Bearings are essential components in many mechanical systems, providing smooth rotational or linear movement by reducing friction between moving parts. Proper installation and alignment are critical for the optimal performance and longevity of bearings, but installing bearings can feel like a daunting task – especially if you have never done so before. Every bearing application is different, but there are certain ways to approach a bearing application that is fairly universal.
At Aire Bearings, we’re suppliers of a wide range of industrial bearings, and it isn’t uncommon for our customers to return to us with questions on installation. That’s why we have created this helpful guide to streamline the process for you. Keep reading below for more information on the different types of bearings available, common mistakes to avoid during installation, and, of course, our step by step bearing installation guide.
Types of Bearings and Their Applications
As specialist suppliers of industrial bearings, we provide a wide variety of different bearing options, each suitable for a number of applications. Before we jump into the installation process, it’s important to first have an understanding of the various types of bearings available to you. For more information on any of these bearings, we encourage you to check out our blog exploring the popular uses for industrial bearings, however, for a quick look, some of the different types of bearings and their applications include:
Angular Contact Ball Bearings: Designed to handle both radial and axial loads, angular contact ball bearings are often used in high-speed applications like pumps, machine tool spindles, and automotive transmissions.
Cylindrical Roller Bearings: Known for their ability to support heavy radial loads, cylindrical roller bearings are commonly used in industrial machinery, electric motors, and gearboxes, offering high load capacity and durability.
Deep Groove Ball Bearings: These versatile bearings can accommodate both radial and axial loads and are widely found in applications like electric motors, household appliances, and fans due to their smooth operation and high-speed capabilities.
Needle Roller Thrust Bearings: With their compact size and high load capacity, needle roller thrust bearings are ideal for handling axial loads in tight spaces such as automotive transmissions, pumps, and steering systems.
Self-Aligning Ball Bearings: Designed to automatically correct minor misalignments, self-aligning ball bearings are perfect for applications where shaft misalignment is common, such as in fans, blowers, and agricultural machinery.
Tapered Roller Bearings: Capable of handling both radial and axial loads, tapered roller bearings are typically used in automotive wheel hubs, gearboxes, and other heavy-duty applications that require strong load-bearing capacity.
If you require any of these bearing types for your machinery or industrial applications, we have a wide range to choose from. Contact the team at Aire Bearings now for more information.
Tools and Equipment Needed for Installation
The first step in installing your bearings correctly is to have the right tools and equipment for the installation. Tools can vary depending on the type of bearing being used, and the way the bearing is being used. However, many machinery and industrial equipment manufacturers should provide you with a specs document that highlights the tools required. You will typically need:
- Bearing puller or press
- Torque wrench
- Feeler gauges
- Dial indicator
- Anti-seize lubricant
- Bearing heater
- Soft-faced hammer
Being prepared ahead of time and having the right tools available will streamline the installation process and provide more accurate results, especially when it comes to properly aligning the bearings themselves.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Bearings
To ensure your bearings are properly installed, our team has created the following step-by-step plan to encompass most typical bearing installations in an industrial setting. By following these steps – and manufacturers guidelines for the machine or equipment you’re installing the bearings into, we can guarantee a smooth installation.
1. Prepare the Work Area
Clean the work area and ensure that all parts, including the bearing and housing, are free from dirt and debris. A clean workspace reduces the risk of contamination, which can damage the bearing.
2. Inspect the Bearing and Housing
Before installation, inspect the bearing and housing for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure that the shaft is free from nicks or burrs that could affect bearing fit.
3. Heating the Bearing (Optional)
For bearings that are press-fitted, use a bearing heater to expand the bearing slightly. This thermal expansion will make the bearing easier to install onto the shaft.
4. Press or Slide the Bearing onto the Shaft
Use a press tool or a soft-faced hammer to gently slide or press the bearing onto the shaft. Ensure the bearing is aligned and square with the shaft to avoid misalignment issues.
5. Secure the Bearing
Once the bearing is seated correctly, use the torque wrench to secure the bolts in place. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque settings.
With your bearings properly installed, making sure they’re also properly aligned is the next priority as misalignment can cause excessive wear, overheating, and premature bearing failure. Checking the alignment of your bearings is fairly straightforward, and we will explain how to properly do this for optimal performance.
Aligning Your Bearings
To make sure your bearings are aligned properly, we recommend using a precision tool like a dial indicator or laser alignment tool to check that the shaft is correctly aligned with the bearing housing. If the housing is misaligned, shims can be utilised to adjust the housing until alignment is achieved.
It’s important to check for runout – which refers to any deviation from the true rotation of the shaft. A dial indicator can be used to measure runout and correct it when required. Misaligned bearings can cause uneven wear, friction, and early bearing failure, so getting this step right is essential but with our guide and the right tools at hand, we’re sure this process will go smoothly.
Common Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s important to never force a bearing into place as the bearing and the shaft can be damaged from doing so. Always use the appropriate tools to fit and align a bearing to drastically reduce the risk of damage. Additionally, always ensure that bearings and shafts are clear of any dirt or debris before going forward with an installation as this can lead to increased wear and tear and premature failure.
While installing a bearing, it’s also important to avoid over tightening bolts or the bearing housing, as this can lead to undue stress being placed on the bearing, leading to damage. A torque wrench is the best way to ensure nothing is over-tightened for a smooth operation. For more information, get in touch with the team at Aire Bearings today!
Looking for quality bearings? Contact Aire Bearings now!
If you would like to know more about installing and aligning bearings, or to find out about the bearings we have to offer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today! We’re here to help, and since we’re only a phone call away, getting in touch couldn’t be easier.