Complete Guide on How to Install Ball Bearings Properly 2020 [Quick]

How to install ball bearings is very important. Improper operation of the bearings during installation often results in premature bearing damage or early failure during use, which greatly increases bearing costs.

Common installation methods are wrong:

Running inner ring

The shaft and bearing inner hole are too loose (commonly known as "run inner ring")

Phenomenon: The shaft and inner hole fit too loosely, causing slippage between the shaft and the surface of the inner hole. Sliding friction will cause heat and damage the bearing due to heat.

Cause: Not selecting the right fit size as required. Or you didn't measure the shaft diameter and bearing inner ring dimension data during the installation. (Processing error, etc.)

Harm of  improper bearings installation

1) The inner ring end surface and the shoulder generate friction and generate cracks. When "running the inner ring", the sliding friction between the inner ring and the shaft will generate high temperatures. Because the contact surface between the end face of the inner ring and the shaft shoulder is small, its temperature will be higher. It will generate hot cracks on the end face of the inner ring, and the continuous extension of the hot cracks will cause the inner ring of the bearing to break during use.

2) Adhesion occurs between the shaft and the surface of the bore. As the "running inner ring" causes sliding friction between the inner hole and the shaft surface, the resulting high temperature causes the surface metal to melt and cause adhesion.

Running outer ring

The diameter of the shell and the outer diameter of the bearing are too loose (commonly known as "running outer ring")

Phenomenon: The hole diameter of the housing and the outer diameter of the bearing is too loose, causing sliding between their surfaces. Sliding friction will cause heat, which will cause the bearing to heat up and be damaged.

Reason: Not selecting the right fit size as required. Or you didn't measure the housing bore diameter and bearing outer ring size data (machining errors, etc.) during installation.

Hazard: Sliding friction will cause heat, shorten the bearing life, and damage the bearing by heating it up.

Bearings incorrect installation method

1) Directly hit the bearing with a hammer, spade, etc.

Install bearings with an interference fit on the inner ring (or outer ring). It is forbidden to directly hit the end face of the inner ring (or outer ring) of the bearing with a hammer. Therefore, place the sleeve on the end face of the inner ring (or outer ring) and hit with a hammer to install.

2) The heating temperature is too high

How to extend bearing life?

1. Choose the right fit size.
2. Be sure to measure data during assembly.
3. Bearing heating can not be over temperature.
4. Clean the assembly, and do not allow debris to enter.
5. Use special tools. Bearing heaters, sleeves, etc.
6. Apply lubricant.