**Analysis: FAG Bearing Damage Conditions and Causes**
Home > Bearing Knowledge > Dissection: FAG Bearing Damage Situation and Reason
Source: China Bearing Network | Time: 2013-01-16
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FAG bearings are widely used in various mechanical systems, but they can suffer from different types of damage due to improper use, incorrect installation, or environmental factors. Understanding the causes and conditions of these damages is essential for maintenance and prevention.
### 1. **Spalling Damage**
**Condition**: The raceway or rolling surface of the inner or outer ring shows a fish-scale-like peeling appearance caused by fatigue.
**Causes**: Excessive load, non-linear torque, foreign matter intrusion, water ingress, poor lubrication, incorrect clearance, low bearing box accuracy, or shaft deflection.
**Solution**: Check load levels, improve sealing, adjust lubricant viscosity, ensure proper alignment, and verify bearing clearance.
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### 2. **Surface Cracking**
**Condition**: A dark surface with small cracks extending inward (5–10 mm deep) and scattered small peels.
**Causes**: Inappropriate lubricant, foreign particles in the lubricant, rough surfaces on mating parts.
**Solution**: Use suitable lubricants, improve sealing, and enhance the surface finish of contact parts.
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### 3. **Scuffing Damage**
**Condition**: Surface burns, external damage, and tangential flaws on the roller end face.
**Causes**: Overload, excessive preloading, foreign particles, misalignment, or poor shaft accuracy.
**Solution**: Adjust load and preloading, improve lubrication, and check the alignment of the shaft and bearing housing.
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### 4. **Crack Damage**
**Condition**: Cracks appear on the raceway rim or roller edges due to impact or overload.
**Causes**: Mechanical shocks, excessive load.
**Solution**: Improve equipment handling, avoid overloading, and ensure proper installation techniques.
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### 5. **Indentation Damage**
**Condition**: Small dents and metal particles embedded on the raceway or transition areas.
**Causes**: Foreign material during assembly, excessive impact during transport.
**Solution**: Use proper installation tools, improve sealing, and filter lubricants.
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### 6. **Pitting Damage**
**Condition**: Dark, pear-like pitting appears on the raceway surface.
**Causes**: Contamination during lubrication, moisture condensation, or poor lubrication.
**Solution**: Enhance sealing, filter oil thoroughly, and use appropriate lubricants.
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### 7. **Wear Damage**
**Condition**: Wear occurs on the raceway, rolling surfaces, and cage.
**Causes**: Foreign particles, rust, irregular motion, or poor lubrication.
**Solution**: Improve sealing, clean the housing, filter oil, and avoid misalignment.
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### 8. **Micro-Vibration Wear**
**Condition**: Fine sliding between contact surfaces leads to wear and reddish-brown powder.
**Causes**: Poor lubrication, small amplitude vibrations, lack of interference fit.
**Solution**: Use proper lubricants, apply pre-pressure, and ensure correct interference fit.
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### 9. **False Brinell Indentation**
**Condition**: Similar to Brinell indentation caused by vibration during storage or transport.
**Causes**: Vibration during transportation or storage.
**Solution**: Secure the bearing during transport, separate inner and outer rings, and apply proper lubrication.
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### 10. **Creep Damage**
**Condition**: Sliding or seizure on the mating surfaces, leading to light or dark spots.
**Causes**: Lack of interference, loose mounting sleeve, or poor shaft alignment.
**Solution**: Check interference, tighten the adapter sleeve, and ensure proper shaft accuracy.
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### 11. **Burn Damage**
**Condition**: Discoloration, softening, welding, or damage due to overheating.
**Causes**: Poor lubrication, excessive load, high speed, or water ingress.
**Solution**: Improve lubrication, select the right bearing, check clearance and preloading, and enhance sealing.
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### 12. **Electro-Erosion**
**Condition**: Melting and embossing on the raceway and rolling elements due to electrical discharge.
**Causes**: Potential difference between inner and outer rings.
**Solution**: Prevent current from passing through the bearing, and insulate it if necessary.
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### 13. **Corrosion Damage**
**Condition**: Rust and corrosion on the bearing surface, including pits and oxidation.
**Causes**: Water or corrosive substances entering, poor lubrication, condensation, or improper storage.
**Solution**: Improve sealing, use anti-rust measures during downtime, and store properly.
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### 14. **Damage During Installation/Removal**
**Condition**: Axial scratches or flaws on the raceway and rolling surfaces.
**Causes**: Improper installation tools, misalignment, or impact during disassembly.
**Solution**: Use proper installation equipment, align components carefully, and avoid impact.
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### 15. **Discoloration**
**Condition**: Color change on the raceway and rolling elements due to heat.
**Causes**: Poor lubrication, high temperature, or hot oil immersion.
**Solution**: Improve lubrication methods and reduce operating temperatures.
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### Conclusion
Proper maintenance, correct installation, and regular inspection are crucial to preventing FAG bearing damage. By understanding the common failure modes and their root causes, users can significantly extend the life of their bearings and ensure smooth operation of machinery.
**Related Articles**:
- Bearing Repair and Reuse Analysis
- Classification of Bearing Data
- Common Knowledge of Imported Bearings
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