ACORN guides us through the bearing remanufacturing process, highlighting the benefits and why many customers may be considering the option.
Picture this. A customer calls ahead of planned maintenance at their manufacturing facility. The shutdown is scheduled within the next month or two, and they need a replacement large-sized spherical roller bearing.
There are two problems: the budget is tight, and the deadline is even tighter.
You approach your usual supplier, but for a bearing of this size, lead times are long. At the same time, the cost of a brand-new component is likely to put the job outside of the customer’s budget.
You request quotations and even get prices for equivalent alternatives across a range of brands, but the numbers still don’t work.
You want to secure the order and help your customer keep their maintenance plans on track, but supplying a brand-new bearing is simply not realistic. What else can you offer?
If the customer has a suitable used bearing available, whether it is the bearing being replaced, a previously removed unit or an existing spare, it can be assessed for remanufacturing. By restoring an existing bearing, the customer may reduce costs and lead times while using fewer raw materials and less energy than manufacturing a replacement. Depending on the bearing and the work required, remanufacturing can also reduce associated carbon emissions by up to 90% compared with producing a new bearing.
For the distributor, this creates an opportunity to retain an order that might otherwise be lost, create better margin opportunities, strengthen the customer relationship and demonstrate technical value beyond simply supplying a replacement part.
What is bearing remanufacturing?
Remanufacturing is a controlled engineering process through which a used bearing is inspected, restored and tested against defined manufacturer requirements.
Depending on the condition of the bearing, the work can range from relatively minor refurbishment to extensive remanufacturing involving the regrinding of functional surfaces and replacement of major components.
Minor refurbishment may include cleaning, inspection, measurement, polishing and the replacement of seals. Full remanufacturing can go considerably further, with raceways reground and rolling elements, cages or bearing rings replaced where required.
The correct route can only be established once the bearing has been dismantled and assessed by the manufacturer.
The process begins with an initial application review which includes cleaning and dismantling the bearing, inspection and measurement, followed by an assessment report and quotation.
Once the customer has agreed on remanufacturing, the refurbishment takes place. The precise work depends on the bearing design, its condition and the manufacturer’s acceptance criteria. Not every bearing will require every operation.
The final stage includes reassembly, quality checks, preservation and packaging, after which the bearing is returned to the customer.
How long will a remanufactured bearing last?
This may be one of the first questions a customer will ask. And a professionally remanufactured bearing is not simply expected to provide a short-term stopgap.
Depending on the condition of the original bearing and the extent of the remanufacturing work, it can be restored to provide its full useful life. However, this will also depend on the operating conditions of the bearing, as the root cause of issues must also be addressed to get the best life possible out of the component.
Most manufacturers will provide a warranty, but it varies depending on the remanufacturing programme being used and should be confirmed as part of the quotation.
For example, bearings remanufactured through SKF or Schaeffler are currently supplied with a 24-month warranty.
Which bearing types can be remanufactured?
Remanufacturing is usually most commercially attractive for larger, higher-value bearings, specialist designs and bearings with long replacement lead times.
A small, readily available standard bearing will rarely make economic sense to remanufacture. In contrast, a large bearing with a lengthy manufacturing lead time could be an excellent candidate.
Suitability is not determined by size alone. Bearing design, condition, application, previous damage and the cost of the required work must all be considered.
More than a replacement part
Remanufacturing gives distributors another option when a new bearing can’t meet the customer’s budget or timescale.
It can help retain valuable business, demonstrate technical expertise and strengthen customer relationships through practical problem solving.
It also provides customers with a credible alternative to waiting for a new bearing or relying on an uncontrolled repair. By combining product supply with manufacturer-approved remanufacturing and technical support, distributors can help customers reduce costs and downtime while working towards their sustainability goals.
For ACORN®, this means giving distribution partners the products, expertise and support needed to find the right answer for their customers, even when buying new is not the best option.
Source: Best Bits Autumn 2026
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