Extend The Life Of Your Electric Motor Bearings

Electric motors are simple, reliable and often overlooked, despite being some of the most important pieces of equipment in manufacturing processes. Unfortunately, without consistent maintenance, electric motors will often fail prematurely, and nearly 80% of electric motor failure is the result of bearing failure. So, how do you make sure your electric motor bearings last? Follow these tips and you’ll not only extend the life of your bearings, you’ll save your electric motors too!

To get the most out of your motor and to protect the bearings, make sure that dirt and process materials don’t begin to build-up. Keep it clean! Dust is a serious contaminant and one of the main causes of bearing failure. If dirt starts to accumulate, it can insulate the motor and cause unnecessary and damaging heat. Use compressed air to clear away dirt and keep your motor bearings clean and dust-free.

As with every bearing that requires grease, make sure that your electric motor bearings are getting the correct kind and the right amount. Lubricant prevents the bearings, as well as their rolling elements, from wearing down and protects them against rust, dirt and other contaminants. On the other hand, be careful not to over-grease your bearings. This can result in a burst seal which can be catastrophic to the bearing and the motor.

Bearings that have been installed incorrectly will wear down far quicker, usually as a result of friction. Make sure you understand your specific bearing’s installation process and learn as much as you can before attempting to do it yourself. Bearings should be handled with care – never install a dropped bearing and never pound the bearing or ring. Use the correct tools for the job and if you’re ever in doubt, consult with your bearing supplier for help. You’ll be saving yourself time and money in the long run.

Once your bearings do begin to wear, it’s important to replace them before they fail completely and cause any damage to the motor. If you’re not set on replacing your used bearings with identical bearings, speak to your authorised bearing distributor for advice on upgrading. New and improved versions of older bearings are always being launched into the market so if you can buy a better replacement then why not do so?

Bearings are built to last, and if you follow the few pointers above, there is no reason that your electric motor bearings will fail before they should. Keep up to date on your maintenance and look out for signs of trouble such as excessive noise, vibration and temperature increase. And always ask your bearing supplier for help if you’re not entirely confident doing things yourself – they are the experts and they are there to guide you.