What Causes Thrust Bearing Failure and How to Avoid Them

What Causes Thrust Bearing Failure and How to Avoid Them

When a bearing does fail, it is vital to determine the exact cause so adjustments can be made.

The three most common causes of thrust bearing failure are contaminants, misalignment, and overloading.

1. Contaminants - Contamination is one of the leading causes of bearing failure. Airborne dust, dirt, sand, and water are the most common ones that you run into, but chemicals and corrosives can also damage bearings. 

What to look for: Watch for denting of rolling elements and raceways that cause vibration.

How to Fix it: Filter the lubricant and clean work areas, tools, fixtures and hands to reduce contamination risk.

2. Misalignment - Misalignments lead to excessive vibration and loads. 

What to look for: According to Bearing Failure: Causes and Cures, the most commonly found causes of misalignment include: bent shafts, dirt or burrs on the shaft or housing shoulders, shaft threads that are not square with shaft seats, and locking nuts with faces that are not square to the thread axis.

To prevent misalignment, there are a few best practices you can keep in mind.

 How to Fix it:  Ensure you inspect shafts and housing regularly, use precision-grade locknuts, and shim the housings as needed. 

3. Overloading - Putting too much load on a bearing is another common cause of failure.

What to look for: This may look like normal fatigue. You may see heaving rolling-element wear paths, evidence of overheating, and widespread fatigue areas.

How to Fix it:  Reduce the load or consider a redesign using a bearing with greater capacity.

When a bearing fails, it negatively impacts your facility, your reputation, and your bottom line. Regular preventive measures can keep your bearings at peak performance for as long as possible, saving your business time and money.

Conclusion

Machine failures are unpredictable and if you don’t have the backup bearings you need, you may be stuck with long-lead times, causing you to waste time and money.

At Xuankun Bearing, you get a one-stop solution for all your bearings needs, including modification, manufacturing, and repair. 

Talk to one of our bearing experts today to tell us what you need, and we can help you get started.