University of Tripoli

College of Engineering
Department of Materials and Minerals
Engineering

Case study report titled cause of ball

bearing failure

Supervision by
Dr_Hussein Al-Mismari

Prepared by
Esra Nasser AL-Trough
 Ball Bearing

Abstract
Ball Bearing Overview

While there are many types of bearings used in

pumps and motors, we will discuss ball bearings.
A generalized ball bearing is illustrated in (Figure
1). In a pump or motor, the outer ring is typically
fixed in place and does not rotate, and the inner
ring turns with the shaft. The loads are
transmitted through the balls from the inner race
to the outer. Since the ball is a sphere, its point of
contact is small, which helps the machine spin
smoothly. Depending on the clearances, there are
several grades of bearings available, but this is of
no concern to the user, in general. The
engineering staffroom the pump or motor’s Figure 1. Ball Bearing
manufacturer will choose the correct grade to
ensure long life of the pump.

1. Introduction
1.1 Ball bearing
 Inner ring (race ) which fits on the shaft
 Out ring (race) which fits inside the
housing.
 Ball arranged between the surface of
tow race.
 The radius of the track for balls is
slightly greater 5 to 10% that of the ball
themselves.
 Note that the rotating surface rotate in
opposite directions
 Cage, which separates the balls from
one another
 Seals Figure 2

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2. EXPERIMENTA

2.1 visual examination

Brand Name Ball bearing

Inside Dimeter (mm) 50

Outside Dimeter(mm) 90

Radius of the 12
track for ball (mm)

Number for Ball 10

Bore Types parallel

Seal Types Open

Number of Row 1

Part number 5210C3

Clearance C3 (Radial internal

clearance greater )

2.2 Metallurgical
Cage Types Steel (high-speed alloy St. )

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2.3 Mechanical Test
2.3.3 Rig test
Measurement of
- Torque
- Vacuum, Temperature
- Residual gas

Figur 3
Rig test

2.3.4 Ultrasound test

Recognize Bearing Damage Early and Optimize Bearing Lubrication
Ultrasonic inspection of bearings is useful in recognizing
 The beginning of fatigue failure.
 Brinelling of bearing surfaces.
 Flooding of or lack of lubricant.

Figure 4
ultrasound

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3. EXPERIMENTA Result and discussions
3.1 Speckles and Discoloration
Condition Cause solution

 Speckles Ingress of foreign objects poor  Speckles

Raceway surface is matted
and speckles
Speckles are clusters of tiny
dents.
 Discoloration
The surface color has
changed.
lubrication 1- improvement in sealing
Temper color by overheating efficiency filtration of oil
deposition of deteriorated oil 2- Improvement in lubrication
on surface system
 Discoloration
1- oil deposition is removable by
wiping with an organic solvent
(oxalic acid)
2- if roughness is not removable
by polishing is not removable by
with sandpaper it is rust or
corrosion if completely
removable it is temper color due
to overheating

Speckles and discoloration (bal and out ring)

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 3.2 Stepped wear
Condition Cause solution
Surface is worn and Ingress of solid foreign 1- selection of optimum
dimensions are reduced objects dirt and foreign lubrication and lubrication
compared with other portion objects in lubricant poor system
Surface mostly roughened lubrication skewing of 2- improvement in sealing
and scored rollers efficiency
3- filtration of lubrication
4- elimination of
misalignment

Out rig of cylindircal ball bearing Inner ring of cylindircal balll

Stepped, wear on raceway surface bearing stepped wear on full
circumference of raceway

3.2 Rolling path skewing

Condition Cause solution

Rolling element Deformation or tilt of
contact path on bearing ring due to poor
raceway surface accuracy of shaft or
strays or skews housing poor rigidity of
shaft or housing
deflection of shaft due
excessive clearance
1- improvement in machining
accuracy of shaft and housing
2- improvement in rigidity or
shaft and housing
3- employment of adequate
clearance

Outer bearing tilt

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 3.3 Fretting and fretting corrosion

Condition Cause solution

Fretting surface wear If a vibrating load works on
producing red rust contacting elements resulting is
colored particles form small amplitude oscillation
hollows on the lubricant is driven out from
raceway surface contact and parts are worn
dents called false remarkably
Brinelling are formed Oscillation angle of the bearing
at spacing equal to is small poor lubrication (on
distances lubrication ) fluctuating load
corresponding to the vibration during transportation
rolling element Vibration shaft deflection,
installation error, loose fit
1- inner and out rig should
be packaged separately for
transportation .if not
separable bearing should
be preloaded
2- use oil or high
consistency grease when
bearing are used for
oscillation motion
3- change lubricant
4- fix shaft and housing
5- improve fit

Fretting along inner ring

3.4 Spalling
Condition Cause solution
Scores accompanying Poor mounting and 1- improvement in mounting and
seizing mounting removing practice oil removing procedures
score in axial film discontinuation or 2- improvement in operation
direction the contact surface. condition
Scores on roller end Due to excessive radial 3- correction of pre-load
face and guide rid load foreign object 4- selection of adequate lubricant
_cycloidal scores frapping or excessive and lubrication system
scratches in spinning pre-load slippage or 5- improvement of sealing efficiency
direction on raceway poor lubrication of
surface end rolling rolling element
contact surface

Circular splinter on end face

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4. Conclusion

 The first step should be to determine the actual temperature of the

bearings being monitored
 Evidence has been observed that the ball bearing are c3.
 C3 clearance bearings are usually taken into account that they operate
at high temperatures, so you should continue to monitor regularly and
watch for any noticeable changes in temperature
 The Proper lubrication is essential for ball bearings
 The most frequent causes of excessive wear are foreign particles that
get into the bearing, insufficient or incorrect lubrication, and excessive
vibration on non-running bearings.
 Foreign particles, though, can also get into the bearing through
contaminated lubricant or during mounting
 When choosing a grease for an application, several of its properties
need to be considered for the expected operating conditions.
 The priority of these properties is as below,
1. Required oil viscosity at temperature of the bearing.
2. Grade for the operating temperature.
3. Soap base which is best for the application.
4. Availability of EP (Extreme Pressure) additives.