Bearing Failure Mode
False Brinelling
Wear indentations from vibration while the bearing is stationary, not from load.
📷 Photo placeholder — Fretting indentations with rust-coloured debris at ball pitch
📷 Photo placeholder — Fretting indentations with rust-coloured debris at ball pitch
Symptoms
Indentations at the rolling element spacing, similar in appearance to true brinelling, but caused by micro-movement and fretting while the bearing is not rotating. Often accompanied by rust-coloured fretting debris.
Likely causes
Vibration from nearby running machinery or transport transmitted through a stationary bearing. The rolling elements oscillate minutely against the raceway, wearing away the lubricant film and material at the contact points.
Prevention
Isolate stationary equipment from vibration. Rotate shafts periodically during storage or downtime. Use anti-fretting lubricants. Secure machines during transport. Where possible, lock the rotor during shipment.