What percentage of bearings typically reach their design lifetime?

The design lifetime of bearings is often defined under ideal conditions, taking into account proper lubrication, precise installation, and regular maintenance. However, in real-world applications, various factors such as misalignment, poor lubrication, contamination, and excessive loads can significantly affect bearing performance and longevity.

Research and industry statistics indicate that a substantial number of bearings fail to reach their intended lifespan due to these operational challenges. It’s common for the percentage of bearings that reach their design lifetime to be significantly lower than expected. Evidence suggests that, in practical environments, it’s not unusual for only about 10% of bearings to achieve their design life, primarily because many installations do not maintain optimal operating conditions throughout the bearing's life cycle.

Understanding the challenges faced by bearings in various operational settings helps in recognizing why the vast majority fall short of their design expectations. This underscores the importance of proper maintenance practices and condition monitoring to extend bearing life.