Courtesy of SKF Maintenance Products

Prevent 16% of premature bearing damage
Around 16% of all premature bearing failures are a result of poor fitting or using incorrect mounting techniques. Individual applications may require mechanical, heat or hydraulic mounting methods for correct and efficient bearing mounting. Selecting the mounting technique appropriate for your application will help you extend your bearing's service life and reduce costs resulting from premature bearing failure as well as potential damage to the application.

Mounting bearings in a cold condition
Small and medium size bearings are generally cold mounted. Traditionally the bearing is mounted using a hammer and a length of old pipe. This practice can cause forces to be transmitted through the rolling elements, causing damage to the raceways. SKF fitting tools help prevent bearing damage by applying the forces to the bearing ring with the interference fit.

Mounting bearings using heat
Oil baths are often used for heating bearings prior to mounting. However, this method can contaminate the bearing, resulting in premature bearing failure. Today, induction heating is the most common technique for heating bearings since it allows a high degree of controllability, efficiency and safety. Reliability Direct offers a variety of induction heaters for bearing applications. SKF bearing induction heaters are equipped with many features, which help prevent bearing damage during heating.

Mounting bearings using hydraulic techniques
SKF has pioneered the use of hydraulic techniques, such as the SKF Oil Injection Method and the SKF Drive-up Method, for mounting bearings. These techniques have helped to simplify bearing arrangements and facilitate correct and easy mounting. SKF has also developed a comprehensive range of tools and equipment to put these hydraulic techniques into effect.

Online mounting and dismounting instructions
At skf.com/mount, SKF offers a unique Web-based, free of charge information service for the mounting and dismounting of SKF bearings and bearing housings in eight languages. This service provides step-by-step instructions for mounting or dismounting. The system also provides information on proper tools and lubricants. With this free Internet based service; SKF's expertise is at your fingertips around the clock worldwide.

Lubrication

Sealed bearings are pre-lubricated and do not require lubrication when mounted. However, in applications where open bearings are used, these bearings must be lubricated after mounting. Selecting the right bearing grease for your application is another step to maximize your bearing's service life. SKF offers thirteen different bearing greases, which have been especially developed by SKF to cover most bearing applications.