When drying bearings with low-pressure dry compressed air, DO NOT ______ the bearings as you dry them.

• A. Spin
• B. Inspect
• C. Lubricate
• D. Cool

Answer: (A)

When removing moisture with dry, low-pressure air, keep the bearing from rotating. If you spin the bearing while you’re drying it, the air flow can cause the races to turn and fling lubricants out of the bearing clearance, leaving the surfaces inadequately lubricated once the air is off. Rotation also makes it easier for dust or debris to be drawn into the bearing through the seals, increasing wear. In short, spinning disrupts lubrication and can introduce contaminants, so the safest approach is to dry the bearing with the shaft stationary and then inspect or relubricate as required after drying.