Bearing Damage and Failure Analysis
Premature bearing failure can occur for a variety of reasons. Each failure leaves its own special imprint on the bearing. By examining a failed or damaged bearing, it is possible in the majority of cases to establish the root cause and define corrective actions to prevent a recurrence.
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Rolling bearings are among the most critical components in rotating equipment. They are subject to demanding requirements for load carrying capacity, running accuracy, vibration behaviour, environmental resistance, friction, heat generation, service life, and overall reliability. Despite these requirements, unplanned downtime due to bearing failure can still occur, often with significant operational and financial consequences. |
Bearing failures typically result in economic losses caused by production downtime, consequential damage to adjacent components, and repair costs. Unplanned repairs are invariably far more expensive than planned maintenance interventions. Premature bearing failures can originate from a wide range of causes, each leaving characteristic damage patterns. Detailed examination of failed or damaged bearings allows the root cause to be identified and corrective actions to be defined to prevent recurrence. |
Rolling bearings are critical components in rotating equipment, with strict requirements for load capacity, vibration behaviour, accuracy, heat generation, and reliability.
Bearing failures lead to costly unplanned downtime and repairs. By examining failure patterns in damaged bearings, root causes can be identified and corrective actions defined to prevent recurrence.
Our solution
Identifying the root cause of bearing damage enables targeted actions to prevent recurrence. Bearing damage analysis is therefore a critical element of an effective Condition Monitoring (CM) program.
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In a well-implemented CM program, deteriorating bearing conditions can often be detected at a very early stage, allowing planned and targeted interventions. However, monitoring data alone does not always explain why a bearing is failing. By analysing the damage itself and understanding the failure mechanism, corrective actions can be applied that improve asset reliability and availability. |
Factors influencing bearing service life
Example: In the pulp and paper industry, contamination combined with inadequate lubrication is a common root cause of premature bearing failure. |
The time between initial bearing damage and complete failure can vary significantly. In high-speed machinery this period may be only seconds, while in large, slow-rotating machines it can extend over months or even years. Estimating the remaining service life is only possible through monitoring techniques such as continuous vibration, temperature, and noise measurements.
Our solution
Bearing damage analysis identifies the root cause of failure, enabling corrective actions that prevent recurrence and improve asset reliability.
Condition Monitoring can detect early bearing degradation, but damage analysis is often required to understand the underlying failure mechanism.
Factors influencing bearing life
- Manufacturing quality
- Storage
- Application
- Mounting
- Lubrication
- Sealing
The progression from initial damage to failure varies widely. Continuous vibration, temperature, and noise monitoring is essential for estimating remaining bearing life.
Offering
As an independent service provider, AVT Reliability (formerly Van Geffen Reliability) performs bearing damage and failure analysis in accordance with ISO 15243. This internationally recognised standard classifies bearing failures into six primary failure modes.
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ISO 15243 failure modes
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Inspection and investigation scope Bearings are visually inspected in our inspection centre, preferably in their original, as-received condition to preserve critical evidence. Depending on the nature of the investigation and suspected failure mechanisms, the analysis may be extended to include lubricant analysis and geometrical checks of the bearing housing and shaft. |
The final deliverable is a structured report in which conclusions are clearly substantiated using photographic evidence. Based on these findings, practical recommendations are provided with targeted improvement measures to prevent recurrence, with the ultimate objective of increasing asset reliability and overall installation availability.
Offering
We perform independent bearing damage analysis in accordance with ISO 15243, covering six recognised bearing failure modes.
ISO 15243 failure modes
- Fatigue
- Wear
- Corrosion
- Electrical erosion
- Plastic deformation
- Fracture and cracking
Bearings are inspected in original condition where possible, supported by lubricant analysis and geometrical checks when required.
Each investigation results in a documented report with photographic evidence and clear recommendations to prevent recurrence and improve availability.
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Local service backed by global support
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Clear detailed reporting with actionable insights
- Expert support and consultation
Local service backed by global support
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
- Clear detailed reporting with actionable insights
- Expert support and consultation
