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Bearings & Lubrication Fundamentals

How bearings support rotating machinery, why most bearings fail early, and the lubrication discipline — right lubricant, right amount, right interval, right method — that keeps them alive. For technicians, operators and self-directed learners working around rotating equipment.

55m
Total time
4
Competency levels
12
Lessons

What you'll learn

  • Explain the difference between rolling-element and plain bearings and where each is typically used
  • Describe why most bearings fail long before their design life, and the dominant role of lubrication and contamination
  • Distinguish the functions of a lubricant and select between grease and oil for common applications
  • Apply the right-lubricant, right-amount, right-interval, right-method discipline to routine lubrication tasks
  • Implement contamination-control practices for lubricant storage, transfer and machine sealing
  • Recognise early signs of bearing distress — noise, heat and vibration — and respond appropriately

Curriculum

Progress through each competency level in order.

1

Awareness

  • Why bearings and lubrication matter
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Rolling and plain bearings — where each is used
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Awareness check: bearings basics
    Assessment
    7m
2

Knowledge

  • Why bearings really fail
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Lubricant functions and types: grease vs oil
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Knowledge check: failure causes and lubricant selection
    Assessment
    8m
3

Skill

  • The lubrication discipline: right lubricant, amount, interval, method
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Field task: lubrication survey of one machine
    Assignment
    3m
  • Skill check: lubrication in practice
    Assessment
    8m
4

Mastery

  • Contamination control and reading the signs of distress
    Knowledge
    3m
  • Improvement project: contamination-control audit and action plan
    Assignment
    3m
  • Mastery assessment: lubrication programme judgement
    Assessment
    8m

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