Aircraft Bearing Maintenance Best Practices

In this blog, we will explore the main functions of bearings in aviation further, identifying where they are most commonly used and providing best practices for bearing maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.

The Basic Role of Bearings in Aircraft

While bearings can range from simple bushings to more advanced cylindrical bearings with races and rollers, all mostly serve the essential purpose of facilitating controlled movement while reducing wear. In aircraft, they are especially critical for ensuring efficiency and longevity of assemblies, with the following being common areas of use.

• Engines: Bearings are widely employed in engines to support rotating shafts, turbines, and compressors, enabling smooth operation at high speeds and temperatures.
• Landing Gear: Bearings carry heavy loads during takeoff, taxiing, and landing, absorbing significant shock and stress that is common to landing gear.
• Flight Controls: Bearings support hinges, levers, and actuators that govern flight controls like ailerons, elevators, and rudders.
• Auxiliary Systems: From pumps to onboard generators, bearings contribute to secondary systems that ensure operational readiness.

Best Practices for Aircraft Bearing Maintenance

Maintaining bearings requires a combination of preventive strategies, regular inspections, and adherence to manufacturer guidelines. Below are some of the best practices to ensure such hardware remains reliable across their service life, so read on to learn more.

Conduct Regular Inspections

Routine inspection practices are the foundation of effective bearing maintenance, with various procedures being commonplace. Generally speaking, maintenance professionals should be familiar with the following practices, which are commonly carried out across varying levels of inspection.

• Surface Visual Checks: As a simple means of determining the presence of issues, always be sure to look for signs of corrosion, discoloration, or pitting on outer surfaces.
• Assessing Fit and Alignment: The misalignment of a pin or shaft can cause accelerated wear and failure, so checks should be conducted on a regular basis or when an issue is suspected.
• Monitor for Noise and Vibration: Excessive vibration during operation often signals bearing fatigue or lubrication issues, denoting the need for further inspection or repair.

Follow Lubrication Protocols

Proper lubrication reduces friction, minimizes heat buildup, and prevents corrosion. While not all bearings will require lubrication or consistent reapplication, best practices for those that do include the following.

• Use Approved Lubricants: Only aviation-grade greases and oils should be applied to any bearing, with technicians closely following OEM specifications to avoid any issue.
• Avoid Over-Lubrication: Excess lubricant can cause contamination or leakage into nearby systems, so manufacturing maintenance manuals and historical data should be used.
• Monitor Intervals: Establish a consistent lubrication schedule for high-load assemblies like landing gear, ensuring that reapplication is not forgotten.

Properly Manage Environmental Exposure

Aircraft are regularly flown in diverse and challenging conditions, with operational environments ranging from hot deserts to humid oceansides. Bearings in particular are particularly vulnerable to contaminants such as dust, salt, or moisture, so it is important to take advantage of the following solutions as necessary to mitigate exposure.

• Utilize Sealed Bearings: When feasible, it can be highly advantageous to use sealed or shielded units to reduce contamination risk.
• Protective Covers: Install guards as you can to limit exposure in vulnerable locations.
• Regular Cleaning: Remove foreign debris during scheduled maintenance cycles to deter wear.

Ensure Proper Installation Practices

Improper installation is a leading cause of premature bearing failure. To avoid issues:

• Use Correct Tools: Specialized installation and removal tools can prevent damage to bearing races and housings, with compatibility being crucial.
• Check Alignment: Misaligned assemblies create uneven loads that shorten service lives, with shaft or cylindrical bearing being especially susceptible.
• Follow Torque Guidelines: Always adhere to manufacturer-recommended torque values for pins, bolts, and fasteners to ensure proper installation.

Supporting Aircraft Safety Through Bearing Fulfillment

Even with the right level of care, bearings still face the issue of having finite lifespans. Therefore, replacement at scheduled intervals is crucial for maintaining safety. For operators and maintenance teams the most seeking dependable fulfillment solutions for maintenance needs, ASAP Fasteners is a one-stop shop with a wide inventory of quality-assured bearings, tools, and related hardware that are sourced from leading manufacturers. Take the time to explore our expansive selection today, knowing that you can always get in touch with our staff to discuss procurement options and pricing.

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1. henry anderson
2. Posted on February 13, 2026
bearings

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