Analysis of the Cause of Bearing Cage Fracture

"In general, bearings can maintain their cages in good condition under reasonable working conditions. However, improper operation in daily production can shorten the service life of bearing cages. The following summarizes the main reasons that cause bearing cages to break."

1. Problems with poor bearing lubrication

Under a poor oil supply condition, bearings tend to suffer from adhesive wear, which can deteriorate the surface condition of the working parts. The tearing debris generated by adhesive wear is likely to enter the cage, causing the cage to bear abnormal loads, which may lead to its breakage.

2. Bearing creep phenomenon

Creep is often referred to as the sliding phenomenon of the raceway, wherein, in cases where the interference fit between the raceway and the shaft is insufficient, the load point moves laterally due to sliding, causing the raceway to deviate from its original position relative to the shaft or housing in a circumferential direction.

3.Abnormal load on bearing retainers

Improper installation, tilt, excessive clearance, etc. can cause a reduction in clearance, aggravate frictional heat generation, surface softening, and the early occurrence of abnormal wear. As the wear progresses, wear debris enters the pockets of the cage, causing the cage to become stuck and generate additional load, further aggravating the wear of the cage. This vicious cycle may eventually lead to the fracture of the cage.

4. Defects in Bearing Cage Material

Cracks, large foreign metal inclusions, shrinkage holes, bubbles, and riveting defects such as missing pins, spacers, or gaps between the two halves of the retainer and severe riveting damage can all cause the retainer to break.

5. Intrusion of hard foreign objects into bearings

The intrusion of foreign hard and rigid foreign objects or other impurities accelerates the wear of the cage.

We have identified the causes of bearing retainer fractures, and we should try to avoid these issues in future bearing use to ensure that our equipment operates normally.