To determine the correct oil level in our rotating equipment, we have recently been using a laser level technique. First, determine the center line of the shaft and inscribe a line on the outside of the housing representing this point. Next, measure down one half of the bearing pitch diameter (aka, mean diameter) and inscribe another line. The pitch diameter is the bore diameter plus the outside diameter divided by two.

The lower inscribed line would be halfway up the lowest rolling element. Project the laser line to this lower inscribed line representing the correct oil level. By using this method, we determined that a constant level oiler situated remotely from the housing was set 1/2'' too low. For the size of the bearing (6313) this meant that the bearing was receiving no oil. Rebuild cost on this equipment (Lamson Blower) is approximately $30,000. The laser level tool was $50. (Submitted by David Gunn, MLT, Cariboo Pulp & Paper. Thanks David!)

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From "Insider Secrets to Hydraulics"

The expected service life of individual components within a hydraulic system varies and is influenced by a number of factors. These include the type and construction of the component, circuit design, operating load and duty-cycle. Machine manufacturers determine the expected service life of components within a particular system, by considering these variables in combination with historical data on achieved service life. This information is normally available from machine manufacturers upon request. To minimize the chances of hydraulic components failing in service, the machine manufacturers’ recommendations on expected service life should be used to schedule component change-outs.

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