Preventing Fan Bearing Damage: The Importance of Proper Locknut Tightening

Question:

I am curious about the advice provided in John Clark's paper "How to Prevent Fan Bearing Damage" on plantservices.com regarding the importance of not tightening locknuts while bearings are loaded. What potential harm could occur if the locknut is tightened on a pillow block bearing in a horizontal fan while the shaft's weight is loading the bearing? Thank you, Uberdan.

Top Replies

Based on my experience, it is likely that you are preloading the bearing axially while it is loaded on the housing. This can cause the housing and loaded condition to act as a clamp on the outer ring, resulting in the inner ring being pushed axially as you tighten the locknut. As a result, the inner and outer rings may no longer be centered. I hope this explanation clarifies the situation for you.

I appreciate the information, Chris. I discovered that I was missing two pages from the research paper by John Clark, which elaborates on the topic you mentioned. Thank you once again for your help.

Hey Uberdan, great question there! If you tighten the locknut while the bearing is loaded, it can actually distort the inner ring. The distortion, even if it's very slight, could alter the bearing's dimensions and increase internal clearance, reducing its effectiveness and lifespan. Essentially, it could trigger premature failure and potential breakdown of the entire machine due to an imbalance. It's always a safer practice to unload the bearing before tightening the locknut as John Clark advises in his paper.

More Replies →

Streamline Your Asset Management
See How Oxmaint Works!!

✅   Work Order Management

✅   Asset Tracking

✅   Preventive Maintenance

✅   Inspection Report

We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.

To add a comment, please sign in or register if you haven't already..   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. Why is it important not to tighten locknuts while bearings are loaded in a fan system? - Tightening locknuts while bearings are loaded can potentially lead to fan bearing damage due to increased pressure and stress on the components. This can result in premature wear and failure of the bearings.

FAQ: 2. What are the consequences of tightening a locknut on a pillow block bearing in a horizontal fan while the shaft's weight is loading the bearing?

Answer: - Tightening the locknut in such conditions can cause misalignment, increased friction, and uneven distribution of forces within the bearing system. This can ultimately result in reduced fan efficiency, increased energy consumption, and accelerated wear of the components.

FAQ: 3. How should locknuts be properly tightened to prevent fan bearing damage?

Answer: - Locknuts should be tightened following the manufacturer's recommended procedures, which often involve ensuring that the bearings are properly seated and aligned before applying the correct amount of torque. It is crucial to avoid tightening the locknuts when the bearings are under load to prevent damage and ensure optimal performance of the fan system.

Ready to Simplify Maintenance?

Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.

Request Demo  â†’