Bearing Repair

Breathe New Life into Worn or Damaged Heavy Duty Bearings

In the repair business since 1979, RBC Houston offers comprehensive bearing analysis and repair options for a long list of heavy duty bearing manufacturers.   At 10 – 80% of the cost of a new bearing, repair/refurbishment not only saves money, but can add years to the life of your bearings.  Bearing repair provides an affordable solution allowing essential equipment to return to operation quickly. RBC Houston uses high-grade materials that meet or exceed the original manufacturers’ specifications.   

At RBC Houston bearing repair can be performed on Slewing Ring, Cylindrical, Ball and Tapered Bearings that have an outside diameter up to 169 inches (4,300 mm). Once the RBC Houston repair team assesses the condition of the bearing, they will recommend a repair program that best meets the needs of each customer.  This may range from simple cleaning and repackaging to the modification of the bearing. A report detailing RBC’s assessment of the condition of the bearing is provided to every customer before a decision is made to proceed with the repair process.

There are four general categories for repair and refurbishment. They are as follows:

Level  1: 

Bearings are thoroughly inspected for damage which may have occurred in storage and cleaned if necessary. Clearances are verified; the bearing is lubricated, and repackaged.

Level  2:
Bearings that have been in service are cleaned and inspected. If required, raceways are polished. Components are re-assembled, clearances verified; and the bearing is lubricated and repackaged.  

Level  3:
Worn or damaged bearings are cleaned, and inspected.  Depending on the extent of damage, the repair may include raceway grind or replacement of rollers and/or cages. The bearing is re-assembled, clearance verified, lubricated, and repackaged.  

Level 4:
The bearings are cleaned and inspected. This type of repair will require the replacement of a major component (such as an inner or outer race) in addition to the rolling elements. The bearing is then re-assembled, dimensions verified, lubricated, and repackaged.

Bearing Modification
Occasionally it is necessary to modify a bearing to add features (such as lifting holes, key ways, lubrication holes, or grooves). RBC Houston has the capability to perform many different modifications on a timely basis.

The Process is Quick and Easy

• Call 800-390-3300 to obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number.
• Complete the Repair Data Form, and be sure to include the RMA.
• Carefully package and ship the damaged bearing and completed Repair Data Form to:

RBC Bearings Houston
7441 East Orem Drive
Houston, TX  77075

• Upon receipt of the bearing, the RBC Houston inspection team will clean, disassemble, and inspect the bearing, determine the type of repair required (listed above), and provide an estimated cost and leadtime.
• After customer approval, RBC Houston will perform the required repair/refurbishment, verify critical tolerances, lubricate, package, and return the bearing, ready for additional service.

A “Greener” Option

In support of global efforts to conserve resources and lower the environmental impact of manufacturing operations, RBC is committed to green initiatives. Nine times out of ten,
our bearing repair program saves customers time and money, but there is an additional benefit. A bearing repair program also supports the environment, as components are reused, rather than prematurely finding their way to a scrap dealer.