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Identifiers of poor bearing
adjustment
When you are
investigating damaged wheel components, is it possible to
tell if poor bearing adjustment may have been the root of
the problem?
In many cases, the answer
is yes. By carefully examining the appearance of a damaged
bearing, it is possible to determine that poor bearing
setting was the culprit. In fact, improper adjustment can
also manifest itself in a damaged hub, axle, or seal.
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The wear shown on
this trailer axle spindle and wheel hub may be an indicator of
improper bearing adjustment. |
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Enlarged view of scored roll |
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This bearing has
scored roller ends. |
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| Damage
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Cause
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Worn
spindles or hub
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Extreme bearing
setting (too loose or too tight), improper bearing
fitting practice, or inadequate lubrication (too
much, too little or high water content)
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| Leaky
seals |
Incorrect
seal installation, bearing setting too loose, or
seal/lubricant compatibility problems |
| Heat
(bluing) of spindle or bearings |
Bearings
set too tight, or inadequate lubrication |
| Wear
on roller ends |
Extreme
bearing setting (too loose or too tight), or
inadequate lubrication |
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