What are the causes of vibration and noise in rolling bearings?
Published on:
2025-12-26 10:49
The noise and vibration of rolling bearings are closely related and occur together during bearing rotation, but they are also distinct. The magnitude of the noise and the magnitude of the vibration are not necessarily synchronized, and there is no inevitable correlation between the two.
The main causes of bearing vibration include:
● Vibration of rolling elements. When a bearing is subjected to a load, the rolling elements vibrate during rotation due to variations in the load at different positions and the resulting differences in elastic deformation at the contact points. The larger the radial clearance, the greater the bearing vibration; increasing the number of rolling elements reduces vibration, while higher rotational speed increases vibration.
● The waviness of the rolling surfaces of bearing components causes vibration. Waviness is a surface irregularity generated during the manufacturing process of bearing components and is a major cause of noise and vibration. Compared to the bearing rings, rolling elements, and cage, the most significant factor affecting performance is the waviness of the rolling element surface, followed by the waviness of the rotating ring raceway surface, and then the waviness of the stationary ring raceway surface.
●Vibration caused by the surface roughness of bearing components. The surface roughness of bearing components also affects the vibration of the finished bearing. When the rolling surface roughness Ra value exceeds a certain value, the vibration value of the finished bearing will increase significantly. If there are irregular grinding marks on the rolling surface, the impact on the vibration of the finished bearing will be even greater.
● Vibrations caused by the cage. High surface roughness and irregular shape of the cage pockets can cause friction, increasing bearing vibration.
●Damage to the rolling surfaces of bearing components causes vibration. The presence of dents, scratches, or other defects on the rolling surfaces of bearing components can cause impacts, which are a direct cause of vibration and noise in finished bearings.
● Vibration caused by contaminants inside the bearing. Finished rolling bearings, due to insufficient cleaning or the intrusion of contaminants and other harmful substances during transportation and installation, can cause vibrations or noise that fluctuate in intensity.
Several sources of rolling bearing noise:
● Rolling friction noise. This is the basic sound produced by the rolling elements as they roll on the raceway. However, the intensity of the sound depends on the structure of the rolling bearing. For example, ball bearings are quieter than roller bearings; light series bearings are quieter than heavy series bearings; bearings with more rolling elements are quieter than those with fewer; and precision bearings are quieter than standard bearings.
● Sliding friction noise. Intermittent sliding friction noise between the rolling elements or raceways and the cage.
● Impact and vibration noise. Scratches or defects on the rolling surface cause impact sounds during rotation. The intrusion of dirt and dust into the bearing's rolling surface can also generate friction and impact noises.
In summary, although the noise and vibration of rolling bearings are interrelated, their generation mechanisms and influencing factors are complex and diverse. From manufacturing precision and surface quality to assembly cleanliness, subtle differences in each stage can ultimately be reflected in the bearing's performance. For both bearing manufacturers and users, a deep understanding of these principles is crucial for controlling vibration, reducing noise, and improving product reliability and user experience from the source.
Our company is committed to continuously innovating in materials, processes, and testing technologies to precisely control key indicators such as waviness, roughness, and cleanliness, thereby suppressing vibration and noise generation from the design stage.
At the same time, we provide comprehensive technical selection support and operating condition analysis services to help customers choose the most suitable bearing type and clearance configuration based on their specific application requirements, thereby achieving smoother, quieter, and longer-lasting performance in their end equipment.
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