3. Brinelling, Nicks

Characteristics	Damages	Causes	Countermeasures
[Brinelling, nicks] Brinelling is a small surface indentation generated either on the raceway through plastic deformation at the contact point between the raceway and rolling elements, or on the rolling surfaces from insertion of foreign matter, when heavy load is applied while the bearing is stationary or rotating at a low rotation speed. Nicks are those indentations produced directly by rough handling such as hammering. (Brinelling)	Brinelling on the raceway or rolling contact surface	Entry of foreign matter	Clean bearing and its peripheral parts. Improve sealing devices.
	Brinelling on the raceway surface at the same interval as the rolling element spacing	Impact load during mounting Excessive load applied while bearing is stationary	Improve mounting procedure. Improve machine handling.
	Nicks on the raceway or rolling contact surface	Careless handling	Improve mounting and handling procedure.