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Proper bearing maintenance is a key factor to keep equipment running on schedule. Foresighted planning, use of professional maintenance techniques and tools combined with the appropriate bearing accessories are vital.
Further information about spherical roller thrust bearing maintenance can be found in the SKF Bearing Maintenance Handbook or online at www.aptitudexchange.com.
What to look for during operation
Checking the machine condition during operation and planning for maintenance is important. Bearings are vital components in most machines and monitoring their condition represents an increasingly important activity in the field of preventive maintenance. A variety of systems and equipment are available to monitor bearings.
However, for practical reasons, not all machine functions are monitored using advanced instrumentation. By remaining alert for “trouble signs”, such as noise, increases in temperature and vibration etc., problems can be detected
Listen
Bearings in good operating condition produce a soft purring noise. Grinding, squeaking and other irregular sounds usually point to bearings in poor condition.
Damaged bearings produce irregular and loud noises. Instruments such as the SKF electronic stethoscope make “listening” more accurate and help to detect damage at an earlier stage.
Feel the temperature
Continually check the temperature around the bearing. Any change in temperature can be an indication of a malfunction if the running conditions have not been altered. Temperature checks can be performed with an SKF thermometer.
After relubrication, a natural temperature rise lasting one or two days can occur.
Look
Check the condition of the seals near the bearing to be sure that they are operating satisfactorily and have not allowed contaminants to penetrate. Oil leaks are usually signs of worn seals, seal defects or loose plugs. Check the bearing arrangement and replace worn seals immediately.
Discoloration or darkening are usually signs that the lubricant contains impurities.
Relubrication
Relubrication is best performed when the bearing is running. Relubricate with small quantities each time.
Periodically, clean out used grease or purge out through drain plugs. When lubricating, always keep contaminants away from the grease.
Checking the oil
Check the oil level and when necessary fill up or replace with the same type of oil. Take a sample of the used oil and compare it with fresh oil. If the sample looks cloudy, it may be mixed with water and should be replaced.
Dark oil is a sign of dirt, or indicates that the oil has started to carbonize. Clean the bearing and change the oil with a similar type of oil.
Condition monitoring of bearings in operation
It is advisable to systematically check the bearing condition. A lack of lubricant, excessive loads, high operating temperatures and mounting errors can all contribute to premature bearing failure. By methodical condition monitoring, bearing damage can be detected at an early stage. It is then easy to plan for bearing replacement.
SKF can help you select the right monitoring system, train your personnel and install the system
Prepared for vibration analysis
Bearing damage can be identified by its defect frequency. To simplify vibration analysis, the packaging of SKF spherical roller thrust bearings is marked with individual bearing data required for damage analysis
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| 7204ADF NSK | 20 | 47 | 14 |
| 7004CDF NSK | 20 | 42 | 12 |