Bearings

Sleeve bearings, which may also be referred to as bushings, utilize sliding friction and are best used for low-speed, low-load units like small blower motors. These are a cheaper bearing and enable quiet operation, however they are also less durable than ball bearings and will wear faster, particularly in high speeds or loads. Ball bearings contain small balls between inner and outer races, and use rolling friction. They are best used for medium-speed, medium-load units such as condenser fan motors. They are more expensive than sleeve bearings and slightly noisier, but they do have a longer life and require less maintenance as well.

During regular HVAC system maintenance, bearings should be inspected as they are components that can wear. It’s important to note what type of bearing is used in the unit as some of them may need lubrication. Sleeve bearings often require periodic oiling. Ball bearings, particularly for newer systems, often come pre-lubricated. There are maintenance-free bearings that are do not require pre-lubrication for the full life, which make them ideal for hard-to-access installations. Lubricating bearings can help reduce friction and prevents overheating, extending the life of the motor or fan.

HVAC bearings are crucial to the efficient operation of HVAC systems, and prevent overheating in motors, fan imbalance, and system shutdowns. To avoid premature motor failure, make sure your bearings are lubricated and in good shape. If it’s time for replacement, LONG PartsPros has your back! We stock OEM-compatible bearings for all types of HVAC systems from trusted brands like Daikin Applied, Xylem-Bell & Gossett, and Regal Rexnord.