SKF Bearing Installation and Maintenance Knowledge

First, the installation surface and environment must be clean. Any foreign particles such as metal shavings, burrs, or dust can cause noise, vibration, and even damage to the raceways and rolling elements. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that both the mounting surface and the surrounding area are free from contaminants before installing SKF bearings.

Second, SKF bearings should be cleaned before installation. The surfaces are usually coated with anti-rust oil, which needs to be carefully removed using clean gasoline or kerosene. After cleaning, apply a suitable high-quality grease—either standard or high-temperature—before proceeding with installation. However, sealed bearings do not require cleaning or re-greasing, as they are pre-lubricated and designed for long-term use without maintenance.

Third, choosing the right radial clearance is important. Not all SKF bearings need the minimum clearance. Depending on operating conditions, you should select the appropriate clearance group. According to GB 4604-93, there are five radial clearance groups ranging from -2 to +5, with Group 0 being the standard. Bearings used in high-speed, high-temperature, or precision applications may require larger clearances, while precision spindles typically need smaller ones. For roller bearings, a small amount of working clearance is generally acceptable.

Fourth, proper installation and removal techniques are critical. Avoid hammering directly on the bearing’s face or non-load-bearing areas. Instead, use a press block, sleeve, or other installation tools to apply even pressure. Never transmit force through the rolling elements. If the surface is lubricated, installation will be smoother. For tight fits, heating the bearing in mineral oil to 80–90°C can help. Be cautious not to exceed 100°C to prevent loss of hardness. When disassembling, using a bearing puller and pouring hot oil over the inner ring can make the process easier by expanding the ring slightly.

Fifth, when adding grease, more is not always better. Over-greasing can lead to excessive churning and high temperatures, which can reduce bearing life. A general rule is to fill the bearing with enough grease to occupy 1/2 to 1/3 of its internal space. At high speeds, this should be reduced to about 1/3 to avoid overheating.

Sixth, selecting the right type of grease is vital. Grease consists of base oil, thickener, and additives, and the performance varies greatly between different types and brands. Base oil viscosity affects temperature suitability—low-viscosity oils work well at low temperatures, while high-viscosity oils are better for high-temperature and heavy-load applications. Thickeners determine water resistance and lubrication properties. Mixing greases from different brands or even the same thickener type is not recommended due to potential incompatibility caused by different additives.

If you have any questions about our SKF products or services, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to provide expert guidance and support. You can contact us via the following methods:

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Company: Jiangsu Yayouya Industrial Technology Co., Ltd.

Address: Room 1308, No. 291 Guangyi Road, Liangxi District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province (Columbus Square)

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