Tired of that whirring, grinding, or clicking sound coming from your machinery? It’s often a bearing screaming for help, and more specifically, it might be signaling an issue with your SKF 6317-2RS deep groove sealed bearing. This article solves 3 common noise problems associated with these bearings by focusing on practical solutions you can implement today.
Before diving into solutions, let’s quickly understand what makes the SKF 6317-2RS special. It’s a deep groove ball bearing, meaning it’s designed to handle both radial and axial loads. The “2RS” designation indicates it has a rubber seal on both sides, offering excellent protection against contaminants like dirt and moisture. This makes it a popular choice in various applications, from electric motors to agricultural machinery. However, even with these seals, issues can arise, leading to unwanted noise.
Decoding the 6317-2RS: A Quick Overview
Each part of the designation tells you something important: 63 indicates the series, 17 represents the bore diameter (85mm in this case), and 2RS, as mentioned, signifies the rubber seals. Knowing this helps you troubleshoot and select replacements effectively.
Perhaps the most common culprit behind noisy bearings is contamination. Even with seals, small particles can find their way in, acting like sandpaper between the balls and raceways.
How to Identify Contamination Issues in SKF 6317-2RS deep groove sealed Bearing
The noise is usually a consistent grinding or growling sound that gets worse with increasing speed. You might also notice excessive heat buildup near the bearing. **Discoloration of the lubricant during inspection is a tell-tale sign.**
Solution: Thorough Cleaning and Repacking
While complete disassembly and cleaning are ideal (if you’re equipped to do so), here’s a method that can help in some cases without full disassembly:
- Carefully clean the area around the bearing to prevent introducing more contaminants.
- Use a needle-nose grease gun to flush out the old grease through the seal (if possible, some seals are very tight). This might require rotating the bearing slowly.
- Apply new, high-quality grease specifically designed for bearings. Ensure compatibility with your application’s operating temperature and load.
- Rotate the bearing to distribute the new grease evenly.
Note: If the noise persists after this process, the bearing is likely damaged and needs replacement. Ignoring it can lead to catastrophic failure and more expensive repairs.
Insufficient lubrication or using the wrong type of lubricant can cause a high-pitched whining or squealing noise.
Diagnosing Lubrication Problems
If the bearing feels hot to the touch and the noise changes with temperature, lubrication is a likely issue. **Listen closely; a dry, metallic screech is a dead giveaway.** Unlike contamination, the sound might diminish slightly with increased speed, as the limited lubricant gets distributed.
Choosing the Right Grease for SKF 6317-2RS deep groove sealed Bearing
Selecting the correct grease is crucial. Consider these factors:
- Operating Temperature: Use grease rated for the temperature range your machinery operates in.
- Load: High-load applications require grease with higher viscosity and extreme pressure (EP) additives.
- Speed: High-speed applications require lower viscosity grease to reduce friction.
- Compatibility: Ensure the new grease is compatible with any existing grease (if you’re not completely flushing it out). Mixing incompatible greases can lead to lubrication failure.
Greasing Technique Matters
Over-greasing is as bad as under-greasing! Too much grease can cause excessive heat buildup due to churning. Consult the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct amount and frequency of lubrication. A good rule of thumb is to grease until you see fresh grease purging from the seals.
If you hear distinct clicks, knocks, or pops coming from the bearing, it’s highly likely that there’s internal damage – either to the balls, raceways, or cage.
Identifying Bearing Damage
This is often the most serious problem. The noise is irregular and usually gets louder with speed. You might also feel vibrations through the housing. **This is not a problem you can “fix” with lubrication or cleaning; it requires immediate replacement.**
Replacement is the Only Solution
Continuing to operate a bearing with internal damage is extremely risky. It can lead to:
- Complete bearing failure, potentially damaging other components.
- Machine downtime and lost productivity.
- Safety hazards.
Important: When replacing the bearing, inspect the shaft and housing for any signs of wear or damage. Address these issues before installing the new bearing to prevent premature failure.
Okay, so we’ve covered the main noise culprits. But let’s talk about preventing these problems in the first place. I’ve learned through years of working with industrial equipment that a proactive approach is always cheaper and more reliable than reactive repairs. It’s not just about greasing; it’s about understanding the operating environment and tailoring your maintenance schedule accordingly.
Vibration Analysis: An Early Warning System
Vibration analysis is a powerful tool for detecting bearing problems before they become audible. Specialized equipment can measure the vibration frequencies of the bearing, identifying subtle signs of wear, misalignment, or lubrication issues. Implementing a regular vibration analysis program can save you significant downtime and repair costs in the long run. Wikipedia: Vibration analysis
Seal Inspection: Your First Line of Defense for SKF 6317-2RS deep groove sealed Bearing
Regularly inspect the seals for damage or wear. Cracks, tears, or hardening of the rubber indicate that the seal is no longer effectively protecting the bearing from contaminants. Replacing damaged seals promptly is a simple and inexpensive way to extend the life of your bearings. I’ve seen countless bearings fail prematurely simply because a compromised seal was ignored. Think of seals as inexpensive insurance against expensive bearing failures.
Temperature Monitoring: A Simple Yet Effective Indicator
As mentioned earlier, excessive heat is often a sign of bearing problems. Implement a system for regularly monitoring bearing temperatures, either with handheld infrared thermometers or with permanently installed sensors. A sudden increase in temperature warrants immediate investigation.
I’ve seen these bearings used in everything from conveyor systems in food processing plants to electric motors in textile mills. Each application presents unique challenges. For instance, in a food processing environment, you need to be extra vigilant about using food-grade lubricants to prevent contamination. In a dusty environment like a textile mill, frequent seal inspections are crucial. Don’t just blindly follow a generic maintenance schedule; tailor it to the specific demands of your application.
A Table Overview of SKF 6317-2RS deep groove sealed Bearing Specification
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore Diameter (d) | 85 mm |
| Outside Diameter (D) | 180 mm |
| Width (B) | 41 mm |
| Dynamic Load Rating (Cr) | 127 kN |
| Static Load Rating (Cor) | 95 kN |
| Speed Rating | Refer to SKF datasheet for specific grease type |
Troubleshooting Noisy SKF 6317-2RS Bearings: Quick Guide
| Noise | Probable Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Grinding/Growling | Contamination | Clean and repack with grease; replace if noise persists. |
| Whining/Squealing | Lubrication issues | Check grease type and amount; relubricate properly. |
| Clicking/Knocking | Bearing damage | Replace the bearing immediately. |
| Vibration | Misalignment, imbalance, looseness | Check shaft alignment, balance rotating components, tighten mounting bolts. |
Comparing SKF 6317-2RS deep groove sealed Bearing Alternatives
| Bearing Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKF 6317-2RS | Good load capacity, sealed for contamination resistance, versatile. | May not be suitable for very high speeds or extremely heavy loads. | Electric motors, gearboxes, pumps, general machinery. |
| SKF 6317 Open | Lower friction, higher speed capability. | Requires external lubrication and sealing, more susceptible to contamination. | High-speed spindles, specialized machinery where external lubrication is provided. |
| SKF 6317-2Z | Shielded for some contamination protection. | Shields offer less protection than rubber seals. | Similar to 2RS but where slightly less sealing is acceptable. |
Addressing noise issues with SKF 6317-2RS bearings requires a systematic approach. By understanding the common causes of noise (contamination, lubrication problems, and bearing damage), implementing proactive maintenance practices, and choosing the right bearing and lubricant for your application, you can significantly extend bearing life and minimize downtime. Don’t wait for the noise to become a deafening roar; take action today to ensure your machinery runs smoothly and quietly.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the SKF 6317-2RS bearing:
What is the difference between 2RS and ZZ bearings?
2RS bearings have rubber seals, offering better protection against contaminants compared to ZZ bearings, which have metal shields. Shields provide less sealing but allow for slightly higher speed operation.
What type of grease should I use for a 6317-2RS bearing?
The ideal grease depends on the application’s operating temperature, load, and speed. Consult the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations and the grease manufacturer’s datasheet to ensure compatibility.
How often should I grease a 6317-2RS bearing?
Greasing frequency depends on the application. Refer to the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. As a general rule, grease more frequently in harsh environments or high-load applications.