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What causes abnormal noise in bearings? I’ve finally figured it out.

As a key component of mechanical equipment, the performance and quality of bearings during operation directly affect the equipment’s normal functioning. It is inevitable that bearings will experience abnormal conditions during use; common issues include excessive noise, abnormal temperature rise, significant vibration (including shaft runout), and excessive lubricant leakage or discoloration. Today, Master will share the types of abnormal noises that may occur during bearing operation, along with corresponding troubleshooting measures, in the hope of being helpful to all.

As a key component of mechanical equipment, the performance and quality of bearings during operation directly affect the equipment’s overall operational reliability. It is inevitable that bearings will experience abnormal conditions during use; common issues include excessive noise, abnormal temperature rise, significant vibration (including shaft runout), and excessive lubricant leakage or discoloration. Today, Master will share the types of abnormal noises that may occur during bearing operation, along with corresponding corrective measures, in the hope of providing useful guidance.

When a bearing is in good operating condition, it produces a low, humming or buzzing sound. If it emits a sharp hissing, squeaking, or other irregular noises, this likely indicates that the bearing is experiencing poor operating conditions. A sharp squeaking noise may be caused by inadequate lubrication, while improper bearing clearance can also result in metallic knocking sounds.

The three most common types of abnormal bearing operating noises are: Loud metallic noises, regular noises, and irregular noises 。

01 Loud metallic noise

The main causes of loud metallic noise from bearings are: Abnormal load, improper installation, insufficient lubricant, unsuitable Wait.

Countermeasures for abnormal bearing loads: adjust the fit, investigate bearing clearance, modify the preload, and correct the position of the housing shoulder.

Countermeasures for improper bearing installation: enhance the machining accuracy of the shaft and bearing housing, and improve installation accuracy and installation procedures.

Countermeasures for insufficient bearing lubricant: replenish the lubricant and select an appropriate lubricant.

02 Rule-Based Noise

Sometimes, during operation, bearings may emit a “squeaking—squeaking” sound that occurs intermittently and follows a regular pattern; this is classified as regular noise. The main causes of such regular bearing noise include: Due to indentations, rust, and surface damage caused by the rolling contact of foreign objects, as well as surface deformation and raceway cracking (following carburizing of the steel), 。

Countermeasures for bearings exhibiting indentations, rust, or surface damage on the rolling elements: replace the bearing, clean the relevant components, improve the sealing system, and use clean lubricant.

Countermeasures for surface deformation of bearings (after steel carburizing): Replace the bearing and ensure proper operation.

Countermeasure for bearing raceway surface fractures: Replace the bearing.

03 Irregular Noise

If a bearing emits a “squeaking” or “grinding” noise during operation that does not vary with rotational speed, this is classified as irregular noise and is commonly observed in small bearings. The primary causes include: Excessive clearance, foreign-object intrusion, and ball damage or fracture.

Countermeasures for excessive bearing clearance: investigate fit and bearing clearance, and adjust the preload.

Countermeasures for foreign-object intrusion into bearings: investigate bearing replacement, clean relevant components, improve the sealing system, and use clean lubricants.

Countermeasures for bearing ball damage or fracture: Replace the bearing.

Bearing Components and Their Applications

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