Temperature limits
The permissible operating temperature for self-aligning ball bearings can be limited by:
- the dimensional stability of the bearing rings and balls
- the cage
- the seals
- the lubricant
Where temperatures outside the permissible range are expected, contact SKF.
Bearing rings and balls
SKF self-aligning ball bearings are heat stabilized up to 120 °C (250 °F).
Cages
Steel or brass cages can be used at the same operating temperatures as the bearing rings and balls. For temperature limits of polymer cages, refer to Polymer cages.
Seals
The permissible operating temperature for NBR seals is –40 to +100 °C (–40 to +210 °F). Temperatures up to 120 °C (250 °F) can be tolerated for brief periods.
Typically, temperature peaks are at the seal lip.
Lubricants
Temperature limits for the greases used in sealed SKF self-aligning ball bearings are provided in table 1. For temperature limits of other SKF greases, refer to Selecting a suitable SKF grease.
When using lubricants not supplied by SKF, temperature limits should be evaluated according to the SKF traffic light concept.
