Bearing Failure Mode

Mounting Damage & Incorrect Fit

Damage from incorrect fitting practice, wrong clearance, or poor shaft/housing tolerance.

📷 Photo placeholder — Scored bore, cracked ring or crept seat
📷 Photo placeholder — Scored bore, cracked ring or crept seat

Symptoms

Score marks on bore or outside diameter from hammering or pressing, cracked rings from excessive interference fit, cage damage from mounting force applied to the wrong ring, or loose fit causing creep and fretting on the seat.

Likely causes

Incorrect mounting method (hammering, pressing on the wrong ring), excessive interference fit, undersized shaft or oversized housing bore, or lack of cleanliness during fitting. Loose fits allow the ring to creep on its seat.

Prevention

Follow the manufacturer's mounting instructions. Use induction heating or proper cold fitting tools. Apply force only to the ring being fitted. Verify shaft and housing tolerances. Keep everything clean. Use the correct internal clearance class for the fit.

Other bearing failure modes