How to recognize if a bearing is damaged?

It is not easy to identify the reason of damage only on the basis of the view of bearing. In many cases we are able to draw conclusion on the basis of shapes of signs on bearing.

But if we don’t know conditions of work, greasing and constructional properties of the bearing we will not be able to prevent from further damages. Besides we have to know symptoms of damage and all other events, that accompanied the damage.

What should we do before disassembling?
If we want to properly recognize the problem, before disassembling we have to precisely examine, fragment by fragment given below characteristic points and write down the results.

If the base of bearing will be disassembled, and the bearing and covers will be washed then all the information will be lost.

Impurities
Let’s take a look at the general view of the machine, and especially at parts of machine close to bearing. What do we see? Are there impurities or production reminders?Is it possible, that water, solutions, oil or steam get to the nest of bearing? What amounts?

Grease losses
It grease leaking possible? To verify that we can’t only check the level of oil via control hole and check seal at main shaft’s entrance. Also don’t forget to inspect all closings between cover and mounting, oil pipes seal, screws at unloading point and control hole.

Noise during work
Often symptom of damage of bearing are varied noises, which are different than those which we hear during normal work. In this case we have to determine and describe those sounds, for example like permanent, pulsating, regular, periodical, whistling, din or bangs.