5 Common Causes of Bearing Failure in Deep Groove Ball Bearings (And How to Prevent Them)

When you select a bearing for your equipment, you expect it to run smoothly for thousands of hours without any trouble. Yet, in real-world shops and factories, bearings often break down much earlier than hoped. Deep groove ball bearings are widely used because they handle radial and axial loads effectively, operate at high speeds, and come at a reasonable price. Still, even this adaptable design can face issues.

Why Does Poor Lubrication Cause Bearing Failure?

Lubrication is the lifeline of any rolling bearing. Without it, friction and heat rise quickly, and metal surfaces wear down. Even with a simple part like a шарикоподшипник, missing or incorrect lubrication shortens life drastically.

Inadequate or Contaminated Lubricant

Grease that’s too thin, too thick, or contaminated with dust doesn’t protect the raceways and balls. In the case of a 6203 deep groove ball bearing, where balls roll on finely polished grooves, any contamination scratches the surface. Over time, this leads to pitting and noise.

How to Prevent It

Regular maintenance schedules and the right type of grease or oil are critical. For sealed 2RS designs, make sure the seals stay intact. For open designs, plan for consistent lubrication intervals based on operating hours.

Can Misalignment Lead to Premature Failure?

Even though deep groove ball bearings can tolerate a small angle error (around 0.25°), they are not designed for large misalignment. When shafts or housings are installed slightly off center, uneven load distribution occurs.

Stress Concentration on Balls and Raceways

Misalignment means one side of the bearing carries more load. In practice, this creates local stress, leading to premature fatigue. The problem is often invisible until vibration or temperature starts climbing.

How to Prevent It

Check shaft straightness, housing fit, and alignment during installation. Using proper tools, rather than forcing parts together, avoids early damage. Some industries still rely on “hammer fits,” which almost always end badly for the bearing.

Why Is Overloading a Serious Risk?

Радиальные шарикоподшипники are popular because they can carry both radial and axial loads. But when loads exceed the rated capacity, even the best steel can’t hold up.

Examples From Real Applications

A 6203 bearing, for example, is designed to carry a radial load while handling moderate axial force. If it’s placed in a conveyor that regularly exceeds its load rating, rolling elements deform slightly with each turn. This causes permanent indentations known as brinelling.

How to Prevent It

Always calculate both radial and axial forces when selecting a bearing. Factor in peak loads, not just average ones. When in doubt, consider a higher capacity model or pair bearings together to distribute the force.

How Does Contamination Damage Bearings?

Dust, dirt, and moisture are silent killers of bearings. Once particles enter the raceways, they grind away at the smooth surfaces. The 6203 guide notes that even slight exposure to moisture can cause rust if protective oil or grease is missing.

Typical Sources of Contamination

Workshops with wood dust, flour mills, or outdoor setups near rain and humidity create harsh conditions. Open type bearings without shields or seals are especially vulnerable. Once corrosion begins, the surface roughens, increasing friction and noise.

How to Prevent It

Select the right sealing type. ZZ shields block larger particles, while 2RS rubber seals provide a tighter barrier. Also, don’t forget practical steps: store bearings in clean packaging, and keep spares away from damp floors.

Is Improper Installation a Common Cause of Failure?

Yes, and it happens more often than many admit. Bearings are delicate in certain ways, force applied in the wrong place cracks the raceway or damages the cage.

Common Mistakes During Assembly

Pressing on the outer ring when fitting onto a shaft, or striking directly with a hammer, causes internal damage. Overheating a bearing without proper tools can alter hardness. Even fingerprints left on steel surfaces may lead to corrosion spots during storage.

How to Prevent It

Use press tools that apply force to the correct ring. Follow temperature guidelines when expanding bearings for fitting. Handle them with gloves or clean cloths to avoid contamination.

What Role Do Material and Manufacturing Quality Play?

Not every deep groove ball bearing is made the same. Take the 6203 bearing, for instance, it’s usually crafted from GCr15 chrome steel. But differences in heat treatment, grinding, and cleaning can impact how long it lasts. Companies that put money into CNC grinding and follow strict ISO certified methods produce smoother raceways. This leads to a bearing that holds up longer.

This is where deep groove ball bearings from suppliers like Shanghai Yongheshun make a difference. By focusing on material consistency and precision, they give you the same durability associated with bigger brands, without overpaying. If you need more details, their contact page offers quick ways to reach their technical team.

Shanghai Yongheshun Import and Export Co., Ltd. specializes in producing and supplying high precision, high quality bearings. From electric motors to textile machines, their products are designed for reliability and efficiency. You can learn more about their work and history on their about page.

ЧАСТО ЗАДАВАЕМЫЕ ВОПРОСЫ

Q1: What is the most common reason for deep groove ball bearing failure?
A: Poor lubrication is the leading cause, followed closely by contamination. Both accelerate wear and reduce service life.

Q2: How can I spot early signs of bearing failure?
A: Rising noise, vibration, or temperature are early indicators. Regular monitoring helps detect problems before full breakdown.

Q3: Do sealed bearings last longer than open ones?
A: In harsh or dirty environments, yes. Sealed designs like 2RS provide better protection against dust and moisture, extending life.

Q4: Can a bearing fail even if the load is within limits?
A: Yes. Misalignment, contamination, or poor installation can still lead to premature failure even when load ratings are respected.

Q5: How long does a properly maintained deep groove ball bearing last?
A: With correct lubrication, sealing, and load conditions, bearings can run for tens of thousands of hours, sometimes lasting the entire machine life.