How to Make SKF Roller Bearings Shine with a Smoothing Agent

Source: China Bearing Network | Time: 2014-03-29

When working with SKF roller bearings, using the right smoothing agent is essential for maintaining their performance and longevity. To begin, apply a small amount of the smoothing agent between your fingers. If you feel any contamination, itâ€™s best to wipe it off or apply a thin layer of the agent on the back of your hand before proceeding. Then, carefully seal the bearing to prevent any unwanted particles from entering.

The next step involves replacing the old smoothing agent in the roller bearing. Use an oily lubricant to clean out the old oil, and if possible, refill the bearing with fresh oil. Rotate the machine at a low speed for a few minutes to ensure even distribution. This process helps remove residual contaminants. Afterward, drain the used oil, and always make sure to filter the oil before reuse to avoid introducing impurities into the system.

When using SKF bearings with smooth grease, be cautious about the tools you use. Avoid using cotton swabs or any materials that might leave behind fibers. These fibers can get lodged between the rolling elements and cause damage, especially in smaller bearings where the risk is higher.

After some time of operation, the bearing should run smoothly with minimal vibration and noise. The vibration spectrum should be simple, showing only one or two frequency components. The presence of three times the power frequency is rare, indicating a stable condition.

As the bearing continues to operate, it may enter the late stage of its life cycle. At this point, you may notice increased vibration and noise, sometimes accompanied by abnormal sounds. However, the increase in vibration is usually gradual. During this phase, the kurtosis value of the angular contact ball bearing may suddenly rise to a certain level, signaling the beginning of potential issues.

At this stage, it's crucial to closely monitor the bearing and track any changes. As the problem progresses, the kurtosis value will start to drop rapidly, returning closer to normal levels. Meanwhile, the vibration and noise will increase significantly. When the vibration exceeds the specified limits (such as those outlined in ISO 2372), and the kurtosis value also rises beyond the acceptable range, it indicates that the bearing is in the late stages of failure. At this point, immediate maintenance or replacement is necessary to prevent further damage.

Bearings in the late stages of fault typically show severe issues such as shaft damage, burning, sand cracks, raceway wear, or cage damage. The time between these symptoms can vary, but larger equipment tends to fail faster. Therefore, in practical SKF bearing diagnostics, once late-stage fault characteristics are detected, the bearing is considered faulty and should be replaced promptly.