Bearing Failure
Bearing failure is the loss of a bearing's ability to support and guide rotating or moving components within required performance limits.
What this term means in maintenance
Bearing failure is the loss of a bearing's ability to support and guide rotating or moving components within required performance limits.
Common bearing failure causes
Causes may include:
- Lubrication failure
- Contamination
- Misalignment
- Incorrect fit
- Overload
- Electrical damage
- Fatigue
- Installation damage
- Excessive temperature
Symptoms
Possible symptoms include vibration, noise, temperature, metal debris, increased current, and looseness.
Practical example
A motor bearing fails after water contamination enters through a damaged seal.
Investigation
Review lubrication, installation, fit, load, alignment, environment, and failed surfaces.
Common mistake
Recording only “bearing replaced” loses the information needed to prevent recurrence.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Lubrication Management
Lubrication management is the controlled selection, storage, handling, application, inspection, and monitoring of lubricants used in equipment.
Vibration Analysis
Vibration analysis is the measurement and interpretation of machine vibration to detect conditions such as imbalance, misalignment, looseness, resonance, and bearing damage.
Shaft Alignment
Shaft alignment is the adjustment of connected rotating-machine shafts so their centerlines operate within approved offset and angular tolerances.
Bearing Failure FAQs
- What causes bearing failure?
Lubrication, contamination, misalignment, fit, overload, electrical damage, fatigue, heat, and installation error.
- What are common symptoms of Bearing Failure?
Vibration, noise, temperature, metal debris, current increase, and looseness.
- What should be recorded for Bearing Failure?
Failure condition, bearing details, lubrication, fit, alignment, cause, action, and evidence.