Bearing Damage Analysis

To learn more about each damage mode, reference the bearing damage analysis brochure, or contact your local Timken sales or service representative.

Irregular roller path caused Geometric Stress Concentration (GSC)

Fatigue spalling on a cylindrical Roller fracture
Fine particle contamination Race deformation from excessive Complete bearing lockup by deflection spalling on bearing outer ring
Hard particle contamination Corrosion on the outer ring race Etching and corrosion roller bearing
heat generation

Fatigue spalling on ball bearing Peeling Irregular roller path (180 degree
Internal cage wear from fine particle Horizontal grooving Peeling Rib and roller end heat damage
Advanced corrosion and spalling Roller-spaced spalling Scoring inner ring opposite of above)
contamination
damage on
Typical causes include improper cleaning methods, poor oil Typical causes include damaged packaging, improper storage Typical causes include improper grease or oil viscosity, roller end Typical causes include high load, misalignment and Typical causes include high load, shaft or housing deflection,
filtration or seal wear. and worn or damaged seals. low flow rate and high operation temperatures. stress concentration. inaccurate housing or shaft machining.

Foreign Material Corrosion/Etching Inadequate Lubrication Excessive Preload, Overload and Rollout Misalignment

False brinell on a shaft where a Wear caused by vibration

Outer ring Fractured inner ring rib Cage deformation Roller binding and skewing Loose outer ring fit in a wheel hub Fracture on inner ring Roller impact damage True metal deformation cylindrical bearing was mounted
denting

Shock loading
Roller spaced nicking Metal contaminant False brinell on outer race
Deep dent on cage
Typical causes include improper tool selection (hardened drivers) Typical causes include improper handling, tools and procedures. Typical causes include wrong size and poor form, shaft or Typical causes include rough handling and shock loads Typical causes include excessive vibration during shipment
and poor handling practices. housing stress risers and inaccurate machining. exceeding the materials limits. or when the shaft is stationary.

Handling Damage Cage Damage Improper Fitting Practices in Housing or on Shaft Brinell and Impact Damage False Brinelling

Failure to observe the following warnings

could create a risk of death or serious injury.

Never spin a bearing with compressed air. The components may be forcefully expelled.

Proper maintenance and handling practices are critical. Always follow installation
instructions and maintain proper lubrication.
Point Surface Origin (PSO) spalling Geometric Stress Concentration Witness mark from high spot in Resulting localized spalling Fluting caused by electric current Roller flats and adhesive wear Skidding and wear on raceway surface A bearing/component should not be put into service if its shelf life has been exceeded.
Electric arc fluting
(GSC) spalling the housing in raceway
Typical causes of PSO include denting from hard particle
contamination, nicking and handling damage. Typical causes of Typical causes include improper machining, grinding
GSC include high load, misalignment and stress concentration. or repair methods. Failure to follow these cautions may result in property damage.

Fatigue Spalling High Spots in Housing Use of improper bearing fits may cause damage to equipment.

Do not use damaged bearings.

Spherical roller bearing with Cylindrical roller end with

Electric arc pitting Roller with electric arc burns adhesive wear adhesive wear
Typical causes include improper electrical grounding of Typical causes include improper oil film, excess cage friction Timken is a registered trademark of
equipment, welding damage or static discharge. and gross roller sliding. The Timken Company.
www.timken.com
Burns from Electric Current Adhesive Wear 2013 The Timken Company
Printed in U.S.A. 2M 10-13:29 Order No. 7352L