How to Check Bearing Wear
- 1). Locate the particular engine part that you know has a bearing attached to it. Try to manipulate the part to see if there is any play or excessive wiggle. For example, test wheel bearings by grabbing the vehicle wheel with both hands and try to wiggle the tire -- you shouldn't be able to. Identify odd movement in bearing-connected parts for further inspection of the bearing involved.
- 2). Expose the bearing installed in the particular mechanical part by removing the bearing seals, if necessary. Use a bearing puller to remove the oil seal. Use a flashlight if viewing is difficult.
- 3). Look for signs of burning, scoring, carbon blackening or scratches. Replace the bearing if any such signs are found near or on the bearing in question. Install new bearing seals as well, throwing out the old ones once removed. Place the new bearing with a properly-sized drift and hammer. Install a new bearing by tapping it into place with the same tools.
- 4). Examine the grease around the installed engine or part bearing for contamination or drying out. Look for bits of metal or dirt in the grease to identify degradation of the bearing parts. Wipe off the old grease and compress new engine grease into the bearings to provide adequate lubrication.
- 5). Look for brown or blue shades of coloring on the bearing itself, signaling excessive heat damage from too much friction in the bearing parts. Replace the bearing if found as friction has probably already caused damage which will only get worse with time.
- 6). Use new bearings from a reputable provider. Do not use cheap bearings simply based on price alone. Confirm the bearing can handle the application you put it into by checking the bearing grade score if any on the packaging. Compare the grade score with the requirements of your engine or part using the bearing before installation.
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