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Signs of a Failing Bearing Drive

Even the best construction equipment wears out over time. Whether it be from improper use, normal wear, or just plain happenstance, bearing drives will experience issues at some point or another, and keeping them maintained is a constant battle. In most situations, the best thing to do is to schedule regular maintenance checks before issues occur. However, if you have not been doing that regularly, you can still be proactive by looking out for signs of a failing bearing drive. This guide will go over these signs and give you recommendations on how to keep up the maintenance of your machinery.

Overheating Due To Friction

In most circumstances, one of the most obvious ways to tell if your bearing drive is failing is if it is overheating due to friction. While most people may understand that the gear oil and face seal in the final drive needs to be checked fairly often, few people understand that the bearings are constantly experiencing friction that translates into heat. Understanding that this heat and wear occurs due to the friction in the bearings goes a long way toward understanding the signs of a failing bearing drive.

Unusual Vibrations

Along with overheating, you may experience unusual vibrations due to the balls and casings in the bearings being damaged. This often results in a vibration that is characteristic of a bearing drive malfunction. However, it is important to keep in mind that this does not indicate shaking as a side effect. Rather, a constant rhythmic pattern will show up in the vibrations.

Abnormal Noises

The last and perhaps most prominent sign of a failing bearing drive is the machine’s issuance of abnormal sounds. In most cases, the sounds are almost cyclical and form a pattern resulting from the bearings being worn in a specific area.

If you recognize any of these signs of a failing bearing drive, it is important that you immediately have it checked out. In most circumstances, a failed bearing drive can slow down productivity on the worksite and pose a dangerous hazard for any who operate the vehicle. Remember that no matter what you’re doing, your job is always to be safe!

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Written by Logan Voss

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