Excess grease
Overlubrication is one of the most common causes of increased bearing temperature after maintenance.
When there is too much grease in the bearing cavity, the rolling elements are forced to constantly churn and displace it. This increases the resistance to rotation and leads to additional heat generation.
ABB directly names an excessive amount of grease, through whose surplus volume the balls have to pass, among the causes of a high bearing temperature.
Characteristic signs:
- the temperature rose immediately after relubrication;
- excess grease is coming out of the seals;
- the motor initially heats up, and the temperature drops after the excess is removed;
- the mechanical resistance to rotation can increase.
In some cases, a short-term rise in temperature is acceptable after correct lubrication. However, it should gradually stabilise. If the temperature keeps rising, the motor must be stopped and the bearing assembly checked.
