According to statistics, approximately 30% to 40% of premature bearing failures are related to rust and corrosion. Once a bearing rusts, it can affect operational precision and cause issues such as noise and vibration. Therefore, understanding the causes of bearing corrosion and taking proper protective measures is key to extending bearing life. Let's explore this topic together below!
Why Do Bearings Rust?
Chemical Corrosion
Bearings that are exposed to air, moisture, or chemical media for extended periods undergo oxidation reactions. This is especially true when they come into contact with corrosive substances such as acids, alkalis, and salts, which can easily erode the surface.
Electrochemical Corrosion
When bearing steel rings and copper or iron cages are in the presence of a water film, they can form micro-batteries, with the bearing steel (which has a lower electrical potential) acting as the anode and becoming corroded. Additionally, scratches or defects on the bearing surface may serve as initiation points for corrosion, gradually developing into rust spots and pitting.
Environmental Factors
When the relative humidity exceeds 60%, a thin, invisible film of water can easily form on the bearing surface, creating conditions conducive to corrosion. If accompanied by high temperatures or salt spray, the corrosion rate can be further accelerated.
Material Factors
The corrosion resistance of bearings varies significantly depending on the material used. Bearing steel generally has only moderate corrosion resistance, whereas stainless steel bearings offer better anti-rust performance.
Human Factors
Inadequate routine management of bearings can also lead to rusting. Examples include long-term storage after opening the packaging, touching the bearing surface directly with bare hands, or failing to apply rust prevention after equipment shutdowns—all of which may cause premature bearing rust.
How to Prevent Bearing Rust?
Select the appropriate bearing material based on the working conditions. For humid or corrosive environments, opt for corrosion-resistant products such as coated bearings or stainless steel bearings.
Improve rust resistance through surface treatments such as blackening or phosphating, while ensuring that the anti-rust oil film remains intact.
Use lubricating greases that offer anti-rust properties, and regularly inspect and replace lubricants to reduce the impact of moisture and air on the bearings.
Keep the environment dry and clean to prevent condensation water, dust, and corrosive gases from coming into contact with the bearings.
Store bearings in a dry, well-ventilated area. Wear clean gloves during installation to prevent sweat and contaminants from soiling the bearing surface.
About LJHB:
LuoYang JinShuo Precision Bearing Co., Ltd. is mainly committed to the R&D and sales of high-precision bearings and other special products, and provides bearings and transmission parts with high performance for customers' equipment. With quick response, from pre-sales technical communication to on-time production delivery, as well as perfect after-sales service, we win the recognition and trust of customers.
Our main products include cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, slew bearings, gear drives, spindle bearings, crossed roller bearings, turret bearings, thin-wall bearings, tandem roller bearings, spherical roller bearings, etc. The bearing dimensions rang from 100mm to 6000mm, the accuracy reaches P5, P4 and P2 levels. The bearing are widely used in mining and metallurgy, industrial equipment, industrial gearboxes, petroleum equipment, cranes, medical equipment, robotic equipment, etc. Among them, cylindrical roller bearings with better performance and high-precision deep groove ball bearings have been explored for high-speed tubular strander rotating cable equipment, which have completely replaced imports, saving customers costs and time, and improving work efficiency. It has been recognized and widely praised by customers.
Contact LJHB:
Address: Yiyang Bearing Industry Zone, Luoyang City, China 47100
Tel/Wechat: +86-18037970383
Whatsapp: +86-18037970383
Fax: 0086-379-65199160
E-mail: lyjh@lyjhbearing.com
Website: www.chinajhbearing.com
