Bearings may seem like small components in the grand scale of industrial machinery, but their role is anything but minor. These crucial components allow machines to run with less friction, supporting shafts and facilitating smooth rotational movement.

However, when it comes to maintenance, not all bearings stack up the same. The type of bearing you choose can dramatically affect the amount of time spent on repairs and upkeep.

That’s where split bearings come into play. Unlike traditional bearings, which often require complete disassembly of surrounding components, split bearings can be installed or replaced without tearing down major sections of your machinery. 

This innovation is a game-changer, especially in industries where every second of downtime impacts productivity—and ultimately, profitability. Schaeffler’s FAG brand split cylindrical roller bearings shine in this space, offering not only time-saving benefits but also robust performance in high-load environments.

Understanding Standard vs. Split Bearings

Standard bearings typically consist of an inner and outer ring, rolling elements (such as balls or rollers), and a cage to hold everything in place. While effective, conventional “unsplit” bearings often require complete disassembly of equipment for maintenance or replacement, which includes having to disconnect the shaft to access the bearing. In industries with heavy-duty machinery, such as mining, steel production, or power generation, this can be a time-consuming and costly process, leading to significant operational downtime.

Split bearings, on the other hand, are designed to solve this problem. As the name suggests, split bearings are literally split into two halves, allowing them to be installed or replaced with minimal to no disturbance of the machinery’s other components. This design innovation is extra useful in applications where machinery is large, cumbersome, or difficult to access. Instead of dismantling the entire assembly, maintenance teams can replace just the bearing in a fraction of the time, saving valuable hours—or even days—of downtime and lost profits.

Schaeffler’s FAG Split Cylindrical Roller Bearings: A Smart Solution

When it comes to split bearings, Schaeffler’s FAG split cylindrical roller bearings are the right choice, offering unparalleled benefits in both performance and time-saving maintenance. These bearings are specifically engineered for industrial applications where high loads and continuous operation are the norm. Here’s why they meet and exceed expectations:

Reduced Installation Time

One of the biggest advantages of Schaeffler’s FAG split cylindrical roller bearings is ease of installation. Since the bearing is split into halves, it can be fitted directly onto the shaft with minimal to no disturbance of surrounding components, such as gears, couplings, or motors. This drastically reduces the amount of time and manpower needed to perform the job, leading to faster turnarounds and less disruption to operations overall.

High Load-Carrying Capacity

FAG split cylindrical roller bearings from Schaeffler are built to withstand high radial loads, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications like mining, steel manufacturing, and material handling. The cylindrical roller design distributes loads more evenly across the rolling elements, reducing the likelihood of premature wear or failure, even in the most demanding environments.

Advanced Sealing Solutions

Schaeffler’s split cylindrical roller bearings come equipped with advanced sealing options that prevent grease from escaping the bearing, and also inhibit contaminants like dirt, moisture, or chemicals from entering the bearing. This protects the bearing’s internal components, increasing their longevity and reducing the frequency of maintenance.

Precision and Alignment

Schaeffler’s FAG split cylindrical roller bearings are designed to maintain precise alignment, even under varying loads and operating conditions. This reduces the risk of misalignment, a common cause of bearing failure, which can further extend the life of the bearing and ensure smooth operation of your machinery. The FAG split cylindrical roller bearing cartridge and housing are self-aligning, which means they can handle up to ±3 degrees of misalignment!

Cost Efficiency

While split bearings may have a higher upfront cost compared to conventional bearings, the time savings realized through faster installation, reduced downtime, and longer service life make them the cost-effective choice in the long run.

Powder Coating

The bearing cartridge and housing are made from powder-coated ductile iron, which is a stronger, more impact resistant material that can handle lower temperatures. Powder coating also provides enhanced durability and corrosion resistance when compared to paint.

Versatility

Schaeffler’s FAG brand split CRBs are also extremely versatile, since they’re interchangeable with many conventional (unsplit) roller bearings as well most competitors’ split designs. Plus, they are offered in a comprehensive array of sizes– all FAG split cylindrical roller bearings are available in inch (1-7/16” to 16”) and metric (40 mm to 300 mm) sizes, while larger sizes (up to 32”) and special designs can be accommodated as well.

Take a look at how these bearings come apart in the animation below:

Maintenance Tips for Split Bearings

Although split bearings are designed for easy installation and reduced downtime, regular maintenance is still key to getting the most out of them. Here are a few tips to ensure your bearings continue to perform at their best:

1. Regular Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential to reduce friction and wear in any bearing. Make sure to use the recommended lubricant and keep a regular lubrication schedule. Over-lubricating can cause excess heat and damage, while under-lubricating can lead to increased wear.
2. Check Seals for Contaminants: Even with advanced sealing, contaminants can sometimes find their way into the bearing housing. Periodically inspect the seals for any signs of damage or wear. If the seals are compromised, replace them immediately to prevent contamination of the bearing components.
3. Monitor Vibration and Temperature: Abnormal vibrations or increased operating temperatures are often early indicators of bearing wear. Use vibration analysis and thermal imaging tools to monitor the condition of your bearings. If you notice any significant deviations from the norm, it may be time to inspect or replace the bearing.
4. Ensure Proper Alignment: Even though split bearings are designed to maintain alignment, it’s always a good practice to check for misalignment during maintenance. Misaligned bearings can cause uneven wear on the rollers, leading to premature failure.
5. Replace at the Right Time: Every bearing has a finite life. Be proactive about replacing bearings as they reach the end of their service life, rather than waiting for a complete failure. This approach will save you from more extensive repairs and unplanned downtime.

Are Split Bearings Right For You?

In the fast-paced world of industrial operations, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity is critical. Schaeffler’s FAG split cylindrical roller bearings offer a smart solution to this challenge. Their easy installation, high load capacity, and durability make them a preferred choice for industries where time truly is money. Combined with proper maintenance, these split bearings can significantly reduce the amount of time and resources spent on equipment upkeep, allowing your operations to keep rolling smoothly.

If you’re looking to save time and cut costs without sacrificing performance, it’s time to split from the standard, and upgrade to split bearings.

IBT Can Answer All Your Bearing Questions

IBT knows bearings– it’s right there in the name. We can help you find the perfect bearing for the job. Our experts can help you with any kind of bearing, from standard to split, roller to needle, and everything in between.

Looking for more in-depth education? We also provide online and in-person bearing and power transmission training. Hoping for some hands-on help? Our maintenance group can help you diagnose any bearing problems.

Maybe you’re wondering what bearings we have in our inventory. The easier question would be, what bearings DON’T we have? Explore all our bearings at ShopIBT.com.

We look forward to helping you find your next industrial solution!