Bearings are metallic products hence they rust easily. So it is highly necessary to undertake certain precautions to keep bearings away from rust contamination.Let us go through the steps to save bearings from rusting:
- For handling the bearings, make use of finger caps, gloves, and tweezers that do not generate cotton fibers.
- If fingers are unprotected while handling the bearings, make sure that they are free from perspiration or dust particles. You can apply a quality mineral oil to the fingertips before you touch the bearings.
- Always make sure to keep the shaft clean if its surface is kept dirty for a longer time than rust may gather between the shaft and the bearings after the fittings.
- Do not store bearings near air conditioners or direct sunlight. Bearings can develop rust if they are kept in windy zones or given direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures may form condensation on the bearing leading to rust in the bearing.
- The best way to store bearings is to keep them in ventilated environments. Sometimes, varnish applied to the motor winding may cause bearings to rust since the acid from varnish gas is taken into the grease inside the bearings.