Bearings with High Vibration – Causes and Corrective Solutions

Vibration high in a bearing is not only a sign of a potential fault but also a major cause of premature failure , reduced performance , and higher maintenance costs across the machinery system . Monitoring and addressing abnormal vibration is essential in modern maintenance , especially for automated production lines , high-speed rotating equipment , and heavy transmission systems .

I . Why Is High Bearing Vibration a Serious Problem?

Bearings are designed to rotate smoothly and steadily under low-vibration conditions . When vibration exceeds the permitted threshold , it causes:

• Fatigue of inner- and outer-ring material
• Raceway wear and roller damage
• Local loss of lubrication from irregular oscillation
• Transmitted vibration affecting the machine assembly , sensors , or control system

👉 SKF research shows: 85% of bearing failures are caused by factors that can be detected early through vibration .

II . Main Causes of High Bearing Vibration

1 . Contact-surface defects – spalling , wear , and cracking

• The rolling surface has pitting , spalling , or fatigue cracks caused by dynamic loading or loss of lubrication .
• This causes repeated small oscillations characterized by high-frequency , low-amplitude vibration .

2 . Shaft or rotor imbalance

• When mass is unevenly distributed around the rotating shaft , centrifugal force makes the bearing vibrate .
• Indication: vibration amplitude increases with speed , with a frequency equal to machine rotational speed (1X RPM) .

3 . Concentricity error and shaft misalignment

• Caused by a bent shaft , non-coaxial housing , or incorrect installation .
• This creates uneven radial force , producing high-amplitude vibration and rumbling .

4 . Unsuitable lubrication or depleted grease

• Increased metal friction → unstable contact force → transmitted vibration .
• This causes whistling and low-to-moderate vibration that appears with the thermal cycle .

5 . Foreign objects or roller damage

• Metal fragments , sand , or dust enter the bearing , or a rolling element becomes chipped .
• Sudden , usually irregular vibration that is difficult to predict .

6 . Resonance with the machine structure

• Vibration from the bearing matches the structure natural frequency → amplifying vibration .
• Common in heavy industrial machinery , long shafts , and softly mounted housings .

III . Vibration Analysis – An Important Diagnostic Tool

✔ Supporting tools:

• SKF Microlog Analyzer vibration analyzer , Enlight ProCollect , or IMx Online System
• Use FFT spectrum analysis to separate 1X , 2X , 3X , BPFI , and BPFO frequencies . . .

(BPFI = Ball Pass Frequency Inner race , BPFO = Outer race)

✔ Identification by frequency spectrum:

IV . Solutions for High Bearing Vibration

✅ 1 . Maintain and replace damaged bearings

• Check for spalling , cracks , or wear on the rolling surface .
• If the permitted limit is exceeded , replace the bearing with the same type; preferably use:
  
  • SKF Explorer bearing – a series with a smoother finish and better vibration resistance than standard bearings .

✅ 2 . Recalibrate dynamic balance

• Large rotating shafts or flywheels must be balanced with specialized equipment .
• Ensure mass eccentricity is ≤ ISO G2.5 or G1.0 , depending on the equipment .

✅ 3 . Check concentricity and realign the shaft

• Use a laser alignment device , and check coaxiality between the bearing assembly , shaft , and motor .
• A concentricity error of only 0.05 mm can cause abnormal vibration .

✅ 4 . Improve lubrication and prevent contamination

• Apply high-viscosity lubricating grease , with good adhesion , such as SKF LGWA 2 .
• Install an automatic lubrication system to maintain a stable grease quantity over time .
• Improve dust seals , and air filtration at the motor or gearbox inlet .
  

✅ 5 . Eliminate resonance

• Add a vibration damper or change the structure natural frequency by:
  
  • Changing the housing material or structure
  • Increasing or decreasing the stiffness of the foundation connection

Where to buy SKF bearings and grease?

If you are looking for a reputable source of genuine SKF bearings and grease , LDT Company is a leading supplier of high-quality lubricating oil and grease products . We are committed to supplying genuine products that deliver optimal lubrication performance for industrial machinery and equipment .

Dear customers , please contact LDT using the information below for consultation and special offers!

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Address: 121-123 To Hieu Street , Nguyen Trai Ward , Ha Dong District , Hanoi , Vietnam

Sales hotline: Mr Toan: 0948.068.692

Fan page:https://www.facebook.com/BoitroncongnghiepSKF?ref=embed_page