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Please feel free to scroll down the list of frequently asked bearing questions and find out if your query has been asked before.

How much maintenance do bearings require?

Maintenance depends on the type of enclosures and lubricants your bearings have. Rubber sealed or Ultra sealed bearings require no maintenance and the lube is good for the life of the bearing. Metal shielded bearings that use either grease or oil should be constantly maintained and frequency level will vary depending on your application. Oil dissipates faster than grease, so typically shielded bearings using oil as lubrication will require constant care. Developing a regular maintenance schedule will substantially add to the life of your bearing.

What is the best way to maintain my bearings?

1.	Soak your bearings in mineral spirits or paint thinner to remove any grease or particulants.
2.	Blow bearing out with compressed air.
3.	Place a light drop of oil on the bearing.
4.	Give the bearing a spin; if they still feel rough repeat steps 1-3.
	Please Note: Other cleaning devices work well, but we find that the above steps are the best way to completely dissolve the dirt that gets under the retainer.

When should I replace my bearings?

If you have gone through the cleaning steps outlined above, and your bearings begin to feel gritty or notchie to the touch, they should be replaced. When bearings sit idle for a long time, they must be protected from any and all moisture. This is a common problem when storing small RC engines. If any moisture has gotten to the bearings, they will need to be replaced.

How do I remove the bearings from my RC engine?

Place your engine housing in an oven at 325°-350° C/F for 5 to 10 minutes. When you remove it from the oven your old bearings should fall right out, if not heat the engine a little longer. We also suggest you place your bearings inside a ziploc bag and keep them in the freezer overnight. Then slip the bearings into the engine while it is still slightly warm.

Should I remove the shields or seals from my engine bearings?

If your Front bearing has two rubber seals you should not remove them. These bearings have their own grease and can help stop oil leaks. If your bearing has two shields, we recommend you remove one of them.
Your Rear bearing should be open on both sides to allow as much fuel as possible to pass through and act as a lubricant. You may however want leave one shield on in the rear which would help to protect the rest of the engine from any foriegn matter getting through. This should not be done with one seal. If you find your engine is stingy in getting fuel to the rear, you should definitely leave the bearing open.

How do I remove my shields or seals?

For fixed metal shields, you should use an awl. Place the awl on the shield toward the outer race. Punch down lightly until you make a small hole. Then peel the shield back with the awl. Removable metal shields are held in place with a retaining ring. Run a sewing needle along the inside of the outer race to pop out the retainer. Once the retainer is removed, the shield should pop out with a light tap. To remove a rubber seal use a pen knife or sharp pointed object. In most cases the rubber cannot be re-used.

What is the purpose of bearing lubrication?

1.	Bearing lubrication extends the life of the bearing by reducing wear and friction between the mating components of the bearing assembly.
2.	Prevents corrosion and extends shelf life.
3.	Provides a level of protection from foreign material entering the rolling elements.
4.	Reduces the noise level of the bearing, lowers torque, and assists the bearing in reaching maximum operating speed.

Is grease or oil better in my application?

Grease consists of a base oil in a thickening agent. The thickening agent extends operational and shelf life by slowing the migration and evaporation of the oil. Grease is recommended for low speeds and less torque sensitive applications. Oil is recommended where low torque or high rotational speeds are a consideration. Many popular oils are generally the same as those used as base oils in greases.

offers a wide range of oils and greases for a variety of applications. Please contact a CAN bearing engineer for technical assistance with any special requirements.

What causes bearing noise?

Bearing noise is a function of both the bearing and the way it is used. Bearing noise is not generally influenced by ISO certification and there is no fixed standard among bearings manufacturers for acoustic noise. Some external factors which affect bearing noise include lubricant type, excessive bearing load, and improper installation.

What factors increase or decrease bearing torque?

Factors that increase bearing torque include:

Increased number of balls in the bearing.
Tight crimp ribbon retainer.
Tight radial play.
High lubricant viscosity.
Bearing - Load .
High applied.
High level of lubricant in the bearing.

Factors that decrease bearing torque include:

Fewer balls in the bearing.
Crown type or loose crimp retainer.
Loose radial play.
Low lubricant viscosity.
Low lube fill in the bearing.
Low applied bearing load.

Can V.KAN.EXPORT provide products outside of its standard product offering?

While VKE’s primary focus is on the wide array of products manufactured at our factory, we can provide product outside of our manufacturing capabilities. We offer this advantage as a one stop shopping service for our customers.

I do not see a design to fit my application in your catalog. Can you help me design a custom bearing?

Yes, technical expertise is available to assist with design engineering for custom products. Available options include, but are not limited to, custom rings, retainers, balls, shields, lubricants, and packaging. We look forward to working with you to satisfy your rotary motion requirements.