What Is Bearing Failure Analysis?
Bearing failure analysis is the systematic examination of a failed bearing to determine why it failed -- distinguishing between fatigue (normal end of life), contamination, lubrication failure, mounting damage, misalignment, overload, and electrical erosion. Correct root cause identification is essential to prevent recurrence.
SMS Bearings Support
Our Bearing Failure Analysis Guide provides visual references for every failure mode with corrective actions. SMS Bearings also provides on-site failure investigation support for customers in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common bearing failure modes?
Fatigue spalling (subsurface-initiated flaking), contamination damage (abrasive wear, denting), inadequate lubrication (smearing, discoloration), improper mounting (brinelling from impact), misalignment (edge loading), and electrical erosion (fluting from stray currents in VFD-driven motors).