Troubleshooting Guide For Fan Bearings
Troubleshooting Guide For Fan Bearings
Troubleshooting Guide For Fan Bearings
Sub-item: Specific issue and what could have caused it, the implications, how to understand if this applies, example,
2.3.2 Coupling element damaged or distressed
• What corrective actions or checks to consider, example, Check metallic elements for wear and sufficient lubrication
– Relevant SKF products, services and resources, Lubricate with SKF LMCG 1 coupling grease
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1 Is your fan bearing running hot?
1.1.2 High axial and/or radial loads
Excessive bearing loads, will cause damage to the raceway subjected
to that overload (Figure 3). Increased fan unbalance can lead to
high radial forces, outer ring rotation and housing seating wear,
see Figure 4 and Figure 5. Housing seating wear can cause the
non-locating bearing to get stuck in the housing seating. This will
lead to excessive axial loads that will cause damage to the raceway
subjected to that axial overload (Figure 3). This is best identified by
visual inspection.
What is actually too hot? A bearing housing can be perceived as being hot at temperatures
as low as 60-70 °C (140 – 160 °F). This would certainly feel hot to the touch, however these • Correct the unbalance by cleaning or repair of the impeller
– Balance the impeller using SKF maintenance tools or request
temperature levels are perfectly acceptable to a correctly lubricated bearing. balancing as a service from SKF
• Consider using a different housing, bearing combination
– Seek advice from SKF about using a housing with a K7 fit in
TIPS: If the temperature is increasing, check the actual bearing temperature periodically using an infrared thermometer combination with SKF spherical roller and CARB bearings
without the need to remove guarding. It is sustained changes in temperature, or elevated temperatures beyond a certain • Check for the presence of fretting corrosion (Figure 6) on the
Figure 3. Excessive axial load on a spherical roller
level that are a concern. If for example a bearing housing temperature is 80 °C (175 °F) and over a period increases by outer surface of the outer ring bearing, one raceway is damaged while the other
10% or more, there is likely an issue. If it is operating at 100 °C (212 °F) and there are no obvious application reasons why, – Use an anti-fretting paste like SKF LGAF 3 is like new
then there is likely already a problem requiring investigation. • For other potential remedial actions
– Seek specialist SKF advice to eliminate the root cause,
Here are some common reasons why bearings can run hot: or suggest a redesign
1.1 Hot running due to under- If there is high axial loading, both the inner and outer ring raceways
will have 360° load zones that are displaced towards opposite sides
or overloading the bearing of the grooves (Figure 2).
Figure 1
While difficult to detect through inspection analysis, here are some • In these circumstances, verify the ratio between axial and radial Pure radial load patterns on a deep groove ball bearing on a balanced fan
potential causes: load (Fa/Fr) and check if the bearing types and lubrication can cope Figure 4. Worn housing bore due to
outer ring rotation
with the running conditions
1.1.1 Excessive axial load relative to radial load – Contact SKF technical services for assistance with such a review
and/or recommendations for improvements that could be made
It is often not feasible to identify the raceway contact zone patterns
associated with excessive axial loading without at least dismounting
the bearing.
If the fan impeller is properly balanced, the load zones will be 360°
on the bearing inner ring raceway and 120° on the outer ring race-
way, the latter due to the rolling elements only being in contact with
the outer ring in the direction of the radial load. If the load is purely
radial both load zones should be centred in the grooves (Figure 1).
Axial and radial load patterns on a deep groove ball bearing on a balanced fan
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1.1.3 High angular misalignment of shaft 1.1.5 Belt transmission problem 1.2.2 Does the bearing arrangement allow free
or housing
1.2 Hot running due to shaft expansion?
If the belt tension is too high, bearings may run in conditions for which
they were not selected, e.g. related to load and lubricant viscosity. On incorrect mounting, bearing
Vibration monitoring can be applied to identify if high misalignment
is causing problems. This is generally identified by a high vibration
the other hand, if the belt tension is too low, the required minimum
bearing load may not be achieved and the bearing’s rolling elements
or seal design issues In fan applications, there is generally a locating bearing or bearing
pair which positions the shaft radially and axially. There is also a
amplitude corresponding at two times outer ring defect frequency. may slide rather than roll, creating friction. non-locating (floating) bearing which maintains the shaft’s radial
1.2.1 Inappropriate shaft or housing fits positioning but allows it to expand to avoid unexpected axial loads in
Carry out a visual inspection: • See chapter 3 the system, see Figure 10 and Figure 11.
Original shaft and housings fits can generally be found by referring to
• Seals should be checked first. For contact seals, these must DON’TS IN CASE OF OVERHEATED HOUSING: common user the fan drawings or by measuring the bearing seats with proper tools. In case of applications with a hot running temperature, it is preferable
touch the shaft in a uniform manner (no gap or flattened lip). practice is to cool the housing by using an external blower. This how- to verify this non-locating (floating) function.
For non-contact seals, verify that the gap between the seal ever can lead to housing shrinkage which can cause the bearing • Verify recommended shaft and housing seating fits
and the shaft is uniform. outer ring to get stuck in the housing, may preload the bearings and – Recommended fits can be found in the SKF Rolling bearing • Remove locating rings if any, from the non-locating bearing side
• Observe the running patterns in the bearing, these will look different increase overheating. catalogue • Consider changing the bearing arrangement
depending on the bearing type. See example in Figure 7. • For bearings with a tapered bore, a too high (or too low) drive-up – Use SKF CARB bearings on the floating side so that locating rings
• Do not excessively cool the housing, but cool the shaft instead, might for example have caused preload in the bearing or inner ring or housings can be used similarly on both sides, see Figure 12
If there are indications of axial misalignment, the following corrective or find another solution to cool the system (using lubrication rotation on the sleeve or shaft
actions might be taken: systems, cooling discs etc.) – Use feeler gauges, especially for SKF CARB bearings where the 1.2.3 Detect a sealing system problem
drive-up is controlled by measuring the radial clearance
• Check the straightness of the fan support structure during mounting Potential causes of seal problems can include an inappropriate
– Some soft foot conditions are detectable using SKF TKSA tools – Use the SKF Drive-up Method (software, hydraulic nuts). This is material, design, lubricant compatibility or counter face. Observing
• Check the straightness of the shaft the preferred method as it has a higher accuracy that the seal lip counter face is rough is a good indication of a problem.
• Verify the belt tension
– Use an SKF belt tensioner • A change of seal material or seal type (contact/non-contact)
• Align the shaft, housing and adjacent part might be needed
– Using alignment tools, such as the SKF TKSA shaft alignment – Use the SKF Seal Selection Guide and the SKF Seal Finder online
series tool or seek engineering advice
• Self-aligning bearing solutions might be needed • Consider improving seal lubrication: the seal may need grease
– SKF self-aligning solutions (SKF Cooper bearings), see the during mounting or to be lubricated by oil during operation
SKF Rolling bearing catalogue
NOTE: If problems persist, it might be that the bearing system or
1.1.4 Too low bearing load (causing rolling seals are not able to cope with the misalignment and thermal effects.
Seek advice.
elements to slide on raceways)
To run properly, bearings require a minimum load. If not, instead of
rolling the elements may slide on the raceways leading to adhesive
wear also known as smearing. See Figure 8 and Figure 9.
Figure 10 Figure 12
• A different bearing type or arrangement might be needed,
Example of arrangement with a locating bearing and a floating Bearing arrangement with a CARB
change of lubrication conditions, etc. bearing (bearing on right can slide axially in its housing)
– Contact SKF technical services for advice
Figure 11
Non-locating function can be achieved by using specific bearings like cylindrical roller bearing or a CARB
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1.3.3 Incorrect lubricant choice (viscosity,
1.3 Hot running due to bearing consistency, especially in hot gas fans)
1.4 Hot running due to
lubrication and cooling issues • If a lubricant is not mentioned in the OEM documentation, check general issues not directly
that the lubricant being used has similar properties to the ones
recommended for the application
related to bearings
1.3.1 Verify lubrication conditions
• Check whether the actual running conditions (e.g. temperature)
• Is the housing oil reservoir too shallow? are the same as the design parameters 1.4.1 Drive system issues
– Check SKF recommendations for oil level – For an appropriate lubricant, check the online SKF lubricant
• If lubricant is leaking from the housing, refer chapter 4 selection guide Having identified a fan bearing that is running hot, or exhibiting
• If speed is too high, consider using bearings capable of higher unusual noise or vibrations, there may be concern that the drive
Could the (re-)lubrication system be defective or blocked? speed operation and thin film lubrication system will be unreliable and cause production stoppages.
– Use SKF Hybrid ceramic bearings
• Check pumps, piping and lubricant flow • Stroboscopic examination, where the rotating equipment is
• Check filling rate of lubrication tanks 1.3.4 Insufficient heat removal from bearings illuminated by a strobe light flashing at the rotational speed of
– Seek SKF engineering support to verify that the oil circulation the component being examined, provides a means of visually
system is properly designed • Clean oil filters inspecting that component for signs of wear, cracking, distortion, Figure 14. With SKF’s range of portable TKRS stroboscopes, you can
• Check if the oil pick-up ring is missing or damaged • Install a cooling disc or other cooling device if needed looseness, etc. during normal operation. perform visual inspection of running components such as fan blades,
couplings or belt drives
• If the problem persists, consider seeking advice regarding a change – Use an SKF Stroboscope to check the condition and operation
Grease can be “pumped out” of a bearing due to a high pressure or upgrade of the lubrication system and housing, e.g. for a change of belts, pulleys, coupling elements etc., see Figure 14
differential between the left and right sides of the bearing/housing. from grease to oil lubrication
1.4.2 Hot gas leaking from impeller to shaft
• Avoid high air velocities near the bearing/housing, which may DON’TS OF LUBRICATION: a bearing “perceived” as running hot
and bearings
cause grease to be sucked out of the housing and bearings is often further lubricated which can make the issue worse, not better.
• Use a balancing vent pipe from the labyrinth seal on one side of Over greasing often results in elevated operating temperatures due • Improve the fan casing sealing solution
the split housing to the opposite side seal, to equalize pressures to churning, seal damage and loss in sealing efficiencies. • Use a cooling disc
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2 Excessive noise and vibration 2.2 Noise and vibration
originating from bearings
Impending bearing related issues can be detected with basic condition
monitoring/vibration measurement.
light indication of condition. Whether it is the bearing, the drive, or another component A number of issues can be noticed by visual inspection and applying
that is the source, there can be multiple causes for this. simple troubleshooting:
2.1.1 Dust and dirt buildup on the impeller 2.1.3 Worn, bent, cracked or broken vanes
on the impeller
If buildup of particulate matter is evenly distributed over all surfaces,
the resulting imbalance is minimal. However, if a piece of the built-up • Repair or renew the impeller then rebalance as appropriate
material detaches due to centrifugal force, then sudden and significant – Refer 2.1.1 for SKF products and services for balancing
imbalance can occur.
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2.2.2 Is the bearing outer ring ‘jamming’ 2.2.4 Has the housing moved, or are there any
in the housing seating loose housing base bolts?
2.3 Noise and vibration related 2.4 Resonant vibration at a
• Use the recommended torque to fix the housing to the base frame to misalignment certain speed during fan startup
This can cause constraint forces and vibration. An example is – Use a torque wrench or SKF HYDROCAM bolt tensioner
given in Figure 17. • Align bearing housings This can be detected using condition monitoring (high amplitudes at
2.3.1 Misaligned motor coupling or belt pulley
– Use SKF alignment tools, e.g. TLBA series shaft rotation frequency) or directly heard if close to the machine when
• Check if the issue is caused by impeller imbalance and clean, – Request through your distributor an SKF mounting training
to fan shaft the rotating speed reaches a natural frequency of the fan assembly.
repair or change the impeller as necessary, refer 2.1 • Verify coupling and shaft alignment tolerances
• Check the extent of wear in the housing seating, see Figure 4 2.2.5 Is there damage or rust at the housing – Use shaft alignment tools, such as the SKF TKSA shaft • Analyze and reinforce the support structure
and Figure 5 alignment series – Have SKF conduct an ODS (Operational deflection shape analysis)
support structure?
– Select a housing with a different seating/fit tolerance. – Use belt alignment tools, such as the SKF TKBA belt to understand whether too low stiffness of the base frame or
Read the guidance in the SKF Rolling bearing catalogue • Consider thicker shims to limit both the quantity of shims alignment series support structure is the cause
– Seek SKF engineering advice: if it might be appropriate to used and the number of interfaces • Check bearing and system stiffness and natural frequencies
use a housing with a K7 fit in combination with spherical roller – Select appropriate shims from the SKF Maintenance and 2.3.2 Coupling element damaged or perished – Request SKF engineering support to establish whether too low
bearing and CARB bearings Lubrication Products catalogue bearing housing support stiffness or too slim and/or overhung
• Check the housing geometry and the flatness of the housing • Check elastomeric elements for damage and signs of distress and shaft is the cause
support to avoid the bearing being pinched by the housing bore, 2.2.6 Mismatch of housing cap and base replace as required
Figure 18. • Check metallic elements for wear and sufficient lubrication and
– Refer to SKF recommendations in the SKF bearing housings • Ensure cap and base have matching marks change if damaged (Figure 19)
catalogue. – Lubricate with SKF LMCG 1 coupling grease
• Check if coupling type is appropriate for the conditions
2.2.3 Could shaft tolerances be inappropriate?
2.3.3 Soft foot issues (distorted base frame)
• Measure shaft dimensions and roughness, repair the shaft if needed
or inadequate damping of frame
– Request SKF engineering services to measure the shaft geometry
– Use SKF Speedi-Sleeve for a quick and effective repair of a worn • Verify if the issue is a “soft foot” (and not misalignment or
shaft instead of grinding the shaft looseness) by loosening each foot bolt at a time (while the others
are kept tight) and check if the vibration problem goes away
• Correct the soft foot issue
– Use SKF Vibracon (adjustable chocks)
Figure 17 – Align the shaft, using SKF TKSA shaft alignment tools
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3 Belt transmission system issues 4 Leakage of lubricant
3.1.3 Misalignment of belt to pulley 4.1.6 Impeller is “sucking” oil out of the housing
due to improper sealing
• Align pulleys with adequate tool
– Use SKF belt alignment tools (TKBA series) Implement actions or mount protections to prevent this phenomenon.
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4.2 Lubricant leaking from 4.3 Rusty coloured fluid leaking
split/flanged surfaces of housing from bearing or housing seating 5 Highly contaminated lubricant
or end cover
4.3.1 Inadequate housing or shaft fit tolerances
4.2.1 Housing base and cap contacting surface This can cause fretting corrosion and give rise to the rusty colour.
not matching correctly See also the patterns showing “rotation of bearing on shaft” and
related troubleshooting – Section 2.2.1.
• Use sealant to prevent oil leakage or water ingress 5.1 Highly contaminated grease 5.2 Highly contaminated oil
• Clean housing split surfaces • See “Poor fixture of housings to base frame” – Sections 2.2.4
• Avoid mix-up of cap and base by applying markings and 2.2.5 (by particles or moisture)
on components • Fretting corrosion can also be caused by “impeller” unbalance and 5.2.1 Oil filters not effective
– For SKF housings, check that the numbers on the side “inadequate” housing “base” stiffness. See “Hot running due to
5.1.1 Poor sealing
of the housing base and cap are the same bearing overload or underload” – Section 1.1 • Change oil filters
• See also Section 2.2.4, “Has the housing moved...” • Use sealed bearings if possible
4.3.2 Axial movement of outer ring in housing due – Use SKF sealed and pre-greased bearings such as 5.2.2 Contaminated piping or oil reservoir
4.2.2 Poor mounting - wrong end cover sealed spherical roller bearings
to shaft thermal expansion
• See “Hot running due to incorrect mounting, • Remove contamination, increase pipe dimensions,
adjustment or bolt tightening
• See Section 1.1 bearing or seal design issues” – Section 1.2 or improve oil filtering
• Check mounting instructions and practices
4.3.3 Wrong geometry of housing inner 5.1.2 Grease nipples or lubricant feeds are dirty TIPS: If a certain level of contamination cannot be avoided and bearing
4.2.3 No drain hole for old grease or oil life is too short, consider using hybrid ceramic bearings from SKF.
bore surface
• Clean grease nipples prior to relubrication
• Drill evacuation holes if needed • To avoid distortion, ensure the housing is supported over the • Install plastic caps on grease nipples
– SKF housings have marks for this purpose entire mounting surface, i.e. not just by shims at bolt locations
– Select appropriate shims from the SKF Maintenance and 5.1.3 Contamination during maintenance,
4.2.4 Oil return pipe for oil circulation not Lubrication Products catalogue
installation and tool storage
• Verify that the flatness and roughness are according to
working properly
SKF recommendations • Check cleanliness of grease guns and other maintenance tools
• Verify pipe dimensions and inclinations – Refer to the SKF bearing housings catalogue • Organize and store tools in a clean room (Think 5S - workplace
• Conduct a lubrication assessment to verify that the oil circulation organisation method using , “sort”, “set in order”, “shine”, “stand-
is properly designed ardize” and “sustain”)
– Seek SKF engineering support • Improve practices and knowledge of personnel
– Perform a lubrication practices audit with SKF
4.2.5 Wrong lubricant flow in housing – Use SKF’s maintenance tools to reduce bearing & grease
exposure to contaminants and minimise maintenance time
Wrong flow, viscosity, etc. can lead to poor draining of lubricant (see the Maintenance and Lubrication Products catalogue
from the housing. referenced in the Appendix)
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6 Other (general fan system issues) 7 Key references and brochures
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