What is a common indicator of bearing failure in a pump?

A common indicator of bearing failure in a pump is excessive vibration. When bearings start to fail, they often create an imbalance in the moving parts, leading to increased vibration levels. This vibration can be harmful, causing further damage not just to the bearings, but also to the pump and its supporting structures. Monitoring vibration levels can provide early warnings of mechanical issues, allowing for timely maintenance and preventing catastrophic failure.

While noise from the pump can indeed indicate issues, it is not as direct a correlation to bearing failure. Noise can arise from various sources, such as cavitation or issues within the motor, so it might not specifically point to bearing problems. Consistent flow rate does not signify any issues; in fact, it indicates the pump is functioning normally. An increase in temperature can certainly signal problems such as overheating or lack of lubrication, but it is not exclusively indicative of bearing failure, as other components can also contribute to temperature increases. Therefore, excessive vibration is a more definitive sign of potential bearing issues.