How to Maintain Insert Bearings？

Most people are familiar with deep groove ball bearings, but insert bearings are actually a variant of them. The key feature of insert bearings is the spherical outer surface of the outer ring, which fits into a corresponding concave spherical surface in the bearing housing. This design allows for self-alignment and helps compensate for misalignment during operation. Insert bearings are primarily used to support combined loads, mainly radial, and are generally not suitable for handling large axial loads on their own.

Insert bearings are an integrated unit that combines a rolling bearing with a bearing housing, making them easy to install and replace in machinery. They are widely used in construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and conveying systems.

1.Lubrication and Cooling of Insert Bearings：

To reduce friction and extend service life, it is necessary to regularly replenish lubricant—either grease or oil—during operation. The lubricant forms a film on the working surfaces of the bearing, which helps reduce metal-to-metal contact and wear. Proper lubrication also minimizes heat generation and prevents abnormal temperature rises in the bearing.

If the temperature exceeds 62°C, the operational risk increases significantly. It is generally recommended to keep the bearing lubricant temperature below 50°C to ensure reliable lubrication. Measures such as adding oil tanks, mesh filters, or optimizing the lubrication system can help enhance the efficiency of oil circulation and cooling. However, these actions alone are not decisive and must be adapted to actual working conditions.

2.Importance of Maintenance and Inspection：

Regular maintenance and timely inspection are essential to ensure the long-term, stable operation of insert bearings. With proper care, a bearing can operate for thousands of hours. Conversely, poor maintenance can significantly shorten its lifespan and may lead to serious failures such as bearing seizure, shaft damage, or machine downtime.

Key maintenance points include:

• Regularly check lubricant levels and quality;
• Keep the surrounding environment clean to prevent contamination;
• Replace lubricants on schedule and according to quality standards;
• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for lubricant type and maintenance intervals.

3.Common Failures and Troubleshooting of Insert Bearings：

To maximize performance and prevent unexpected failures, routine inspections are crucial. The common inspection and maintenance procedures include:

• Recording the Operating Condition: Before disassembly, take photos to document the appearance, mounting position, and overall condition of the bearing;
• Checking Lubricants: Measure and record the amount of remaining lubricant, and take samples for oil quality analysis;
• Cleaning the Bearings: Rough Cleaning: Use a brush and cleaning oil to remove grease and adhesives. A metal mesh can be placed at the bottom of the cleaning container to prevent recontamination;
• Fine Cleaning: Gently rotate the bearing in clean oil for slow and careful washing. Avoid damage to rolling elements caused by foreign particles;

4.Damage Inspection: ：

After cleaning, check the bearing’s raceways and rolling elements for signs of wear, cracks, or corrosion, and determine whether it can continue to be used or needs replacement.

For more information, feel free to contact QIBR