Micro Bearing Usage Guidelines: The Impact of Incorrect Installation on Bearing Life

Release date:

2025-11-11

Bearings are precision components; therefore, they should be kept clean during installation and use. Pay close attention to ensuring proper mating between components, as incorrect bearing installation directly affects the precision, lifespan, and performance of the bearing under operation.

Precautions for Installing and Using Rolling Bearings Rolling bearings are precision components, so they should be handled with extreme care during use. Even high-quality bearings will fail to deliver the expected performance if used improperly. Here are some essential precautions to observe: (1) Keep the bearing and its surrounding environment clean. Even tiny dust particles invisible to the naked eye can negatively impact bearing performance. Therefore, maintain a clean workspace to prevent dust from entering. (2) Handle bearings carefully. Applying strong impacts during operation can cause scratches, stress marks, or even lead to accidents. In severe cases, this may result in cracks or fractures, so always exercise caution. (3) Use specialized tools designed specifically for bearing installation. Never substitute these tools with makeshift alternatives. (4) Avoid rust formation on bearings. Hand sweat can easily cause rust when handling bearings. Always ensure your hands are clean before touching the bearings—ideally, wear gloves—and keep the bearings away from corrosive gases. **Installation Guidelines** The accuracy, lifespan, and overall performance of a rolling bearing are directly influenced by whether it is installed correctly. Therefore, the design and assembly teams must thoroughly study proper installation procedures and adhere strictly to established operational standards. Typical standard procedures include: (1) Cleaning the bearing and all related components. (2) Inspecting the dimensions and precision of relevant parts. (3) Performing the actual installation. (4) Conducting a final inspection after installation. (5) Adding lubricant. It’s recommended to open the bearing packaging immediately before installation. For grease-lubricated bearings, direct lubrication is typically applied without prior cleaning. Similarly, oil-lubricated bearings usually don’t require cleaning—but for applications involving precision instruments or high-speed operations, it’s advisable to clean the bearings with pure, fresh oil to remove any anti-rust coatings applied during manufacturing. Note that once these protective coatings are removed, bearings become highly susceptible to rusting and should not be left exposed unnecessarily. On the other hand, miniature bearings already pre-filled with grease do not need cleaning and can be used directly as-is. The installation method varies depending on the bearing’s design, fit type, and operating conditions. Since most applications involve rotating shafts, the inner race typically requires an interference fit. For cylindrical-bore bearings, press-fitting using a hydraulic press or thermal mounting methods is commonly employed. In contrast, tapered-bore bearings are often mounted directly onto tapered shafts or secured via tightening sleeves. When installing bearings into their housings, clearance fits are usually preferred. However, if the outer race needs to be press-fitted, a hydraulic press is typically used, or alternatively, a cold-shrink method involving cooling the housing before installation. Keep in mind that moisture in the air can condense on the bearing surface during cold-shrink installations, so appropriate anti-rust measures must be taken to protect the component.

BLOG

Micro Bearing Usage Guidelines: The Impact of Incorrect Installation on Bearing Life