Rexnord in mining: bearings and housings for crushers, mills, screens and conveyors

In mining, Rexnord spherical roller bearings are a frequent choice for shafts that support combined radial and axial loads, with misalignments typical of heavy-duty work. They are found in conveyor belt pulleys, grinding drums and large gearboxes. Their design with two rows of rollers with a spherical raceway in the outer ring allows them to absorb shaft deflections without losing load capacity.

To order them, it is best to identify the code engraved on the ring, such as 2400U, 2311U or 5200U. If the part is badly damaged, you can measure the bore, outer diameter and width, and send a photo of the assembly. At MR we stock these roller bearings and help you confirm the exact reference.

A common mistake is replacing a spherical roller bearing with a rigid ball bearing to save on initial cost: in mining applications, misalignment and impacts end up destroying the rigid bearing in a short time. Another point to check is the fit on the shaft and in the housing, because excessive play accelerates wear. It is always advisable to check the condition of the seals and lubrication before assembly.

Y-bearings, also called inserts, are units with a spherical outer ring that are mounted inside pillow block or flange housings. In mining they are used in conveyor belts, bucket elevators, sand washers and auxiliary equipment. Their advantage is that they allow simple initial alignment and are replaced quickly, which is key when plant downtime must be minimized.

Some Rexnord codes of this type are 3111U, 3115U or 3107U. It is also worth noting the number of the housing where it is mounted, because the assembly is ordered separately or together depending on the case. If the code cannot be read, the shaft size in inches or millimeters is the most useful data for the search.

When mounting a new insert, make sure the locking ring is properly secured against the shaft and that the housing is firm on its base. A poorly secured insert rotates on the shaft and wears both. It is also important to respect the type of seal that the bearing has, because in dusty and humid environments an inadequate seal lets contaminants in.

Rexnord bearing housings are cast iron or steel parts that house the bearing and secure it to the equipment structure. In mining they are used in crushers, mills, screens and conveyors, where vibrations and loads are intense. A well-chosen housing distributes forces and facilitates bearing maintenance.

Some Rexnord housing codes are ZA9215, ZB9115 or ZB6307. For a quote, it is best to send the complete code if it is legible, or the housing dimensions and the center distance between the mounting holes. A photo of the mounted housing also helps identify the model.

A frequent mistake is reusing a housing with a worn base or cracks: this transmits vibrations to the new bearing and shortens its life. You also need to check that the mounting holes match the structure, because forcing alignment generates extra loads. At MR we distribute these housings and indicate the correct model according to the bearing and the application.

Rexnord Y-housings with insert bearing are assembled units that combine a pillow block, flange or take-up housing with an insert bearing. They are used in conveyor belts, feeders, screens and ore handling equipment. Because they come as an assembly, they simplify ordering and mounting, since the bearing is already housed in the housing.

Some codes of these assemblies are P2B-208-T, P2B-307-T or P4B-207-T. It is worth noting the complete code and, if possible, the shaft size. At MR we stock these assemblies and quote the exact reference or its equivalent according to the need.

When installing a new assembly, check that the shaft is clean and free of burrs, and that the insert locking screw is properly tightened. It is also key to align the housing with the rest of the system, because misalignment generates heat and premature wear.

Rexnord friction bushings are cylindrical sleeves that are placed between a shaft and its housing to reduce wear from friction. In mining they appear in crusher joints, loader arms, screen shafts and adjustment mechanisms.

Some codes of these bushings are 701-66032-128, 701-60064-256 or 701-60048-192. To order them, the most practical thing is to send the code if it is engraved, or measure the bore, outer diameter and length. A photo with a ruler next to it helps confirm the dimensions.

A common mistake is mounting a bushing with excessive interference, which deforms it and reduces the internal clearance needed for lubrication. You also need to check the condition of the shaft: if it has deep scratches, it will damage the new bushing. At MR we distribute these bushings and help you choose the correct material and dimensions.

When a Rexnord bearing or housing fails during operation, the first thing to do is read the code engraved on the part. On spherical roller bearings and inserts, the code is usually on the outer ring or on the seal. On housings, it may be on the base or on the side. If the part is badly damaged, you can resort to the main dimensions and photos of the assembly.

In addition to the code, it is worth recording the shaft size, the housing type and the position on the equipment (pulley side, drum side, etc.). That information allows confirming the reference and detecting whether there was a previous selection error. At MR we work with this data to quote the exact part or indicate the correct alternative.

A frequent mistake is ordering only by shaft size without considering the width or the seal type, which can lead to a bearing that does not fit or does not seal properly. Another is not checking the condition of neighboring parts: a worn housing or a scratched shaft will ruin the new bearing. That is why it is always advisable to send as much data as possible.

To quote a Rexnord part, the ideal is to send the complete code that appears on the part, such as 2400U or P2B-208-T. If it cannot be read, the main dimensions are useful: bore, outer diameter, width and, for housings, center distance between mounting holes. A photo of the part and of the place where it is mounted also helps a lot.

In addition to the code or dimensions, it is worth indicating the equipment where the part works (crusher, mill, screen, conveyor) and the operating conditions: presence of water, dust, temperature or vibrations. That data allows choosing the appropriate seal and internal clearance. At MR we quote the exact reference and indicate whether any special adjustment should be considered.

A common mistake is sending only a blurry photo or an incomplete code, which forces several back-and-forth exchanges. With complete information, the quote is faster and with less margin for error.