3 Tips To Help Extend The Life-Expectancy Of Non-Sealed Bearings

Sealed bearings, like fluid and magnetic bearings, require very little maintenance. These bearings contain small seals that are designed to keep the lubricant inside of the bearing and prevent dirt and debris from getting in. However, if you have a non-sealed bearing, then this will require far more maintenance. These bearings need to be cleaned and lubricated regularly in order to prevent the bearing from failing prematurely. Fortunately, there are a few tips that you can use to help extend the life-expectancy of your non-sealed bearings.

Remove All of the Grease and Dirt Before Lubricating

Applying lubricant on bearings that are already dirty will only push the dirt deeper into the bearing. The bearing may run smoothly initially, but it will not hold up in the long-term. Therefore, use a degreaser to safely remove any dirt and old grease from the bearing before applying fresh lubricant. It is important to take the bearing apart to ensure that it is cleaned thoroughly. You should clean your bearing after every use in order to prevent dirt and grease from building up.

Always Keep Your Bearings Dry

If you decide to use a water based cleaner to clean your bearings, then it is important to dry your bearings thoroughly before replacing them. If you allow excess water to remain on the bearings this can cause it to rust. The rust will often cause the bearing to jam and will damage the machinery that the bearing is installed in. You can dry your bearings after cleaning by using a dry cloth. If you live in a humid area, it is important to avoid letting the bearing air dry. The humidity will prevent the bearing from drying fast enough and may result in rust.

Always Lubricate Your Bearing Before Use

How well your bearing performs is largely determined by how well that it is lubricated. A bearing that is not properly lubricated will cause excess friction between the parts. If there is no barrier to protect the two surfaces from each other, the constant grinding will eventually wear down the machine. As a result, a lubricant should be applied to the bearings before each use. When applying the lubricant it is important to avoid applying too much. Any excess lubricant can end up clogging your bearings.

A poorly maintained bearing can end up causing extensive damage to your machine. Therefore, use these tips to ensure that your non-sealed bearings remain in good condition for many years. For more information, contact a company like Commercial Hardware.