What are telltale signs of bearing failure?

• A. Excessive vertical/horizontal movement, misalignment, cracking or deformation in bearing pockets, and unusual noises
• B. Bright color change of paint
• C. Decrease in traffic speed
• D. Fog on bearings

Answer: (A)

Telltale signs of bearing failure are changes in how the bearing moves, damage to the bearing seating surfaces, and unusual sounds. Excessive vertical or horizontal movement indicates the bearing is no longer controlling movement as designed, often due to wear or lubrication loss. Misalignment shows the bearing no longer seats correctly with the girders, which can lead to uneven loads and fatigue. Cracking or deformation in the bearing pockets reveals structural compromise in the seating area, signaling that the bearing support is deteriorating. Unusual noises—such as grinding, squealing, or knocking—point to increased friction from wear, lubrication problems, or degraded race/contact surfaces. Cosmetic changes like paint color, changes in traffic speed, or fog on bearings don’t reflect the mechanical condition of the bearing and aren’t reliable indicators of failure.