Slewing bearings play a crucial role in heavy machinery, construction equipment, wind turbines, material-handling systems, and various industrial applications. As the core rotational support component, their durability directly impacts equipment stability, operating efficiency, and long-term maintenance costs.
Therefore, a primary concern for many companies before purchasing slewing bearings is their service life.
This article will provide a comprehensive analysis of the typical service life of slewing bearings from a professional perspective, highlighting the key factors influencing their lifespan and offering practical maintenance recommendations to help companies effectively extend equipment lifespan.
Typical Service Life of Slewing Bearings
Under standard working conditions and with proper maintenance, a high-quality slewing bearing typically offers a service life ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 hours.
However, actual service life is often shortened by load variations, improper lubrication, installation problems, or harsh operating conditions.
Understanding a bearing’s true lifespan helps businesses:
Develop reasonable maintenance and replacement plans
Prevent equipment downtime due to bearing failure
Match more suitable models and structural designs during procurement

Main Factors That Affect Slewing Bearing Life
1. Load Conditions
Load is the primary factor affecting the lifespan of a slewing bearing.
When a bearing is subjected to its rated load, its lifespan is usually maintained within its design range. However, if:
Prolonged overload
Frequent impact loads
Unbalanced load distribution
All of these will accelerate the wear of the raceways and rolling elements, causing fatigue spalling and ultimately leading to premature failure.
Recommendation: Accurately calculate the overturning moment, axial load, and radial load during the selection phase to ensure a sufficient safety factor.
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For more detailed information on the service life and influencing factors of slewing bearings, please click to visit:https://www.lynicebearings.com/a/blog/slewing-bearing-service-life-and-influencing-factors.html


