How to Make Your Double Row Ball Slewing Bearing Last Longer ？
How to Make Your Double Row Ball Slewing Bearing Last Longer (Without Breaking the Bank)
So, you’ve got a double row ball slewing bearing – or maybe you’re thinking about buying one. These things are used in all kinds of heavy equipment: cranes, excavators, wind turbines.
But here’s the real question everyone asks: How do I make this slewing bearing last longer? And the second question: How do I do it without spending a fortune?
Good news – it’s totally possible. Let me walk you through a few simple tips.
1. Pick the Right Slewing Bearing from the Start
Honestly, a lot of problems start before the slewing bearing even gets installed. People pick one that's too small or too cheap, and then wonder why it fails early.
When you're choosing a double row ball slewing bearing, keep these three things in mind:
Load capacity – Don’t guess. Check your equipment’s actual loads (axial, radial, tilting moment). Going too small just to save money will backfire.
Material – Good slewing bearings use steel like 50Mn or 42CrMo, with hardened raceways (HRC55–62).
Seals – A cheap seal lets in dirt and water. That’s a fast track to failure. Get good rubber seals that won’t crack.
2. Install It Right – Seriously, It Matters
You’d be surprised how many people mess up the installation. A double row ball slewing bearing is tough, but it’s not magic. It needs a good foundation.
Quick installation tips:
Keep the mounting surface flat – Like, really flat. More than 0.05mm/m of unevenness, and your slewing bearing will start complaining (by wearing out fast).
Tighten bolts the right way – Use a torque wrench, follow a star pattern, and do it in 2–3 steps. No shortcuts.
Don’t hammer on it – I’ve seen people hit the raceway or seal area. Please don’t.
3. Lube It Like You Mean It
Here’s a simple truth: no lubrication = no life. The balls and raceways inside your double row ball slewing bearing are under a lot of pressure. Grease is what keeps them from eating each other alive.
What to do:
Use a good lithium-based grease with EP (extreme pressure) additives.
How often? Every 500 hours of work. If it’s dusty, wet, or hot outside, do it every 200–300 hours.
While you’re greasing, slowly rotate the slewing bearing so the grease actually goes everywhere it needs to.
4. Do Quick Daily Checks – It Takes 2 Minutes
Ask yourself every day:
Does the slewing bearing rotate smoothly? Any grinding or weird noises?
Is there more play than before? If you can feel the double row ball slewing bearing wobbling, something’s wrong inside.
Are the bolts loose? Check them especially in the first month after installation.
Catching problems early is the easiest way to make a slewing bearing last longer.
5. Don’t Be Mean to Your Slewing Bearing
I know – work needs to get done. But constantly overloading a double row ball slewing bearing is like asking someone to run a marathon every day without rest.
Try to avoid:
Running cranes or excavators at max reach for hours
Ignoring high wind warnings on wind turbines
Slamming the slewing bearing into reverse under full load
Treat it decently, and it’ll treat you decently.
6. Want to Save Money? Here’s How to Make It Feasible
Not everyone has a big budget. That’s okay. Here are some wallet-friendly ideas for your double row ball slewing bearing:
Repair instead of replace – If the raceway is only slightly worn, you can sometimes use oversized balls or adjust the clearance. Cost is about 40–60% of a new slewing bearing.
Pick common sizes – When buying a new slewing bearing, choose one with standard bolt patterns and dimensions. Makes replacement much easier later.
Add cheap sensors – A simple vibration sensor or temperature sticker on your double row ball slewing bearing can warn you before things go bad. Costs almost nothing, saves a lot.
Hope this helps! Got any questions about slewing rings? Drop a comment – happy to chat.
