What is the term for when excessive pressure is applied to a bearing race?

What is the term for when excessive pressure is applied to a bearing race?

• A. Galling
• B. Spalling
• C. Fretting
• D. Brinelling

Answer: (D)

Excessive static load or an impact on a bearing race causes the metal to yield at the contact points, leaving permanent indentations in the raceway. This condition is called brinelling. It compromises race geometry and bearing performance, often leading to premature wear or failure. By contrast, fretting is tiny surface wear from micro-movements and corrosion at the fit; spalling refers to flakes breaking away from the race surface due to fatigue; galling is adhesive wear where surfaces weld together under high contact pressure. Prevention is by avoiding heavy taps or oversize loads during installation, and using proper installation tools or sleeves to distribute load evenly and minimize localized contact pressures.

Excessive static load or an impact on a bearing race causes the metal to yield at the contact points, leaving permanent indentations in the raceway. This condition is called brinelling. It compromises race geometry and bearing performance, often leading to premature wear or failure. By contrast, fretting is tiny surface wear from micro-movements and corrosion at the fit; spalling refers to flakes breaking away from the race surface due to fatigue; galling is adhesive wear where surfaces weld together under high contact pressure. Prevention is by avoiding heavy taps or oversize loads during installation, and using proper installation tools or sleeves to distribute load evenly and minimize localized contact pressures.