Race rotation occurs when the outer ring of a bearing spins inside the housing, or the inner ring spins on the shaft, instead of remaining stationary. This is usually caused by an improper interference fit, thermal expansion, or excessive vibration. Over time, the spinning race machines away the housing or shaft material, creating loose clearances and severe misalignment.
Heard on the job
We've to sleeve the motor housing because race rotation chewed out the bore by thirty thousandths.
Also heard as
- spun bearing