This Resource Centre provides general guidance only. Always follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, the product technical data sheet and your site’s safe system of work. Isolate stored energy before maintenance. For safety-critical, regulated or uncertain applications, ask a competent engineer or the product manufacturer to confirm the specification.
Can you identify a part from a photograph?
Often, yes. Send clear photographs of all sides and markings, plus key dimensions and details of the machine. A photograph alone may not reveal material, internal construction or pressure rating, so we may ask for more information before recommending a replacement.
What information do I need to identify a bearing?
Provide the complete designation, inside diameter, outside diameter, width, closure type and bearing construction. Tell us the application, speed, load, temperature and environment if the original part is unknown or failed early.
Do bearing suffixes matter?
Yes. Suffixes can identify seals, shields, internal clearance, cage, tolerance, lubrication or a special design. Match the complete designation or confirm a technically approved alternative.
Can I replace a shielded bearing with a sealed bearing?
Not automatically. A contact seal can improve contaminant exclusion but may add friction and reduce permissible speed. Confirm space, temperature, speed, lubrication and application requirements.
Why did a new bearing fail quickly?
Possible causes include contamination, incorrect fit, mounting damage, misalignment, unsuitable lubrication, overload, electrical current or an unresolved machine fault. Preserve the bearing and investigate the complete arrangement.
How do I tell metric and imperial threads apart?
Measure diameter and pitch, then compare thread form, taper and sealing method with a reliable chart. Never decide from diameter alone.
Are BSP and NPT interchangeable?
No. They use different thread forms and may use different pitches. Even if they begin to engage, a mixed connection can be weak or leak.
Does a hydraulic fitting always seal on the thread?
No. Many connections seal on an O-ring, bonded washer, flare or cone while the thread supplies the holding force. Identify the sealing point before applying any sealant.
Can I use PTFE tape on every pipe thread?
No. Use only where the connection design, fluid and manufacturer permit it. Tape is not appropriate for connections that seal on an O-ring or metal face, and loose material can contaminate fluid systems.
Can different greases be mixed?
Not without checking compatibility. Different base oils, thickeners and additives can produce an unstable mixture. Seek manufacturer confirmation or fully clean and change over using an approved procedure.
Is more grease better for a bearing?
No. Too much can cause churning, heat and seal damage; too little can cause lubricant starvation. Use the specified quantity and relubrication method.
How often should I grease a bearing?
There is no universal interval. Bearing size and type, speed, temperature, load, contamination, orientation, seals and grease performance all matter. Use the manufacturer’s method and refine the interval using condition evidence.
Why is my pneumatic cylinder moving slowly?
Common causes include low dynamic pressure, restricted flow, a blocked filter or silencer, undersized pipework, incorrect flow-control settings, leakage, valve contamination or mechanical binding.
Can I increase air pressure to get more force?
Only within every component’s rated pressure and the machine’s approved operating limits. First check load, pressure drop, cylinder sizing and mechanical condition. Raising pressure can hide the real fault.
How do I find a hydraulic leak?
Isolate energy and inspect safely. Never use your hand on a pressurised system. High-pressure fluid can penetrate skin; suspected injection injury needs immediate emergency medical attention.
Can a damaged hydraulic hose be repaired?
A pressure hose should not be patched or repaired with makeshift parts. Replace it with a correctly specified assembly and correct the abrasion, routing, heat or movement that caused the damage.
What is the difference between a threadlocker and a thread sealant?
A threadlocker primarily resists fastener loosening. A thread sealant closes the leakage path in a compatible threaded pipe joint. Select the product for the joint design and service conditions.
Why did my adhesive not cure?
Possible causes include the wrong product, contamination, unsuitable substrate, excessive gap, low temperature, missing activator, incorrect mix, expired material or insufficient cure time. Check the technical data sheet and quarantine the joint until resolved.
Is PPE enough to make a task safe?
No. PPE is normally the final layer after higher-level controls such as elimination, guarding, extraction and isolation. It must be selected from the task risk assessment and fit the wearer.
Can one glove protect against every chemical?
No. Glove performance varies by material, chemical, concentration, temperature and contact time. Use manufacturer permeation data and the risk assessment.
What details should I send for technical help?
Send the part number, machine make and model, clear photographs, dimensions, operating fluid, pressure, speed, load, temperature, environment and a description of the problem. Include what changed immediately before the fault.
Need help sourcing the item?
Send the manufacturer, reference, photographs and operating details.