SKF roller bearings are designed for a wide range of applications. They are made from steel and plated with chromium, which provides excellent wear resistance. The bearings are supplied with a prelubricated grease that ensures that there is no need for additional lubrication during operation.
SKF roller bearings are manufactured to exacting standards and tolerances. For example, SKF has developed a method that allows two races to be produced simultaneously in one process step. This process is called CNC-controlled double groove rolling (CDGR). It enables the speed of production to be increased while also reducing the number of components used in the manufacture of each bearing.
The grease seals the bearing against dust and dirt particles, which can cause damage to sensitive components such as electrical connectors or card readers. In addition, it protects against water infiltration over long periods of time, including when the equipment is stored outside during winter months or when it is being transported by road or rail for repairs or maintenance work.
Remove the grease from the bearings with a suitable method.
Removing the grease from the bearings can be done using a hammer and a block of wood. Place the bearing on top of the block of wood, and then place your hand on top of it. Hit it with enough force to knock out most of the grease.
You may have to repeat this process several times before all of the grease is removed from inside of your bearing.
If you are having trouble removing all of the grease from inside your bearing, you can use a piece of rope to help remove it. Put some grease on one end of your rope and then wrap it around an axle or shaft. Pull hard enough so that you break through any remaining grease inside your bearing, but do not pull so hard that you damage either your bearing or axle/shaft.
Remove the excess grease from the bearing outer ring and housing bore.
When you’re cleaning out a bearing, it’s important to remove all the old grease. This will ensure that the new grease doesn’t get contaminated by old oil and dirt. If you don’t take care of this step, then your bearings will be prone to failure because they won’t be able to operate at their intended speed and temperature.
The best way to clean out a bearing is with a degreaser or solvent like acetone or lacquer thinner. These chemicals can dissolve any oil or grease in a few minutes, so you don’t have to spend too much time scrubbing away with solvent-soaked rags.
If you don’t have access to any solvents or degreasers, then you can use soapy water as an alternative method for removing excess grease from inside a bearing. Simply soak some rags in soapy water and wipe down the inner ring of a sealed roller bearing until all traces of oil are gone.
Inspect and clean the sealing device.
If there is a foreign body or contamination in the sealing device, a small gap may develop between the seal and shaft. This can cause oil leakage and premature failure of bearings.
Inspect the sealing device for damage, such as chips and cracks, or signs of wear, such as swelling or distortion of the seal lip edge. If necessary, replace it with a new one.
Clean away any foreign matter present on the sealing surface of the bearing by cleaning with a soft cloth soaked in naphtha or kerosene or by brushing with a toothbrush dipped in naphtha or kerosene.
Fill with grease to approximately two thirds of free space in the housing.
Grease is a lubricant that can be used in a wide range of applications, including automotive and industrial equipment. Grease is generally thicker than oil, so it does not evaporate as quickly. It is also less likely to leak out of mechanical parts.
Grease should be kept in its original container until use to prevent contamination from other substances. To apply grease, remove the cap or lid from the container and carefully pour some grease into the designated area. The amount of grease that should be applied depends on the type you are using; follow the specific instructions on your product’s packaging.
If you are using a manual grease gun, add grease until it reaches approximately two thirds of the free space inside your housing before closing it up again. If you are using an electric grease gun, there should be no need to refill it during use.
Insert the bearing in its housing.
Place the new bearing in the housing. Place it so that the inner race is on top and the outer race is at the bottom. The bearing should be flush with the housing.
Lubricate both sides of the bearing with a light oil (3-in-1 or WD-40). This will help keep out dirt and water that might otherwise cause premature failure.
Install shims if necessary: If your new bearing has an additional spacer ring, install it now by placing it into position on top of the inner race, then place your old spacer ring on top of it, followed by another one if necessary (the original spacer ring might not have been removed). Make sure that all spacers are installed so that they are smooth side up.
Install retainer clip: With your fingers or pliers, install a retaining clip onto each end of your old bearing (if it has them). Make sure they’re properly seated in their tracks before moving on to step 4.
Ensure that there is sufficient grease present in the bearing.
The most common problem with bearings is insufficient grease. If there is not enough lubricant in a bearing, the metal surfaces will rub together and wear out quickly. This can cause premature failure of the bearing and reduce its lifespan by several times.
It is important to ensure that there is sufficient grease present in the bearing. The best way to do this is through periodic inspection of the bearings. A simple test can be performed by turning them by hand or using a tool such as an old screwdriver. If there is any resistance when turning it, then it could indicate that there is not enough lubricant present which could lead to premature failure of the bearing.
Seal against ingress of contamination and loss of lubricant.
The seal protects the lubricant from contamination, which can cause premature wear. The seal also prevents loss of lubricant due to evaporation or leakage.
Over time, dirt and grease will build up on the spindles of your bearings. To keep your bearings operating smoothly and accomplish peak performance, you have to know when it’s time to regrease them. This guide is intended to help you understand when it’s time to re-lubricate your bearings, and how to properly go about getting them back in peak operating condition.