What should be inspected before installing a bearing?

Inspecting the shaft and housing for diameter and roundness is essential before installing a bearing because these dimensions directly affect how the bearing will function. If the shaft is not of the correct diameter or if it is not round, it could lead to improper seating of the bearing. This, in turn, can cause excessive wear, increased friction, overheating, and ultimately premature failure of the bearing. Ensuring that the shaft and housing meet the required specifications helps in achieving optimal performance and longevity of the bearing.

Other inspection factors, such as the bearing itself or the surface finish, while important, do not address the fundamental compatibility issues that may arise from the shaft and housing dimensions. Similarly, alignment is important, but without ensuring proper diameter and roundness, the alignment may not be relevant if the bearing cannot be installed correctly. Hence, focusing on the shaft and housing dimensions lays the groundwork for a successful bearing installation.