Damage Condition Possible Causes Countermeasures

Smearing is surface damage which occurs from a collection of small seizures between bearing components caused by oil film rupture and/or sliding.
Surface roughening occurs along with melting.

High speed and light load
Sudden acceleration/deceleration
Improper lubricant
Entry of water

  • Improve the preload

  • Improve the bearing clearance

  • Use a lubricant with good oil film formation ability

  • Improve the sealing mechanism

Click a photo to enlarge it

Smearing 1

Smearing 1

Part : Inner ring of a cylindrical roller bearing

Symptom : Smearing around circumference of raceway surface

Cause : Roller slippage due to excessive grease quantity

Smearing 2

Smearing 2

Part : Outer ring of damage "SMEARING 1"

Symptom : Smearing around circumference of raceway surface

Cause : Roller slippage due to excessive grease quantity


Smearing 3

Smearing 3

Part : Inner ring of a spherical roller bearing

Symptom : Smearing around circumference of raceway surface

Cause : Poor lubrication

Smearing 4

Smearing 4

Part : Outer ring of a spherical roller bearing

Symptom : Partial Smearing around circumference of raceway surface

Cause : Poor lubrication


Smearing 5

Smearing 5

Part : Inner ring of a spherical roller bearing

Symptom : Partial Smearing around circumference of raceway surface

Cause : Poor lubrication

Smearing 6

Smearing 6

Part : Outer ring of damage "SMEARING 5"

Symptom : Partial Smearing around circumference of raceway surface

Cause : Poor lubrication


Smearing 7

Smearing 7

Part : Convex rollers of damage "SMEARING 5"

Symptom : Smearing of rolling surfaces

Cause : Poor lubrication


Motion & Control