Complete Installation Guide for Stainless Steel Bearing Units

1. Introduction

Proper installation is critical to achieving optimal performance and service life from your Extreme Bearing stainless steel bearing units. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of installation, from initial preparation through final commissioning.

2. Tools & Materials Required

Before beginning installation, ensure you have the following tools and materials:

Essential Tools

• Calibrated torque wrench (range appropriate for your fasteners)
• Dial indicator with magnetic base
• Feeler gauges (0.05mm - 1.0mm)
• Straight edge or precision level
• Soft-faced hammer (brass or plastic)
• Standard wrenches and socket set
• Cleaning materials (lint-free cloths, degreaser)

Recommended Tools

• Laser alignment tool (for precision applications)
• Micrometer or calipers (for shaft measurement)
• Grease gun with appropriate fitting
• Thread locking compound (medium strength)

3. Pre-Installation Preparation

3.1 Inspect All Components

Before installation, thoroughly inspect all bearing unit components:

• Check housing for damage, cracks, or deformation
• Verify bearing rotates smoothly without roughness or binding
• Inspect seals for damage or contamination
• Confirm correct part number matches your application

3.2 Prepare Mounting Surfaces

Clean and prepare all mounting surfaces to ensure proper alignment and load distribution:

1. Remove all paint, rust, and debris from mounting surfaces
2. Verify mounting surface is flat within 0.05mm per 100mm
3. Check that mounting holes are correctly positioned and sized
4. Ensure mounting surface can support the bearing loads

3.3 Shaft Preparation

The shaft must meet specific tolerances for proper bearing performance:

Shaft Diameter	Tolerance Range	ISO Fit	Application
25mm - 40mm	-0.010 to -0.028mm	h6	Normal conditions
45mm - 80mm	-0.012 to -0.034mm	h6	Normal conditions
85mm - 100mm	-0.015 to -0.040mm	h6	Normal conditions
All sizes	-0.020 to -0.048mm	j6	Easy disassembly required

4. Mounting Procedures

4.1 Flange Block Mounting

For flange-mounted bearing units (F-series):

1. Position bearing unit on mounting surface, ensuring bolt holes align
2. Insert all mounting bolts finger-tight
3. Check that bearing unit sits flush against mounting surface
4. Tighten bolts in a cross pattern to 50% of final torque
5. Complete tightening in cross pattern to full torque specification
6. Verify unit is secure and does not rock or shift

4.2 Pillow Block Mounting

For pillow block bearing units (P-series and S-series):

1. Position bearing unit ensuring centerline height is correct
2. Use shims under base if required to achieve proper alignment
3. Install mounting bolts and tighten in cross pattern
4. Verify shaft centerline height with precision measuring tools
5. Check for any housing deformation or distortion

5. Shaft Alignment

Proper shaft alignment is essential for bearing performance and longevity. Misalignment causes increased vibration, heat generation, and accelerated wear.

5.1 Acceptable Alignment Tolerances

Bearing Type	Angular Misalignment	Parallel Offset
Deep Groove Ball	0.001 rad (0.06°)	0.05mm
Spherical Roller	0.004 rad (0.23°)	0.10mm
Cylindrical Roller	0.0005 rad (0.03°)	0.03mm

5.2 Alignment Procedure Using Dial Indicator

1. Mount dial indicator on driven shaft with contact point on driver shaft
2. Rotate shafts together, recording indicator readings at 4 positions (90° intervals)
3. Calculate parallel offset from readings
4. Adjust bearing unit position using shims or adjustable base
5. Re-check alignment and iterate until within tolerance
6. Secure all mounting bolts to final torque specification

6. Torque Specifications

Always use a calibrated torque wrench to tighten fasteners to the correct specification. Over-tightening can distort the housing, while under-tightening allows movement and fretting.

Bolt Size	Material Grade	Torque (Nm)	Torque (ft-lb)
M8	A2-70 Stainless	18 - 22	13 - 16
M10	A2-70 Stainless	35 - 42	26 - 31
M12	A2-70 Stainless	60 - 72	44 - 53
M16	A2-70 Stainless	150 - 180	111 - 133
M20	A2-70 Stainless	290 - 350	214 - 258

Notes:

• Torque values assume clean, dry threads without lubrication
• If using thread locking compound, reduce torque by 10-15%
• Always tighten in cross pattern to distribute load evenly
• Re-check torque after 8 hours of operation

7. Commissioning Checks

After installation, perform these checks before putting the equipment into full operation:

7.1 Initial Rotation Test

1. Rotate shaft by hand - should turn smoothly without roughness
2. Listen for any unusual sounds (grinding, clicking)
3. Check for excessive free play or binding
4. Verify seals are not damaged or rubbing excessively

7.2 First Run Procedure

1. Start equipment at 25% of rated speed
2. Run for 15 minutes, monitoring temperature and vibration
3. Stop and inspect bearing unit for any leaks or damage
4. Increase to 50% speed, run for 30 minutes
5. Increase to 75% speed, run for 30 minutes
6. Increase to full rated speed if all checks pass

7.3 Temperature Monitoring

Normal operating temperatures for stainless steel bearing units:

• Initial startup: 30-40°C above ambient (break-in period)
• Normal operation: 20-30°C above ambient
• Maximum allowed: 80°C housing temperature

8. Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

8.1 Excessive Vibration

Possible Causes:

• Shaft misalignment - re-check alignment with dial indicator or laser tool
• Uneven mounting surface - use feeler gauges to check for gaps, add shims if needed
• Loose mounting bolts - verify all bolts are torqued to specification
• Shaft out of balance - dynamically balance rotating assembly

8.2 Excessive Temperature

Possible Causes:

• Over-greasing - purge excess grease through relief port
• Tight bearing adjustment - check for housing distortion
• High friction seals - verify correct seal type for application
• Misalignment - re-check shaft alignment

8.3 Noise or Roughness

Possible Causes:

• Contamination - disassemble, clean, and re-lubricate
• Bearing damage during installation - replace bearing unit
• Incorrect lubrication - verify grease type and quantity
• Brinelling from impact loads - ensure proper handling procedures