Bearings are built to move. But when the environment fights back it takes more than just good design to keep them rolling.
So how do you keep your bearings performing under brutal conditions? Here’s what actually works.

Start With the Right Bearing

Not all bearings are made equal. Some are built for clean factories. Others are designed to survive in mines or offshore rigs. Even engine bays. If you’re using the wrong type? You’re asking for trouble.

Choose bearings that are:

Sealed or shielded to keep contaminants out
Made of the right material (stainless steel, ceramic, or coated for corrosion)
Rated for the right temperature as not every bearing likes the heat
Built to handle the load and speed of your setup
Think of it like boots for the job site. You wouldn’t wear flip-flops to pour concrete.
Protect It From the Elements
Moisture. Dust. Chemicals. Heat. Cold. All enemies of your bearing’s performance.

Here’s how to fight back:

Use proper seals to keep out grit and moisture
Install covers or enclosures in dusty or corrosive environments
Add drainage paths if water is unavoidable
Use thermal barriers or coolers in high-heat areas
Lubricate Like You Mean It

Here’s how to stay ahead:

Use high-performance greases rated for your specific conditions (extreme heat, water, high loads, etc.)
Check and replenish lube more often in wet, dirty, or high-speed environments
Use automatic lubricators for remote or hard-to-reach bearings
Consider solid or dry film lubricants where grease just doesn’t stick around
No lube = no love. Your bearings won’t last without it.
Mount It Right Or Pay the Price
Even the toughest bearing will fail if it’s misaligned or installed wrong. Harsh conditions only make that failure faster.
Use proper tools to press or heat-fit bearings
Avoid over-tightening as this stresses the bearing
Check alignment during and after install
Follow manufacturer torque and clearance specs
Monitor & Maintain
Harsh conditions change things. What worked last month might not work now. Monitoring and regular maintenance are non-negotiable.

Use temperature and vibration sensors to catch problems early

Schedule inspections to look, listen, and feel for trouble
Keep spares ready since if a bearing goes down the downtime costs more than a replacement
The best performance comes from the bearings you keep an eye on. Not the ones you forget.

Built for Tough Environments

We provide bearings made to perform everywhere. No matter if you need sealed spherical bearings or custom OEM solutions we’ve got it in stock.
We ship fast. We stock quality. And we know how to help you choose the right bearing for the job.
Harsh conditions demand more from your bearings (and from you). But with the right product  your bearings can last longer and give you fewer problems down the line.
Don’t let the environment win. Equip your machines with bearings that can handle it. Visit NSAR bearings and get what’s proven to work.