causes

Sound

Features

Causes

Hiss

Small Bearings

Raceway, ball or roller surfaces are rough.

Buzz to Roar

Loudness and pitch change with speed.

Resonation
Poor fit (Poor shaft shape)
Bearing rings deformed.
Vibration of raceways, balls, or rollers
(For large bearings, if this sound is minor,
then this is considered normal).
Brinelling

Crunch

Felt when the bearing is rotated by hand.

Scoring of raceway surface (regular).

Scoring of balls or rollers (irregular).
Dust/Contamination
Deformed bearing ring (partial interference
clearance).

Hum

Disappears when power supply is switched off.

Chatter

Noticeable at low speeds.

Continuous at high speeds.

Clang/Clatter

Metallic, loud bumping sound.

Thin section large bearing (TTB) at low speeds.

Bearing ring deformed.

Grating of key.

Screech/Howl

Occurs mainly on cylindrical roller bearings.

Sound changes with speed.
Loud metallic sound that disappears temporarily
when grease is added.

Large radial clearance.

Poor lubrication/grease consistancy.

Squeak

Metal-to metal spalling sound.

High pitch

Spalling of roller and rib of roller bearing.

Small clearance
Poor lubrication

Squeal

Generated irregularly due to grating.

Slip on fitting surfaces.

Grating on mounting seat, of key, etc.

Faint tinkle

Irregular (not changing with speed).

Primarily on small bearings.

Rustle

Sound quality remains the same even if speed

changes (Dirt).
Sound quality changes with speed (Scoring).

Dirt
Raceway, ball, or roller surfaces are rough.

Rustle

Generated intermittently at regular intervals.

Chafing at the labyrinth.

Contact of cage and seal.

Rustle patter

Regular and continuous at high speed.

Generated by retainer.
Normal if sound is clear.
Grease is inadequate if sound is generated
at low temperatures (Use soft grease).
Wear of cage pockets.
Insufficient lubricant.
Low bearing load.

Growl

Continuous at high speeds.

Quiet Fizzing/Popping

Generated irregularly on small bearings.

Large Sound Pressure

Large Sound Pressure

Electromagnetic sound of motor.

Bumping in cage pockets (insufficient lubricant)(
Eliminated by clearance reduction or pre-loading.
Rollers bumping into each other on full-roller
bearing.

Dust in bearing.

Scoring on raceway, balls, or rollers.

Bursting sound of bubbles in grease.
Rough raceway, roller, or ball surfaces.
Raceway, rollers, or balls are deformed by wear.
Large clearance due to wear.

3.3 Vibration of Bearing

(2) Oil lubrication

Damage to the bearing can be detected early by measuring the vi-

Oil lubrication is generally suitable for high speed or high tempera-

bration of the machine. The degree of damage is inferred from quanti-

ture operations. It is also suitable for carrying heat away from the bear-

tative analysis of the amplitude and frequency of the vibration. How-

ing.

ever, values measured differ depending on the measuring point and

the operating condition of the bearing. It is desirable to accumu-late
measurement data and establish evaluation criteria for each machine.

Oil viscosities required for the operating temperatures of bearings

are given in Table 3.4.
Carefully study the viscosity, viscosity index, oxidation resistance,
corrosion resistance, foaming resistance, etc. to select an oil. Table
3.5 gives a guide for selecting viscosity.
Fig. 3.1 shows the variation of viscosity with temperature for several

3.4 Lubricant Selection

lubrication oils. Use Table 3.5 to select an oil with an adequate viscos-

The purpose of lubrication the bearing is to cover the rolling contact

ity for the operating temperature of the bearing.

surfaces and sliding contact surfaces with a thin oil film to avoid direct
metal-to-metal contact. Effective lubrication of the rolling-element bear-

Table 3.4 Viscosities Required for Operating Temperature

ing has the following effects.

of Bearings

(1) Reduces friction and abrasion

Kinematic
viscosity
mm2/s

(2) Transports heat generated by friction

(3) Prolongation of service life

Bearing Type

(4) Prevents rust (corrosion)

(5) Keeps foreign objects (or contamination) away from rolling
elements and raceways
For these purposes, a lubricant should be selected by referring to

Ball, cylindrical roller and needle roller bearings

13

Self-aligning roller bearings, tapered roller

bearings and thrust needle roller bearings

20

Self-aligning thrust roller bearings

30

the following criteria:

(1) Grease lubrication

Grease is generally used for lubricating rolling-element bearings because it is easy to handle and simplifies the sealing system.
Carefully examine the type and properties of the base oil, thickener
and additives of the grease, and select a grease appropriate for the
operating condition of the bearing. The general relation between consistency of grease and the application of the bearing is given in Table
3.3. The types and properties of greases are given in the bearing section of the NTN general catalog.

3.5 Relubriation
In grease lubrication, the lubricating characteristic of grease deteriorates with operating hours, thus requiring relubrication of the bearing at
appropriate intervals. Relubrication intervals of grease depend on the
type, dimensions, and speed of the bearing, and the type of grease.
A line diagram serving as a rough guide of grease relubrication intervals, is given in the bearing section of the NTN general catalog.
For oil lubrication, oil changing intervals depend on the operating
condition of the machine and the type of lubrication system (a rough
guide to oil changing intervals and for oil analysis intervals is given in

Table 3.3 Consistency of Grease

Tables 3.6 and 3.7).

NLGL consistency
No.

JIS(ASTM)
consistency after
60 workings

355-385

Centralized lubrication

310-340

Centralized lubrication

265-295

General, prelubricated
bearing

220-250

General, high
temperature

175-205

Special applications

Viscosity mm2 /s

Application

3000
2000
1000
500
300
200

1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:

100

ISO
ISO
ISO
ISO
ISO
ISO
ISO

VG
VG
VG
VG
VG
VG
VG

320
150
68
46
32
22
15

50
30
20
15

1
2

10
8

3
4
5

6
5
4

6
7

3
-30

-20

-10

10

20

30

40

50

60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160

Temperature C
Fig. 3.1 Lubrication oil viscosity-temperature line diagram

Table 3.5 Selection Guide For Lubrication Oil Viscosity

Bearing operating

ISO viscosity grade of oil (VG)

temperature

dn value

x10

-30~0

Heavy or impact

Normal load

Applicable bearing types

load

Up to allowable speed

22

32

46

All types

~ 1.5

46

68

100

All types

1.5~8

32

46

68

All types

8~15

22

0~60

32

32
22

Except for thrust ball bearings

15~50

10

32

Single row radial ball bearings

~1.5

150

220

All types

1.5~8

100

150

All types

8~15

68

15~50

32

Cylindrical roller bearings

60~100

100

150

Except for thrust ball bearings

68

Single row radial ball bearings

Cylindrical roller bearings

100~150

Up to allowable speed

0~60

Up to allowable speed

60~100

Up to allowable speed

320
46

All types
68

150

Self-aligning roller bearings

Remarks
1. The table above is applicable to oil bath lubrication and recirculation lubrication.
2. Consult NTN if your operating condition is not shown in the table.

Table 3.6 Lubrication Oil Properties and Serviceable Limits

Serviceable limit
Property
Viscosity Deterioration mm2/s

Circulating oil
Less than 10%

Gear oil
25% max., 10 to 15% is preferable

Remarks
Caused by oxidation or mixing with
different type of oil.

Water content in volume %

0.2 max.

0.2 max.

May be reusable after water removal

Insoluable matter Normal

0.2 max.

1.0 max.

Additive carbon particles

0.9 max.

0.5 max.

in weight

Pentane %
Benzene %

Sedimentation value ml/10ml

Dust
0.1 max.

Contaminants such as water and dust,

or worn metal particles.

Total acid value KOHmg/g

2 to 3 times that of new oil

Adopt higher value according to

additives

Ash %

0.2 max.

Iron content in ash %

0.1 max.

Table 3.7 Frequency of Lubricating Oil Analysis

The bearing is generally usable up to the end of the rolling fatigue life

Lubrication

Inspection interval

system

Normal operating Severe operating

conditions

conditions

Disk lubrication method

One year

6 months

Oil bath or splash

6 months

3 months

9 months

1 to 3 months

lubrication
Circulating lubrication

if handled properly. If it fails earlier, it may be due to some fault in the

selection, handling, lubrication, and/or mounting of the bearing.
It is sometimes difficult to determine the real cause of bearing failure
because many interrelated factors are possible. It is, however, possible to prevent the recurrence of similar problems by considering possible causes according to the situation and condition of the machine on
which the bearings failed. Also, installation location, operating condi-

Severe operating conditions means:

(1) Severe water condensation or ingress
(2) Excessive ingress of dust, gas, etc.
(3) Operating temperature exceeding 120C

tions, and surrounding structure of the bearings should be taken into

consideration.
Bearing failures are classified and illustrated in photos in this section. Use the section as a guide for troubleshooting.
Figures 5.1 to 5.7 show the names of bearing parts referred to in the
descriptions of the failure cases.

Bearings after operation and those removed during periodic inspection should be carefully checked visually for systems on each component to evaluate shether the bearings operating conditions are satisfactory.
If any abnormality is detected, find the cause and apply a remedy by
checking the abnormality against the failure cases given in Section 5.
Bearing Failures and Solutions.

5.1 Flaking
Condition

Cause

Solution

Raceway surface is flaked

Rolling fatigue. Flaking may be caused early

(1) Find the cause of the heavy load.

Surface after flaking is very rough.

by over-load, excessive load due to improper

(2) Examine operating conditions and adopt

handling, poor shaft or housing accuracy,

installation error, ingress of foreign objects,
rusting, etc.

bearings with larger capacity as

necessary.
(3) Increase viscosity of oil and improve
lubrication system to form an adequate
lubricating oil film.
(4) Eliminate installation errors.

10

Photo A-1
Deep groove ball bearing.
Inner ring, outer ring, and balls are flaked.
The cause is excessive load.

Photo A-2
Outer ring of angular contact ball bearing
Flaking of raceway surface spacing equal to distances
between balls.
The cause is improper handling.

Photo A-3
Inner ring raceway of a deep groove ball bearing

Photo A-4
Outer ring raceway of an angular contact ball bearing

Photo A-5
Inner ring of deep groove ball bearing
Flaking on one side of the raceway surface
The cause is an excessive axial load.

Photo A-6
* Inner ring of spherical roller bearing.
* Flaking only on one side of the raceway surface.
* The cause is an excessive axial load.

Photo A-7
Tapered roller bearing
Flaking on 1/4 circumference of inner ring raceway with
outer ring and rollers discolored light brown.
The cause is excessive pre-load.

Photo A-8
Outer ring of double row angular contact ball bearing.
Flaking on 1/4 circumference of outer ring raceway.
The cause is poor installation.

Photo A-9
Thrust ball bearing
Flaking on inner ring raceway (bearing ring fastened to
shaft) and balls.
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo A-10
Outer ring raceway of double row tapered roller bearing
(RCT bearing)
Flaking originated from electric pitting on the raceway
surface (refer to Section 5.13 Electrical Pitting)

11

5.2 Peeling
Condition

Solution

Peeling is a cluster of very small

Likely to occur in roller bearings. Tends to

(1) Control of surface roughness and dust

spalls (size about 10m).

occur if surface of oppisite part is rough or

(2) Selection of appropriate lubricant

Peeling can also include very small

lubrication characteristics are poor.

(3) Proper break-in

cracks which develop into spalls.

Peeling may develop into flaking.

Photo B-1
Rollers of spherical roller bearing
Peeling on rolling contact surfaces
The cause is poor lubrication.

12

Cause

Photo B-2
Tapered roller bearing
Development of peelling to flaking on inner ring and rollers
The cause is poor lubrication.

5.3 Spalling
Condition

Cause

Solution

Score accompanying seizing.

Poor mounting and removing practice. Oil

(1) Improvement in mounting and removing

Mounting score in axial direction.

film discontinuation on the contact surface

Scores on roller end face and guide

due to excessive radial load, foreign object

(2) Improvement in operation conditions

rib-cycloidal scores. Scratches in

trapping, or excessive pre-load. Slippage or

(3) Correction of pre-load

spinning direction on raceway

poor lubrication of rolling elements.

(4) Selection of adequate lubricant and

surface and rolling contact surfaces.

procedures.

lubrication system
(5) Improvement of sealing efficiency

Photo C-1
Inner ring of cylindrical roller bearing
Spalling on rib
The cause is excessive load.

Photo C-2
Inner ring of cylindrical roller bearing
Spallling on raceway surface and cone back face rib
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo C-3
Rollers of tapered roller bearing
Cycloidal spallling on the end faces (Scuffing)
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo C-4
Roller of cyllindrical roller bearing
Score in axial direction on rolling contact surface caused
during mounting.
The cause is poor mounting practice.

13

5.4 Smearing
Condition

Cause

Solution

Surface is roughened and tiny

Rolling elements slip in rolling motion and

particles adhere.

characteristics of lubricant are too poor to

prevent slippage.

(1) Select optimum lubricant and lubrication

system capable of forming sound oil film.
(2) Use a lubricant including extreme
pressure additive.
(3) Take precautions such as a small radial
clearance and pre-load to prevent
slippage.

14

Photo D-1
Inner ring of cylindrical roller bearing
Smearing on raceway suface
The cause is slippage of rollers due to foreign objects
trapped within.

Photo D-2
Roller of same bearing as that of the inner ring shown in
Photo D-1
Smearing on rolling contact surface
The cause is slippage of rollers due to foreign objects
trapped within.

Photo D-3
Rollers of spherical thrust roller bearings
Smearing at middle of rolling contact surfaces
The cause is slippage of rollers due to foreign objects
trapped within.

Photo D-4
Inner ring of double row tapered roller bearing (RCT
bearing)
Smearing on raceway surface

5.4 Stepped wear

Condition

Cause

Solution

Surface is worn and dimensions are

Ingress of solid foreign objects.

reduced compared with other

Dirt and other foreign objects in lubricant.

(1) Selection of optimum lubricant and

portions. Surface mostly roughened

Poor lubrication.

(2) Improvement in sealing efficiency

and scored.

Skewing of rollers.

(3) Filtration of lubricating oil

lubrication system

(4) Elimination of misalignment

Photo E-1
Outer ring of cylindrical roller bearing
Stepped wear on raceway surface
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo E-2
Inner ring of cylindrical roller bearing (inner ring of which is
shown in Photo E-1)
Stepped wear on full circumference of raceway
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo E-3
Outer ring of double row angular contact ball bearing (hub
unit bearing)
Wear on one side of the raceway
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo E-4
Retainer of cylindrical roller bearing
Wear of pockets of machined high tensile brass casting
retainer (G1)

15

5.6 Speckles and Discoloration

Condition
Speckles

Cause

Solution

Ingress of foreign objects

Speckles

Raceway surface is matted and

Poor lubrication

(1) Improvement in sealing efficiency

speckled.

Temper color by overheating(2)

Filtration of oil

Deposition of deteriorated oil on surface

(3) Improvement in lubrication system

Speckles are clusters of tiny dents.

Discoloration

Discoloration

The surface color has changed.

(1) Oil deposition is removable by wiping with

an organic solvent (oxalic acid).
(2) If roughness is not removable by
polishing with sandpaper, it is rust or
corrosion. If completely removable, it is
temper color due to overheating.

16

Photo F-1
Inner ring of double row tapered roller bearing (RCT
bearing)
Raceway surface is speckled
The cause is electric pitting.

Photo F-2
Ball of deep groove ball bearing
Speckled all over
The cause is foreign objects and poor lubrication.

Photo F-3
Outer ring of spherical roller bearing
Partial oil deposition on raceway surface

Photo F-4
Spherical roller bearing
Discoloration of inner and outer ring raceway surfaces
The cause is deterioration of lubricant.

5.7 Indentations
Condition
Hollows in raceway surface

Cause

Solution

Ingress of solid foreign objects

(1) Keeping out foreign objects

produced by solid foreign

Trapping of flaked particles

(2) Check involved bearing and other

objects trapped or impacts

Impacts due to careless handling

(False brinelling)

bearings for flaking if dents are produced

by metal particles.
(3) Filtration of oil
(4) Improvement in handling and mounting
practices

Photo G-1
Inner ring (cut off piece) of self-aligning roller bearing
Dents on one side of the raceway
The cause is trapping of solid foreign objects.

Photo G-2
Rollers of spherical roller bearing
Dents on rolling contact surfaces
The cause is trapping of solid foreign objects.

Photo G-3
Rollers of tapered roller bearings
Dents all over rolling contact surfaces. (Temper color at
two ends.)
The cause is foreign objects carried by lubricating oil.

Photo G-4
Inner ring of tapered roller bearing
Dents on raceway surface
The cause is trapping of foreign objects.

17

5.8 Chipping
Condition

Cause

Solution

Partial chipping of inner ring, outer

Trapping of large solid foreign objects

ring, or rolling elements.

Impact or excessive load

Poor handling

(1) Trouble shooting and improvements of

impacts and excessive load
(2) Improvement in handling
(3) Improvement in sealing characteristics

18

Photo H-1
Cylindrical roller bearing
Chipping of guide ribs of inner and outer rings
The cause is excessive impact load.

Photo H-2
Inner ring of spherical roller bearing
Rib chipped
The cause is excessive impact load.

Photo H-3
Inner ring of tapered roller bearing
Chipping of cone back face rib
The cause is impact due to poor mounting.

Photo H-4
Inner ring of double row tapered roller bearing
Chipping of side face
The cause is impact due to improper handling.

5.9 Cracking
Condition

Cause

Splits, and cracks in bearing rings

Excessive load

and rolling elements.

Excessive impacts

Solution
(1) Examination and improvement of cause
of very large load

Overheating by creeping and rapid cooling

(2) Prevention of creep

Very loose fit

(3) Correction of fit

Large flaking

Photo I-1
Inner ring of spherical roller bearing
Split of raceway surface in the axial direction
The cause is excessive interference fit.

Photo I-3
Outer ring of four-row cylindrical roller bearing
Split of raceway surface in the circumferential direction,
originated from large flaking.
The cause is large flaking.

Photo I-2
Fracture of inner ring shown in Photo I-1
Originating point is ibserved at the middle of the left
raceway surface.

Photo I-4
Outer ring of angular contact ball bearing
Split of raceway surface in the circumferential direction
The cause is slipping of balls due to poor lubrication.

19

5.10 Rust and Corrosion

Condition

20

Cause

Solution

Rusting or corrosion of bearing ring

Ingress of water or corrosive material (such

(1) Improvement in sealing effect

and rollling element surfaces

as acid)

(2) Periodic inspection of lubricating oil

Sometimes rusted at spacing equal

Condensation of moisture contained in the air.

(3) Careful handling of bearing

to the distances between the rolling

Poor packaging and storing conditions, and

(4) Measures for preventing rusting when

elements

handling with bare hands.

not operating for a long period of time.

Photo J-1
Inner ring of tapered roller bearing
Rusting on raceway surface spacing equivalent to the
distance between rollers. The cause is water in lubricant.

Photo J-2
Outer ring of tapered roller bearing
Rusting on raceway surface spacing equivalent to the
distances between rollers. The cause is water in lubricant.
Some points are corroded.

Photo J-3
Roller of spherical roller bearing
Rust as well as corrosion on rolling contact surface
Ingress of water

Photo J-4
Inner ring (split type) of self-aligning roller bearing
Rust and corrosion of the raceway surface
The cause is ingress of water.

5.11 Seizing
Condition

Cause

Solution

Bearing generates heat and is seized

Dissipation of heat generated by bearing is

(1) Improve dissipation of heat from bearing

up by heat disabling spinning.

not enough. Poor lubrication or lubricant

(2) Selection of suitable lubricant and

Discoloration, softening, and welding

improper. Clearance excessively small.

determination of optimum lubricant

of raceway surface, rolling contact

Excessive load (or pre-load).

feeding rate.

surfaces, and rib surface.

Roller skewing and installation error.

(3) Prevention of misalignment

(4) Improvement in clearance and pre-load
(5) Improvement in operating conditions

Photo K-1
Inner ring of double row tapered roller bearing
Seizing-up discolors and softens inner ring producing
stepped wear at spacing equal to distances between the
rollers.
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo K-2
Rollers of double row tapered roller bearing
Rollers of same bearing as that of the inner ring shown in
Photo K-1. Discoloration, spalling, and adhesion due to
seizing up on rolling contact surfaces and end faces of
rollers.

Photo K-3
Outer ring of spherical roller bearing
Stepped wear due to seizing up of raceway surface.
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo K-4
Inner ring of tapered roller bearing
Large end of the raceway surface and cone back face rib
surface are seized up.
The cause is poor lubrication.

21

5.12 Fretting and Fretting Corrosion

Condition

Cause

Solution

Fretting surfaces wear producing red

If a vibrating load works on contacting

rust colored particles that form

elements resulting in small amplitude

(1) Inner ring and outer ring should be

hollows.

oscillation, lubricant is driven out from contact,

not separable, bearings should be

On the raceway surface, dents called

and parts are worn remarkably.

preloaded.

false brinelling are formed at spacing

Oscillation angle of the bearing is small.

packaged separately for transportation. If

(2) Use oil or high consistency grease when

equal to distances corresponding to

Poor lubrication (no lubrication)

the rolling elements.

Fluctuating load

(3) Change lubricant

bearings are used for oscillation motion.

Vibration during transportation

(4) Fix shaft and housing

Vibration, shaft deflection, installation error,

(5) Improve fit

loose fit.

22

Photo L-1
Inner ring of cylindrical roller bearing.
Corrugated fretting along full circumference of raceway.
The cause is vibration.

Photo L-2
Inner ring of deep groove ball bearing.
Fretting along full circumference of raceway.
The cause is vibration.

Photo L-3
Outer ring of cylindrical roller bearing
Fretting rust on outside diameter surface

Photo L-4
Outer ring of tapered roller bearing
Fretting rust on the outside diameter surface

5.13 Electrical Pitting

Condition

Cause

Solution

Surface is speckled visually and the

Electric current passes through bearing, and

Avoid flow of electric current by averting

speckles are clusters of tiny pits

sparks are generated to fuse the raceway

current with a slip ring or insulation bearing.

when viewed through a microscope.

surface.

Further development leads to a

corrugated surface.

Photo M-1
Inner ring of cylindrical roller bearing
Raceway surface is corrugated by electric pitting

Photo M-2
Rollers of tapered roller bearings
Electric pitting at middle of rolling contact surfaces

Photo M-3
Magnified (x400) pitting of roller shown in Photo M-2
Nital etchant develops a white layer on the cross section

Explanation of magnified photo M-3

23

5.14 Rolling Path Skewing

Condition

Cause

Solution

Rolling element contact path on

Deformation or tilt of bearing ring due to poor

raceway surface strays or skews.

accuracy of shaft or housing

(1) Improvement in machining accuracy of

shaft and housing

Poor rigidity of shaft or housing

(2) Improvement in rigidity of shaft and

Deflection of shaft due to excessive clearance

housing
(3) Employment of adequate clearance

Photo N-1
Spherical roller bearing
Contacts on inner ring, outer ring, and rollers are not even.
The cause is poor mounting.

Photo N-3
Rollers of tapered roller bearing of which outer ring is
shown in Photo N-2.
Contact marks on rolling contact surfaces are not even.

24

Photo N-2
Outer ring of tapered roller bearings
Contact path on raceway surface strays.
The cause is poor mounting.

5.15 Damage to Retainers

Condition

Cause

Solution

Breaking of retainer

Excessive moment load

(1) Improvement in load conditions

Wear of pockets or guide

High speed spinning or large fluctuation of speed

(2) Improvement in lubrication system and

Loosening or breaking of rivet

Poor lubrication

lubricant

Trapping of foreign objects

(3) Selection of optimum retainer

Heavy vibration

(4) Improvement in handling

Poor mounting (cocked bearing)

(5) Study in rigidity of shaft and housing

Excessive heat (plastic retainer in particular)

Photo O-1
Retainer of angular contact ball bearing
Breakage of machined high tension brass retainer L1
The cause is poor lubrication.

Photo O-2
Retainer of spherical roller bearing
Breakage of partitions between pockets of pressed steel
retainer

Photo O-3
Retainer of tapered roller bearing
Breakage of pockets of pressed steel retainer

Photo O-4
Retainer of cylindrical roller bearing
Breakage of partitions between pockets of machined high
tension brass casting retainer L1.

25

5.16 Creeping
Condition

Cause

Solution

Fitting surfaces are glazed or

Fitting of inner ring is loose on inner ring drive

(1) Improvement in fit

matted, and sometimes spalled as

bearing, and that of the outer ring is loose on

(2) Improvement in machining accuracy of

well.

outer ring drive bearing. If the housing is

shaft and housing

made of a light alloy such as aluminum, fit

may become loose due to the difference of
thermal expansion.

26

Photo P-1
Inner ring of deep groove ball bearing
Bore wall glazed by creep

Photo P-2
Inner ring of tapered roller bearing
Spalling due to creep at the middle of bore wall

Photo P-3
Inner ring of thrust ball bearing
Spalling and friction cracking due to creep on bore wall.

Photo P-4
Inner ring of tapered roller bearing
Spalling and friction cracking on width surface due to creep
Crack develeped into a split reaching bore wall.

For New Technology Network

Care and Maintenance

of Bearings

Sales Operations

Production

NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF AMERICA

Head Office/1600 East Bishop Court

AMERICAN NTN BEARING MANUFACTURING

CORPORATION

Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056

Phone: (800) 468-6528, (847) 298-7500
Fax: (847) 699-9744

Elgin, Illinois
General Product: Radial Ball Bearings,
Taper Roller Bearings, Hub and Cartridge
Wheel Bearing Units

EASTERN REGION SALES

650 Pennsylvania Avenue

Exton, Pennsylvania 19341

Phone: (800) 394-4686, (610) 458-1100
Fax: (610) 458-1063

SOUTHEASTERN REGION SALES

5475 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Norcross, Georgia 30071
Phone: (800) 241-0568, (770)448-4710
Fax: (770) 448-6969

AMERICAN NTN BEARING MANUFACTURING

CORPORATION
Schiller Park, Illinois
General Product: Radial Ball Bearings

NTNBOWER CORPORATION
Macomb, Illinois
General Product: Cylindrical Roller
Bearings, Large Size Taper Roller Bearings

NTN-BOWER CORPORATION
GREAT LAKES REGION SALES
1600 East Bishop Court
Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056
Phone: (800) 252-8123, (847) 699-4060
Fax: (847) 294-1364

CENTRAL REGION SALES

111 West Washington Street, Suite 310
East Peoria, Illinois 61611
Phone: (800) 545-0434, (309) 699-8600
Fax: (309) 699-8670

WESTERN REGION SALES

2200 Century Circle
Irving, Texas 75062
Phone: (800) 441-0825, (214) 721-1808
Fax: (214) 438-4101

Hamilton, Alabama
General Product: Taper Roller Bearings

NTN DRIVESHAFT, INC.

Columbus, Indiana
General Product: CVJ and Forging
Facility for Bearing Rings

NTN BEARING CORPORATION OF CANADA, LTD.

Ontario, Canada
General Product: Radial Ball Bearings

PLANTS (OVERSEAS):
Japan (Kuwana, Iwata, Takarazuka,
Okayama, Nagano), Germany, Taiwan

AUTOMOTIVE OEM SALES

28333 Telegraph Road, Suite 220
Southfield, Michigan 48034-6286
Phone: (800) 929-3892, (810) 262-1450
Fax: (810) 354-2074

28

CAT. NO. 3017/E 03/96

Printed in U.S.A.