1. Regular inspection and cleaning
Regular inspection of self-aligning ball bearings is the basis for ensuring their operating efficiency. When inspecting, first pay attention to whether the bearing is overheating. Normally, the temperature of the bearing should not exceed its rated temperature. You can use a thermometer or infrared thermometer to monitor its surface temperature. In addition, it is very important to listen to the sound of the bearing when it is running. Any abnormal sound (such as grinding, knocking or irregular sound) may be a sign of potential failure. If an abnormality is found, it should be stopped immediately for inspection. Regular cleaning is also key, especially when working in dusty or harsh environments. Use a suitable cleaning agent (such as bearing cleaner) and a soft brush to gently remove dirt and impurities from the bearing surface. Avoid using strong chemical solvents to avoid damage to the bearing material.
2. Proper lubrication
Lubrication is one of the most important links in the maintenance of self-aligning ball bearings. The choice of lubricant should be based on the working environment and load type of the bearing. For example, in high or low temperature environments, the corresponding high temperature grease or low temperature grease should be selected. The viscosity, oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance of the grease are all important considerations. The lubrication status should be checked regularly to determine whether the lubricant needs to be replenished or replaced. For grease, excessive use may cause the temperature to rise and the grease to decompose. Conversely, insufficient grease will cause increased wear. It is recommended to check the lubrication at regular intervals (such as weeks or months) during use to ensure that the lubrication is in good condition. The lubricating oil should also be sampled and analyzed regularly to check whether its quality meets the standards.
3. Monitor the operating temperature
Temperature monitoring is an important measure to ensure the normal operation of self-aligning ball bearings. Excessive temperature is usually a manifestation of problems such as insufficient lubrication, excessive load, bearing wear or improper installation. Temperature monitoring equipment (such as thermocouples, infrared thermometers, etc.) should be used to regularly check the operating temperature of the bearing. The ideal operating temperature should usually be kept within the range specified by the bearing manufacturer. If the temperature is found to exceed the warning line, the equipment should be stopped immediately and checked to find the root cause of the high temperature and take corresponding corrective measures. In long-term operation, establishing a temperature monitoring and recording system can help analyze temperature change trends and detect potential problems early.
4. Ensure correct alignment
Although self-aligning ball bearings have a certain self-aligning ability, they still need to be properly aligned during installation. Eccentric mounting can cause unnecessary wear and vibration, reducing the service life of the bearing. Use a laser alignment instrument or traditional alignment methods (such as feeler gauge measurement) to check the alignment of the bearing and the drive equipment, and make adjustments if necessary. Check the alignment regularly, especially after the equipment has been subjected to vibration, impact or frequent movement, to ensure that the bearing remains in optimal working condition. Using appropriate fixing methods (such as clamping or mounting washers) can help reduce the deviation caused by vibration.
5. Environmental control
Maintaining the environmental conditions of self-aligning ball bearings is equally important. In humid, dusty or corrosive gas environments, effective protective measures should be taken, such as using sealed bearings, installing protective covers or dust screens to reduce the impact of external contaminants on the bearings. Keep the working environment clean and dry, and clean the work area regularly to avoid the accumulation of dust and dirt. Especially in special environments such as chemical processing and food production, consider using bearings made of special materials to improve corrosion resistance and wear resistance. By properly controlling the working environment, the service life of self-aligning ball bearings can be effectively extended and the risk of failure can be reduced.
