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Smearing

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

Part: Inner ring of a cylindrical roller bearing
Symptom: Smearing around circumference of raceway surface
Cause: Roller slippage due to excessive grease quantity
CRB

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

Part: Inner ring of a spherical roller bearing
Symptom: Smearing around circumference of raceway surface
Cause: Poor lubrication

Smearing 4

Part: Outer ring of a spherical roller bearing
Symptom: Partial Smearing around circumference of raceway surface
Cause: Poor lubrication

Smearing 5

Part: Inner ring of a spherical roller bearing
Symptom: Partial Smearing around circumference of raceway surface
Cause: Poor lubrication

Smearing 6

Part: Outer ring of damage “Smearing 5”
Symptom: Partial Smearing around circumference of raceway surface
Cause: Poor lubrication

Smearing 7

Part: Convex rollers of damage “Smearing 5”
Symptom: Smearing of rolling surfaces
Cause: Poor lubrication

Downloads

Bearing Doctor

Guide to prevention and countermeasures for bearing failures

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