A complicated set of elements determine a bearing’s life, while SKF certifies that its life is random even when they are operating under identical conditions.

    So what to do now? If the bearing application and design are correct, we cannot determine the life of the bearing. We suggest focusing on the essential care of the bearing and the equipment it is part of.

    Let’s imagine that you have a large centrifugal pump. You can preserve the life of the bearings by:

• Use of correct bearing specification according to OEM
• Store and mount the bearing correctly
• Make sure that shaft and bearing housing have the correct tolerance
• Operate the equipment within its limits and avoid overload and cavitation
• Align the shafts and couplings within
• Balance impeller to avoid vibration
• Select and use the correct lubricant/oil
• Make sure that the oil is clean and avoid moisture, chemicals, and contaminants
• Make sure that the oil is not breaking down and keeps properties and additives
• Prevent overheating of the pump