Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Practice Test 2025 - Free CMRT Practice Questions and Study Guide

Identifying bearing failure, such as spalling, is effectively done by observing the presence of metal flaking due to metal fatigue. Spalling refers to the process where small pieces of material break away from the surface of bearings due to cyclical stress and weakening of the material over time. This results in visible flaking or pitting on the surface of the bearing, which can be a crucial indicator of internal damage.

Recognizing metal flaking can provide immediate insight into the condition of a bearing and signal the need for maintenance or replacement. This observation is particularly important because it can often be detected visually during inspections or maintenance checks, allowing for proactive rather than reactive maintenance strategies.

Other indicators, such as excessive noise, vibration in equipment, and overheating, may suggest that there is a problem, but they can be symptoms of various issues, not solely indicative of spalling or fatigue in bearings. Identifying the specific failure through the direct observation of flaking provides a clearer and more immediate understanding of the condition and enabling targeted interventions.