True Brinelling
Permanent indentations from overload or impact, damaging raceways at the ball pitch.
Symptoms
Evenly spaced indentations on the raceway at the spacing of the rolling elements. The bearing may run noisy or with vibration. Indents are present even before significant running hours (from impact during fitting or handling).
Likely causes
Static overload or impact — typically from hammering the bearing onto the shaft, pressing with force on the wrong ring, dropping the assembly, or heavy shock loads while stationary. The raceway material yields plastically at the contact points.
Prevention
Mount bearings using the correct induction heater or cold press method, applying force only to the ring being fitted — never strike with a hammer. Support the assembly during handling. Avoid shock loads on stationary bearings.