Cooling tower fan motors and their drive shafts run in humid air, often for long seasonal periods, with moisture and condensation constantly challenging the bearing seals. Fan loads and restricted access make every bearing change a job that service teams want to do only once. Cooling service providers focus on the correct execution for each position and on reliable sealing against moisture.
- Check the seal or shield execution against the original bearing, since moisture ingress is a main concern in the wet air around a cooling tower.
- Identify the correct bearing for each motor position, because large fan motors may use different bearing types at the two shaft ends.
- Consider stainless steel bearings for suitable small and lightly loaded positions directly exposed to moisture, after checking load capacity against the original bearing.
- Review shaft-support bearings and housings for corrosion during seasonal service, and include any needing replacement on the same list as the motor bearings.