BEARING INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Most Important Frequently Asked Bearing Interview Questions

Question 1. If You Have A New Bearing That Has Been Used, But Is Pretty Dirty, What Can You Do To Use It Again?

Answer :
Hand wash, and try not to spin it. Never wash double shield bearings, only wipe them off then apply lubricant before wrapping and storing.

Question 2. Besides Storing Bearings On The Shelf, What’s The “correct” Way To Store Them?

Answer :
Keep bearings in a clean, dry location, and watch temperature changes as drastic changes can harm the bearing if any moisture is present. Handle bearings as little as possible, as your fingerprints can promote rusting. Take care not to drop or handle them roughly, they are precision components. Another best practice is to store them by keeping the oldest at the front, and always using the oldest bearing first.

Question 3. I Understand Lubrication Is Essential, But What Is Its Main Role?

Answer :
Lubricant is used to establish and maintain a micro-thick separating film between rotating and static parts, so that the bearing can perform well, have long life, and keep from being damaged.

Question 4. Is Getting The Correct Type Of Lubricant Really Important?

Answer :
Yes, improper lubrication is responsible for approximately 43% of bearing failure – that’s a lot! Application specific grease or oil is important, as is lubricating frequency, quantity, and viscosity. Be sure to re-lube at proper intervals, and beware lubricant contamination. And, take note that over-lubrication of bearings used in high heat applications can be just as harmful as insufficient lubrication.

Question 5. Can Seals Be Used In Place Of Shields On A Ball Bearing?

Answer :
Not if you want to avoid problems. A shield provides a clearance between the inner and outer race, whereas a seal is attached to the inner race and could cause problems rubbing on the inner race, depending on the speed, heat, and starting torque of the machine.

Question 6. How Can I Determine If A Bearing Is Failing?

Answer :
Three main indicators – excessive noise, heat, and/or vibration. If these are present more than expected, you can be pretty certain that a bearings is failing.

Question 7. Are There Any Common Improper Methods Of Mounting Or Installation?

Answer :
A couple main ones here. One is contaminating the bearing during installation. The other is applying force on the incorrect ring, as it should only be applied to the press fitted ring.

Question 8. If My Work Space Is Dirty, How Can I Take Care To Install A New Bearing Without Messing It Up From The Git-go?

Answer :
It’s understandable, after you’ve taken the time and care to properly store your bearings, that you would want to be sure to install them in a clean environment. But, that’s tricky. Clean the work bench area and the tools you will use on the new bearing, and keep away any linty clothes. Keep the bearing on its original wrapper or some clean paper when working on it. Don’t let the bearing sit on a dirty surface, even for a short time, or you’ll risk contamination and early failure. And, remember bearings should not be washed, except for oil mist or circulating oil system.

Question 9. Will A Stainless Steel Bearing Protect Against Rust?

Answer :
Not to the extent you might think. Stainless steel is not rust proof. It is corrosion resistant and will rust in corrosive environments over time, but at a much slower rate than chrome alloy steel.

Question 10. What Is A Good Waterproof Seal?

Answer :
Bearing seals are designed to retain the lubrication inside the bearing, and most are considered water-repellent, but they won’t prevent water from entering the bearing if it is submerged. If the bearing must operate while submerged in a liquid, use a ceramic hybrid or full ceramic bearing.

Question 11. What Does “radial Play” Mean?

Answer :
Radial Play refers to the fit or clearance of the balls within the bearing. The normal range is from C2 to C5, with C2 being the tightest fit (not much room for expansion of the balls or misalignment) and C5 being the loosest (allowance for some expansion as the bearing heats up or misalignment of the application).

Question 12. Can I Flush Out A Lubricant And Use Another?

Answer :
You would need a prescribed flushing agent, and a properly environmentally controlled environment in a controlled area. The bearing would have to be thoroughly dried post flush, and lubricated with the correct amount and type of grease. Short answer is yes, with some extra effort.

Question 13. What Methods Of Payment Do You Accept?

Answer :
Bearing Service accepts cash, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and company purchase orders on open accounts, subject to credit approval.

Question 14. What Shipping Methods Do You Use?

Answer :
Bearing Service will ship your order anywhere in the United States or abroad. We use United Parcel Service and Federal Express for lighter shipments, and a variety of motor freight carriers for heavy shipments. We will ship same-day on in-stock items for standard shipment. UPS and Fed-Ex offer standard service, second-day, and next-day shipping.

Question 15. Where Can I Find Product Specifications On Bearings And Other Products?

Answer :
The best method for obtaining this information is to contact one of our experienced sales reps. we have extensive resources available to us. If the sales person cannot immediately answer your question, we will research it and respond in a timely manner.

Question 16. Do You Have A Catalog?

Answer :
Bearing Service does not publish a catalog for use by our customers. We assume the job of helping our customers identify and find the products they need, rather than you spending hours digging through a catalog that only has a small portion of the manufacturer's product line. We can provide the manufacturer's catalog for any line we represent, giving you information on the full line of merchandise.

Question 17. What Does Bearing Service Manufacture?

Answer :
Bearing Service is a distributor. We do not manufacture the products we sell, but our shops can machine, fabricate, and customize a variety of products to meet your maintenance needs.

Question 18. Do You Provide Training For Your Customers?

Answer :
Bearing Service will work with your staff to provide product training for your maintenance and purchasing people. We will work with various manufacturers to make available their product training seminars and courses, or we can work with you to customize a seminar for your needs.