Manifestations of Bearing Troubles.

Bearing troubles may make themselves known in a number of ways, each trouble resulting from one or more of several causes.

Hot bearings, eccentrics and guides, generally indicate excessive frictional losses. The temperature rise may be excessive, leading to further troubles, such as seizure of the bearing surfaces, the melting of the bearing metal and damage to the journal. A knock in the bearing may be the result of too great clearance, due to wear or improper adjustment or due to the need of a heavier oil than that in use. Rapid wear of bearings and journals may call for frequent repairs and renewals, or may cause the parts of the machine to run out of proper alignment. Unnecessary friction may be observed through an increase in the power that is demanded to operate the machinery.