Bearing Inspection Checklist
What to check when a bearing shipment arrives: carton and label match, marking, bore and OD with a caliper, seal seating, free rotation, grease. Printable.
A quick check on arrival catches transit damage or a packing mix-up before stock goes onto the shelf. This is a receiving-dock checklist, not a replacement for a pre-shipment inspection report.
On arrival
- Carton count matches the packing list.
- Carton labels match the packing list: model, quantity, batch reference.
- No visible carton damage, crushing or water staining.
Opening a sample carton
- Marking on the bearing or insert matches the carton label.
- Bore and outside diameter measured with a caliper match the model’s published size.
- Seal or shield is seated evenly, with no visible gap or lift on one side.
- Bearing rotates freely by hand, with no roughness, grinding or binding.
- Grease is present and not dried out or discoloured, where the bearing is pre-greased.
- No visible rust on rings, rolling elements or the bore and OD surfaces.
- Packaging inside the carton (bagging, dividers) matches what was ordered.
If something does not match
- Photograph the carton label, the marking and the issue before opening further cartons.
- Note the batch reference from the carton or packing list.
- Set the affected cartons aside rather than mixing them into general stock.
- Raise it with the supplier with the batch reference and photographs before the rest of the shipment is put away.
A pre-shipment inspection report, arranged before the goods ship, covers the items this checklist cannot — dimensions, radial clearance, rotation noise, vibration and material certificate at the factory. Ask for one on your next order; see bearing manufacturer in China for what a factory inspection report normally includes.
FAQ
What tools do I need for an incoming check?
A caliper for bore and outside diameter, and your hands for rotation and seal checks. A full dimensional and clearance check needs the equipment covered in a pre-shipment inspection report, which is a separate check done before the goods leave the factory.
How many pieces per batch should I check?
A common approach is to check every carton for label and marking match, then open a sample of cartons per batch for the dimensional and rotation checks — the sample size depends on batch size and your own quality procedure.
What if a bearing fails the rotation check?
Set it aside and check a few more from the same carton. An isolated rough-turning piece can happen in transit; several from the same carton points to a batch issue worth raising with the supplier before the rest of the shipment is put into stock.