Which of the following are precautions when handling bearings?

• A. Spin The Bearings To Verify Rotation
• B. Blow Bearings Dry With Shop Air
• C. Vapor Degrease Bearings
• D. Do Not Spin Bearings; Do Not Blow With Shop Air; Do Not Vapor Degrease Bearings

Answer: (D)

Handling bearings safely means preventing damage to the precision surfaces and keeping contaminants out. Spinning bearings to verify rotation may seem harmless, but it can introduce or reveal hidden damage, misalign seals, or cause brinelling in the raceways if the bearing isn’t properly lubricated or supported. Drying bearings with shop air can force particles into the bearing clearance and can also spin internal parts, accelerating wear or displacing lubricant. Vapor degreasing can remove protective lubricants or coatings and may leave residues or cause corrosion if not followed by proper drying and re-lubrication. Because these actions can compromise bearing integrity, the prudent precautions are not to spin the bearings, not to blow them dry with shop air, and not to vapor degrease them. Use approved handling practices, inspect visually by clean hands or clean tools, and follow the manufacturer’s lubrication and cleaning guidelines.