FAQ Bearings

The most common indicators of bearing damage is increasing operating temperatures and noise/vibration.

C3 bearings have a larger radial internal clearance than normal clearance bearings. Greater clearance bearings are generally used in applications with higher operating temperatures and faster operating speeds. Applications such as Electric motors, pumps, gearboxes, etc. require the use of C3 clearance bearings as a standard.

Bearings are identified according to the shape of the rolling elements, i.e. balls or rollers. Each bearing type has a specific part number which will give you more information as to the type of the bearing. Bearings international can assist in identifying any kind of bearing based on these unique part numbers.

Seales and shielded bearings are all pre-greased in the factory and are therefore considered as greased for life. This means that for the calculated service life of the bearing, the bearing does not need to be re-greased. Trying to grease these bearings will result in the seals being damaged or popping out causing contamination to enter into the bearing during operation.

A shielded bearing has one or two sheet steel rings on the side of the bearing that act as a retainer for the grease and to keep the bearing clean. The shield does not contact the bearing inner ring and thus results in lower friction and higher operating speed capabilities. Sealed bearings have one or two rubber coated steel rings on the side of the bearing retaining the grease and keeping the bearing clean. Rubber seals contact the bearing inner ring and thus provide protection against fine dust particles.

Bearings are supplied with a corrosion inhibitor lubricant in the packaging. This oil film is compatible with lubricants most used in industry today and the bearing thus does not have to be cleaned before mounting.

Steel and brass cages are on most cases interchangeable depending on the application and the lubricant used. Several suppliers have been transitioning to high grade, glass fibre reinforced polyamides which are sufficient for a wide range of applications. Please contact Bearings International Application Engineers to verify the suitability of alternative bearing cage designs.

Counterfeiting is a challenge in the industry today and the result is that these bearing fail prematurely leading to a loss of production and damage to equipment. Bearings International work closely to all of our suppliers to ensure that the products that we deliver to our valued customers are original and that the authenticity can be traced and proved.

Several bearing suppliers have developed apps that allow the end user to check for authenticity. These apps can be downloaded free of charge from the app stores. Bearings International can assist in checking of stock as well as with the usage of the authenticating software.

Bearings are made of a high carbon and high chrome steel. The characteristics of the steel make bearing steel very hard and somewhat brittle if subjected to excessive shock loads. The iron content in the steel does cause bearings to rust when subjected to water during or prior to operation. In applications where water is constantly used, stainless steel bearings are available as an alternative solution to prevent the corrosion from affecting the bearing.