Tips on How to Extend Bearing Life

Bearings are the heart of rotating equipment—from electric motors and pumps to conveyors and HVAC systems. When bearings fail, the result is costly downtime, expensive repairs, and reduced productivity.

The truth is simple: all bearings will eventually fail. But with proper maintenance and care, you can extend their lifespan significantly.

This blog explains the most common causes of bearing failure, strategies to prevent them, and maintenance practices you can apply—particularly for Baldor-Dodge bearings and other leading brands offered by Square One Electric Motors & Pumps.

Read our Blog: Common Bearing Failures

Understanding Bearing Life (L10 Rating)

Bearings are designed with an expected L10 life rating. This is the time period during which 90% of bearings in a given group will operate without failure, assuming they are properly maintained and running under correct conditions.

Unfortunately, in real-world industrial and commercial environments, bearings rarely achieve their predicted L10 life. The main culprits? Poor lubrication, contamination, or both.

👉 Studies show that 80% of premature bearing failures are caused by these two factors.

Ineffective Lubrication – The #1 Bearing Killer

Lubrication is essential. It prevents metal-to-metal contact between the rolling elements and raceways. Without it, bearings wear, overheat, and fail.

Key lubrication failure modes include:

Insufficient lubrication – Bearings run dry when grease is not added regularly.
Wrong type of lubrication – Using grease with the wrong consistency, base, or viscosity can destroy a bearing.
Old/contaminated grease – Even high-quality grease breaks down if not replaced.

👉 55% of bearing failures are caused by lubrication problems.

Tips for Proper Bearing Lubrication:

Always use the correct grease type for the application.
Match grease viscosity to speed, load, and temperature conditions.
Avoid mixing incompatible greases.
Follow a consistent lubrication schedule—too little is dangerous, but so is over-greasing.

Bearing Contamination – The Silent Destroyer

Contamination accounts for 25% of premature bearing failures. Solid particles, moisture, and fluids can infiltrate the bearing cavity, damaging the rolling elements.

Types of Contamination:

Solid particles (dust, dirt, debris)
Lubrication contamination (dirty grease ports, tools)
Moisture contamination (condensation, humidity, or water ingress)

Solutions to Prevent Contamination:

Install bearings in clean environments whenever possible.
Use multi-lip seals to block contaminants.
Clean lubrication ports, grease guns, and nipples before use.
Use emulsifying greases (e.g., lithium-based) in moist or humid environments.
Always lubricate before shutdowns to prevent moisture damage during idle time.

Viscosity & Bearing Lubricant Selection

One of the most overlooked factors in lubrication is viscosity.

Low-viscosity grease = too thin for slow-speed, high-load applications.
High-viscosity grease = too thick for high-speed applications.

Steps to determine correct viscosity:

Identify the bearing type (ball, spherical, or tapered roller).
Calculate mean bearing diameter:
dm = (D + d)/2
Determine operating RPM.
Record operating temperature.
Use the Kappa (K) Value:

K = 1 for ball bearings
K = 2 for roller bearings
K = 2.5 for slow-turning applications

Correct viscosity selection ensures grease forms a protective barrier, reducing friction and extending bearing life.

Fan Application Example

Consider a 22220 spherical roller bearing operating at 2,000 RPM and 90°C.

Mean bearing diameter: 140 mm
Bearing type: spherical roller
Operating Kappa value: 2

This application requires a lubricant viscosity carefully matched to speed and temperature to ensure maximum bearing life.

Maintenance Tips for Baldor-Dodge Bearings

When it comes to Baldor-Dodge bearings, following proper maintenance practices ensures long-lasting performance:

Use factory-recommended lubricants and replace on schedule.
Take advantage of Dodge’s built-in sealing technologies to minimize contamination.
For high-moisture environments, request sealed or pre-lubricated Dodge units.
Always follow manufacturer torque and installation guidelines.

👉 Read ABB Baldor’s Whitepaper: How to Extend the Life of Your Motor Bearings

Bearing Maintenance Tips by Brands

At Square One Electric Motors & Pumps, we supply multiple top brands of bearings and motors, each with unique maintenance needs:

⚡ Baldor-Dodge Bearings

Designed for heavy-duty applications.
Regular grease replacement extends lifespan.
Avoid mixing greases to prevent chemical breakdown.

🔩 Marathon Bearings & Motors

Often found in industrial HVAC and pump systems.
Keep ventilation areas clean to avoid dust ingress.
Monitor vibration levels for early signs of bearing fatigue.

🌀 Leeson Bearings

Known for agricultural and industrial motors.
Protect from dirt, dust, and moisture in farm environments.
Schedule lubrication after every heavy-use season.

🔧 US Motors Bearings (Nidec)

Popular in HVAC systems.
Moisture control is critical—use lithium-based greases.
Avoid water exposure during shutdown periods.

👉 Want brand-specific advice? Contact our experts here and we’ll help tailor a maintenance plan for your equipment.

The Cost of Bearing Failure vs. Preventative Maintenance

Bearing failure downtime can cost thousands of dollars in lost production.
Replacement bearings are far cheaper than unplanned shutdowns.
Preventative maintenance reduces emergency repairs, labor costs, and warranty claims.

Fact: Up to 80% of premature bearing failures are preventable with proper lubrication and contamination control.