Bearing Check

1. NOTE: Use the following procedure when checking taper roller bearings and roller bearings:

General notes.
- Check the condition of all the components when disassembling them.
- Find out the cause of the damage with the aid of the following illustrations.
- Remedy the problem and, if necessary, renew the bearing (see bearing checks).





2. Bearing cage damaged at the top or side through incorrect use of a special tool or use of the wrong tool.
- Renew the bearing.





3. The taper roller ends are discolored as a result of inadequate lubrication, overheating or excessive bearing preload.
- Renew the bearings and gaskets and make sure there is adequate lubrication.





4. Taper roller ends are worn away as a result of incorrect installation, excessive bearing preload or incorrect seating.
- Renew the bearings and gaskets and make sure there is adequate lubrication.





5. The bearing surfaces are gray or gray/black with abraded particles between the taper rollers.
- Renew the bearings and gaskets and make sure there is adequate lubrication.





6. The surface of the bearing race is notched as a result of impacts at standstill.
- Renew the bearing if its surface is rough, or if it is noisy.





7. Dark blue coloring from overheating (yellow or brown color is normal) due to excessive bearing preload or inadequate lubrication. Overheating can cause the bearing to lose its surface hardness.
Use a file to test the surface hardness. Material can be filed away from soft bearings but not from hard bearings.
- If overheating is diagnosed, renew the bearing and check the gaskets and other components.





8. Surface abrasion due to material fatigue.
- Renew the bearing and clean all the affected components.