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“Vibration analysis” is commonly used to assess bearing condition however, although the vibration data can appear ok, there are other conditions which can exist or be unknowingly created to open the door for potential failure.
I am referring to bearing lubrication. This is an area where although, information by the bucket full can be easily obtained, Practicing the art of proper bearing lubrication tends to be ignored, not practiced or severely misunderstood. Usually, one step in a PM requires maintenance personnel to grease the bearings. This practice has become acceptable because we all know what happens when there is not enough grease so…we apply the old rule of thumb that is; “better to have too much grease than not enough” right? The problem is… we really aren’t sure how many times or the last time a bearing on a particular machine got greased. It has been said over and over again that over greasing can cause more damage. Unless some system has been put into place to record the greasing activity, we can never be 100% sure. I will demonstrate through the use of infrared technology what the outcome will be if over lubrication happens.
