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Do's & Don'ts for Ball-Bearing Assembly, Maintenance,
Inspection, & Lubrication


  • DO work with clean tools in clean surroundings
  • DO remove all outside dirt from housing before exposing bearing
  • DO treat a used bearing as carefully as a new one
  • DO lay bearings out on clean paper
  • DO protect disassembled bearings from dirt and moisture
  • DO use clean, lint-free rags to wipe bearings
  • DO keep bearings wrapped in oil-proof paper when not in use
  • DO clean outside of housing before replacing bearings
  • DO keep bearing lubricants clean when applying and cover containers whennot in use.
  • DO be sure shaft size is within specified tolerances recommened for the bearing
  • DO store bearings in original unopened cartons in a dry place.
  • DO use a clean, short-bristle brush with firmly embedded bristles to remove dirt, scale, or chips.
  • DO be certain that, when installed, the bearing is square with and held firmly against the shaft shoulder.
  • DO follow lubricating instructions supplied with the machinery. Use only grease where grease is specified; use only oil where oil is specified. Be sure to use the exact kind of lubricants called for. Be sure of the compatibility of your lubricants.
  • DO handle grease with clean paddles or grease guns. Store grease in clean containers. Keep grease containers covered.

  • DON'T work under the handicap of poor tools, rough bench, or dirty surroundings.
  • DON'T use dirty, brittle, or chipped tools
  • DON'T handle bearings with dirty, moist hands.
  • DON'T spin bearings
  • DON'T use the same container for cleaning and final rinse of bearings
  • DON'T scratch or nick bearing surfaces
  • DON'T remove grease or oil from new bearings
  • DON'T use incorrect kind or amount of lubricant
  • DON'T install a bearing on a shaft that shows excessive wear
  • DON'T open carton until bearing is ready for installation
  • DON'T judge the condition of a bearing until after it has been cleaned.
  • DON'T pound directly on bearing or ring when installing, as this may cause damage to the shaft and bearing.
  • DON'T overfill when lubricating. Excess grease and oil will ooze out of the overfilled housings past seals and closures, collect dirt and cause trouble. Too much lubricant will also cause overheating, particularly where bearings operate at high speeds.
  • DON'T permit any machine to stand inoperative for months without turning it over periodically.

Do's & Don'ts for Ball-Bearing Assembly, Maintenance, Inspection, & Lubrication