Bearing Damage and Corrective measures

While it is of course impossible to directly observe bearings in operation. One can get a good idea of how they are opening by monitoring noise, vibration, temperature and lubricant condition.Types of damage typically encountered are presented in table.
 

 
Descriptiong
Causes
Correction
 
 
Seizure
 
The bearing heats up and becomes discolored Eventually the bearing will seize up
1. Insufficient clearance
(including clearances made smaller
By local deformation).
2. Insufficient lubrication or
Improper lubricant.
3. Excessive loads (excessive pressure)
1. Check for proper chearance.(Increase clearances.)
2. Review lubricant type and quantity.
3. Review application conditions.
4. Take steps to prevent misalignment.
5. Revaluate the design of the area around the bearing(Including fitting of the bearing)
6. Improve assembly procedure
Retainer
damage
Rivets break or become loose resulting in retainer damage.
1. Excessive moment loading.
2. High speed or excessive speed fluctuations.
3. Inadequate lubrication.
4. Impact with foreign objects.
5. Excessive vibration.
6. Improper mounting.(Mounted misaligned)
7. Abnormal temperature rise.(Plastic retainer)
1. Review of application conditions.
2. Revaluation of lubrication conditions
3. Review of retainer type Selection.
4. Take more care in handing.
5. Investigate shift and housing rigidity.
Meandering
Wear
patterns
Abrasion or an irregular.
Meandering wear pattern left by rolling elements along raceway surfaces.
1. Shaft or housing of insufficient accuracy
2. Improper installation insufficient shaft or housing rigidity
3. Shaft whirling caused by excessive internal bearing clearances.
1. Reinspect bearing¡¯s internal clearances.
2. Review accuracy of shall and housing finish.
3. Review rigidity of shall and housing
Rust and
corrosion
The surface becomes either partially or fully rusted, and occasionally rust even occurs along the rolling element pitch lines.
1. Poor storage conditions
2. Poor packaging.
3. Insufficient rust inhibitor
4. Penetration by water, acid, etc
5. Handing with bare hands.
1. Take measures to prevent rusting while in storage
2. Improve sealing performance.
3. Periodically inspect the lubrication oil
4. Take care when handing the bearing.
Surface
matting
Luster of raceway surfaces
Is gone; surface is matted, rough, and/or evenly dimpled.
Surface covered with minute dents.
1. Infiltration of bearing by foreign matter
2. Insufficient lubrication.
1. Revaluation of lubricant type and lubrication method
2. Review sealing mechanisms.
3. Examine lubrication oil purity(fitter may be excessively dirty. Etc)