Damage Condition

Smearing is surface damage which occurs from a collection of small seizures between bearing components caused by oil film rupture and/or sliding.
Surface roughening occurs along with melting.

Possible Causes

• High speed and light load
• Sudden acceleration/deceleration
• Improper lubricant
• Entry of water

Countermeasures

• Improve the preload
• Improve the bearing clearance
• Use a lubricant with good oil film formation ability
• Improve the sealing mechanism