Baldor bearings bad once again, swap some Japanese bearings in and call it a day. I just gave this motor a new heart. #hvac #hvactrade #baldor #japanensemechincal #milwaukeetools #craftsmantools #huskytools #pcuexhaust
Is the motor on a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)? I feel the bearing problem is most likely a result of shaft voltage. The approach is to cut the bearing apart and look for shaft voltage and possible fluting. You could start with popping the old bearing shields and looking at the grease inside. If it is discolored that is the first sign of micro arcing caused by the shaft voltage. The voltage on the shaft sparks across the grease film inside the bearing. There are many grounding brush solutions available to prevent bearing damage from shaft voltage. Another additional protection measure would be to install ceramic ball bearings which insulate and break the electrical path through the bearings. I am a Reliability Specialist for the largest Midwest Electric Motor Repair Shop Company, I fix problems like this daily.
I’ve heard of this happening. When I replace OG motors I end up getting new motors that come with the ring grounding kits installed already. There’s also a product out that look like current donuts but instead they help prevent arc from VFD’s. My thing is I have original motors that are close to 20 years old on VFD’s they are still rocking. But anything coming out from the last 5 years seems like pure trash does not last.
