The following are some of the most common causes of heat

increase in motor bearings:

 Lubrication failure - One of the primary causes of

overheating, particularly in electric motors, is lubrication
failure. This results from lack of lubrication, usage of the
wrong type of lubrication, over lubrication or usage of
incompatible grease mixes. All of these result in inadequate
viscosity to provide lubrication at normal operating
temperatures. To avoid these issues, follow manufacturer’s
guidance when lubricating bearings. If the problem does
occur, clean the bearings, checked them for damage and
correctly lubricate them before reinstalling.

 Loss of fit - While the fit of any bearing needs to be loose

enough to make installation possible, too loose a fit can cause
excessive wear and vibration. Left untreated there is an
increased risk of further damage including bearing seizure and
ring fracture. This is most commonly fixed with a slight press
fit. However, ensure that the bearing’s internal clearance is not
compromised or eliminated as it can also lead to increased
operating temperature and potentially the failure of the bearing
and the motor. It is also important to remember that the exact
type of fit is determined by various factors, including the type
of bearing, and the material used in the housing or shaft.

 Improper installation - As with all the components of the

motor, proper installation of the bearings is essential as
improper installation can cause damage to the bearing
assembly. The installation process should not at any point
involve the transmission of forces between bearing rings
through the balls. If this occurs, the life cycle of the bearing is
significantly reduced. The installation also needs to take place
in a clean and contaminate free environment, with all bearings
mounted squarely. Make sure to use only the correct tools and
procedures during installation, and never be tempted to resort
to hammering or other impact techniques to complete the
installation.

 The Need for Vigilance - Whether you believe that the

problem is a bell ring failure, shock stress, shaft currents or
excessive ambient temperatures, quick action to assess and
repair the damage will help you avoid further damage. As with
anything that has moving parts, there are any number of
potential things that can go wrong with bearings that result in
the need for motor repair. However, staying vigilant and
monitoring temperatures are the easiest ways to avoid
complete shutdown of your operations regardless of the
underlying problem.