Keywords
Citation
(2002), "NSK– try these tips for longer bearing life", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 54 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2002.01854bab.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
NSK– try these tips for longer bearing life
Keywords: Bearings, NSK
Keep them under wraps
New bearings must be protected against foreign bodies and condensation. For that reason, NSK advises that you keep new bearings in their original wrappings as long as possible and store them away from moisture where the temperature can be kept reasonably constant (Plate 1).
Plate
1 Care and handling of bearings: try these tips for longer bearing life
Cleanliness is key
Anything that may come into contact with bearings should be kept clean, including workers hands, benches, tools, solvents and cloths. Perspiration, condensation - any type of moisture should also be kept away from bearings. Handle bearings with clean, lintless cloths. Protect bearings with an oil film and make every effort not to break that film.
Damage from compressed air
Use extreme caution when using compressed air around bearings. Compressed air is a source of moisture, which can cause corrosion in bearings.
Avoid nicks
Make every effort to avoid nicking bearings, which can be caused by striking them with hardened steel tools or sharp objects. Even though bearings are heat-treated, surfaces are brittle and fractures can easily occur. Nicks on the exposed surfaces can cause bearings to be mounted improperly, which will reduce bearing life.
Observe these rules when mounting bearings
A major load should never be applied through the rolling elements when mounting bearings. Bearings should never be struck any blows with hardened steel implements. Caution should be used to prevent loose particles from falling into bearings while being mounted. This danger might occur on an arbor press or while using the drift tube technique.
In heating bearings for easier mounting, it is best to heat the bearing in an oven with circulating heat. But at the same time guard against overheating the bearing. Heating temperatures should, in general, not exceed 110oC.
Proper lubrication is essential
Proper lubrication is also critical in maintaining performance and longer bearing life.