How to determine if a bearing is malfunctioning? Three practical methods to help you diagnose quickly.

How to determine if a bearing is malfunctioning? Three practical methods to help you diagnose quickly.

These abnormal sounds not only indicate potential operational problems with the bearing but may also suggest that it is nearing failure.

Bearings, as indispensable components in mechanical equipment, directly affect the overall efficiency and service life of the machine. When bearings exhibit abnormal noises, increased resistance, or jamming during operation, it often indicates a potential internal problem. To facilitate timely detection and handling of bearing faults, this article introduces three simple and practical diagnostic methods to help engineers or equipment maintenance personnel make a preliminary diagnosis of bearing condition without specialized equipment.

II. Checking Operating Status by Touch

After the equipment is stopped, the bearing assembly can be manually rotated to check its operating status. A normal bearing should rotate smoothly without noticeable resistance or jerking. If the following phenomena are observed during operation:

1. Stiffness or uneven rotation;

2. Slight jamming or jumping;

3. Uneven rotation of the inner ring;

This indicates that there may be problems such as wear, defects, or lubrication failure inside the bearing. Continuing to use the bearing in this condition risks further damage to other components.

III. Observing Resistance Changes Through Inertia

Another simple method is to observe the rotational inertia of the bearing. Place the bearing horizontally and gently push it by hand, allowing it to rotate freely. A healthy bearing should be able to rotate continuously for a relatively long time, exhibiting low friction characteristics. If the rotation time is significantly shortened after pushing, stopping after only about one revolution, it indicates:

1. Increased frictional resistance;

2. Poor internal lubrication;

3. Slight damage to the rolling contact surfaces.

In this case, the lubrication condition should be further checked, and a decision should be made based on the actual situation whether to clean, lubricate, or replace the bearing.

Judging the operating condition of a bearing does not necessarily rely on high-precision equipment. Potential bearing problems can be quickly identified during routine inspections or maintenance using three simple methods: "listening to the sound, feeling the surface, and measuring the resistance." Regular inspections and timely handling not only help extend bearing life but also effectively prevent sudden equipment failures, improving overall operational stability and safety.