Deformed cage
The rib of this cage design has been bent out of round. Even small distortions of the assembly can destroy a bearing.

This type of damage is usually the result of rough handling. Hammering on the bearing during installation is a likely cause. However, excessive press fit from a distorted hub or a mis-application (wrong part number) could also produce this damage.

Nicks and dents
Damage like this dent in the cage or retainer is the result of a sharp tool being used to install or seat the bearing. A drift or screwdriver used on a bearing is guaranteed damage.

Training and tips on bearing installation are available on this site by clicking (under construction) here.

Broken ring
The hairline crack shown here is a break in the inner ring. The cause is excessive pressure on the bearing.

It is possible that an outside shock to the wheel end could produce this break, but it would have to be so great as to leave plenty of other clues. The more likely cause is excessive interference fit (wrong size) or excessive installation pressure.

Dented cup
This is a clear example of a bad installation. Dings and dents in the outer bearing surfaces are almost always the result of attempts to install the bearing improperly.

In this example, some sharp tool, likely a drift, was used to press the cup into the housing.

The solution to this problem is proper training. To help, CR has prepared Seal and Bearing Installation Guides that are free and available through your heavy duty distributor or by e-mailing us using the feedback selection below.