In the daily operation of industrial equipment, the abnormal rise in rolling bearing temperature is a common but thorny problem. It is like a hidden “time bomb”, if not detected and dealt with in a timely manner, it may lead to equipment failure, resulting in significant economic losses. Next, we will discuss the causes behind rolling bearing overheating, and share some effective strategies for troubleshooting.

The main factors leading to bearing heat

Inadequate lubrication: the potential “fuse”.

Inadequate lubrication is one of the key factors causing bearing temperature to rise. Lack of sufficient lubricant will make the bearing lose the necessary lubrication protection at high speed, increase the friction between the rolling body and the raceway, thus generating a lot of heat. In addition, the selection of unsuitable or deteriorated grease will also weaken its cooling effect, resulting in bearing temperature rise. For example, in high temperature environments, certain types of grease tend to oxidize and deteriorate in performance, failing to provide adequate lubrication support.

It is important to note that there can be a vicious cycle between poor lubrication and rising bearing temperatures. Once lubrication conditions are poor, bearing temperatures rise, and high temperatures accelerate the grease aging process, further deteriorating the lubrication and contributing to continued temperature escalation. Therefore, regular maintenance of the lubrication system is essential to ensure the normal operation of the bearing.

Installation errors: the invisible “destroyer”.

The correct mounting method is equally important to maintain bearing function. If the mounting is shifted, too tight or too loose, the balance of forces inside the bearing will be upset. Too tight a mounting will result in reduced clearance between the rolling elements and raceways, increasing friction; conversely, too loose a mounting will cause shaking during operation, increasing vibration and friction, and ultimately causing heat generation. In addition, low-precision installation will also make the bearings to withstand additional stress, accelerate the speed of wear.

Material defects: a natural “short board”

Inferior bearings may have various defects in the production process, such as impure material, poor machining accuracy. These inherent defects can cause bearings to experience abnormal wear and friction during use, which in turn can lead to heat buildup. For example, counterfeit products usually have poor raceway accuracy, which can result in rolling elements that do not roll smoothly during movement, enhancing friction and inevitably generating heat.

Excessive load: the “burden” of overloading

The working load borne by the bearing also affects its temperature. When the load exceeds the rated range, the contact stress between the rolling body and the raceway increases, resulting in heat.

At the same time, excessive pressure also accelerates the fatigue damage process of the bearing. In practice, if the parameters of the equipment are not set properly or if it is overloaded for a long period of time, it will easily lead to overheating of the bearings.

Targeted troubleshooting program

When overheating is detected, targeted inspections should be carried out based on the possible causes mentioned above.

Evaluate the lubrication condition: First confirm whether the lubricant is sufficient and suitable. Check the condition of the grease, including color changes, signs of oil-water separation, etc., to determine if replacement is necessary.

Review mounting quality: Ensure that the bearings are mounted correctly and eliminate any deflection or slack. Properly adjust overly tight or loose mounting conditions to ensure mounting accuracy.

Observe cosmetic damage: Watch for visible wear, cracks or other damage on the bearing surface. Replace damaged parts as soon as problems are found. Monitor the working load: Verify whether the equipment running load exceeds the bearing load limit. Adjust equipment parameters as needed to avoid overloaded operation.

The health of the lubrication system is prioritized because it is the first step in addressing bearing overheating, and it is also a problem area that is easy to quickly identify and correct.

By detecting and correcting lubrication problems early, you can effectively prevent more serious damage from occurring.