Why Oil Pump Motor Bearings Keep Failing And How to Fix It

Oil pump motors are crucial for hydraulic systems, but when the bearings keep failing, it can lead to costly downtime. Here’s a simple explanation of why bearing failures happen — and how you can prevent them.

Common Causes of Bearing Failure

1. Poor Installation
   Hammering or forcing bearings into place can damage them from the start.
   Fix: Always use proper tools and make sure bearings are properly aligned during installation.

2. Wrong or Bad Lubrication
   Low-quality grease or not greasing enough causes friction and overheating.
   Fix: Use high-temperature grease and re-lubricate every 3–6 months.

3. Choosing the Wrong Bearing
   Bearings not designed for your motor’s load or speed will wear out quickly.
   Fix: Choose a bearing that matches your motor’s requirements. Ask your supplier for help if needed.

4. Electrical Damage
   Motors with variable speeds can pass electric currents through the bearings, causing small pits and early failure.
   Fix: Install insulated or ceramic bearings to block these currents.

5. Vibration or Misalignment
   Misaligned shafts or unbalanced parts cause unnecessary stress on bearings.
   Fix: Regularly check and adjust alignment.

Easy Solutions to Prevent Failures

• Install Correctly
  Train staff to avoid hitting the bearings. Use induction heating tools for correct fitting.

• Lubricate Properly
  Fill the bearing housing 50–70% with grease. Make sure no dirt or water gets into the grease.

• Upgrade Your Bearings
  For high temperatures: use stainless steel or ceramic-coated bearings.
  For heavy loads: choose tapered roller bearings.

• Prevent Electrical Damage
  Use grounding devices or insulated bearings to protect against current damage.

Perform Regular Maintenance
Listen for unusual sounds — grinding may mean poor lubrication, humming could signal misalignment. Replace worn bearings before they cause bigger problems.

What to Do If a Bearing Fails

1. Stop the motor immediately to avoid further damage.

2. Inspect the bearing:

• Scratches or dents usually point to installation issues.
• Discoloration or melted grease suggests overheating.

3.Replace the bearing with a better one and fix the root cause — such as improving lubrication or alignment.

If you need help choosing the right bearings or solving recurring issues, our team is here for you.

Beining Intelligent Technology (Zhejiang) Co.,Ltd

Contact us today to keep your motors running smoothly!