Self-aligning bearings are an inexpensive, maintenance-free solution to power transmission problems on light- to medium-duty equipment. Because they are self-lubricating as well and tend to fare better under conditions that usually ruin other bearing systems, self aligning bearings are particularly suited to installation in areas that are difficult to reach and service or for companies with minimal maintenance budgets.

Food processing, chemical handling, agriculture, conveyor equipment and anything involving a drift shaft are just a few of the applications where you may save on maintenance and repair costs by installing self-aligning bearings. Before you make a big purchase, complete this checklist:

1. Consult with your engineering department or an independent consultant—do self aligning bearings fit your needs?

2. Compare the capabilities of self aligning bearings with your current equipment.

3. Crunch some numbers—will self aligning bearings save you money?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know how self-aligning bearings can benefit you

Before you run out and replace every bearing in your machinery, take the time to learn about how self-aligning bearings might benefit you. The concept is remarkably simple and effective.

I recommend: Spyraflo gives a simple, concise visual demonstration of the self-aligning bearing process. SKF, a self-aligning ball bearing manufacturer, provides an equally concise and effective description of the self-aligning process.

Decide if self-aligning bearings are right for the job

Consult with your engineering department or equipment manufacturers for specifications on which materials and bearing configurations are best for your applications. Vital information includes load (weight, duration and frequency) and what kind of environmental conditions under which the bearings will be expected to function.

I recommend: Rexnord manufactures self-aligning roller bearings; Igus produces plastic spherical self-aligning bearings; and VXB Ball Bearings produces self-aligning ball bearings to round out the selection of materials, configurations and applications.

Buy self-aligning bearings to keep your business rolling

Now that you've found self-aligning bearings that fit your company's particular needs, do the math and decide at which point in the life of your current bearings it would be most cost-effective to purchase self-aligning bearings. Remember to factor in expected maintenance costs for your current bearing systems and gauge their limited life expectancy; also inquire about shipping costs and installation options for self-aligning bearings before you purchase.

I recommend: Industrial Drive Components and Kingsbury produce a variety of self-aligning bearings for all applications, as do all other suppliers listed above. Don't be shy about leveraging one company's prices and options against another; they want your business, so they will usually compete for it.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Even though (or perhaps especially because) self-aligning bearings are self-lubricating and maintenance free, they have a finite life span. Make sure to inquire as to the typical durability of bearings before you make a purchase, and to double-check that the bearings you intend to purchase meet your company's needs.