Permanently Securing Sleeves in Worn Bearing Housings

  • Post last modified:December 24, 2025

When bearing housings are worn due to fretting, spinning, or damage, the repair solution often involves installing a sleeve to restore the proper bore diameter. This application demands a retaining compound that is High Strength to handle load, but critically, possesses large gap-filling capability to lock the sleeve securely into the damaged, loose-tolerance housing bore.

This is a High Strength, Large-Gap Permanent Repair application.

INCURE WeldLock™ 356 Retaining Compound (Metallic Grey)

The INCURE WeldLock™ 356 Retaining Compound is the definitive, high-viscosity solution designed specifically for repair and restoration applications involving worn parts. Its thick consistency and superior gap-filling make it ideal for sleeving loose-tolerance bearing housings.

Key FeaturePerformance for Sleeving Worn Housings
High Strength, High ViscosityCreates a robust, high-strength bond that permanently secures the sleeve into the worn housing, resisting shear, vibration, and walk-out forces.
Large Gap Fill (Up to 0.5mm)Essential for worn components. Fills the large, uneven diametral clearances inherent in damaged and worn bores, restoring a tight, secure fit.
Repair & Restoration FocusSpecifically designed for the repair and refitting of worn cylindrical parts (housings, keyways), extending the service life of costly mechanical components.
Temperature Resistance (150∘C)Maintains structural integrity under sustained operational heat generated in machinery and motor housings.

Application Steps: Sleeving Worn Bearing Housings

For optimal structural restoration and permanent retention of the sleeve, follow these steps:

1. Surface Preparation (Critical)

  1. Clean: Thoroughly clean the worn housing bore and the sleeve’s outer surface to remove all grease, oil, and contaminants. Use an industrial solvent (e.g., acetone) and wipe dry.
  2. Roughen: For best adhesion on severely worn or highly polished surfaces, lightly roughen the housing bore using light abrasion (sandpaper or grit).
  3. Activate (If Needed): If the assembly time is critical or if temperatures are low, apply a chemical activator to the bond surfaces.

2. Product Application

  1. Apply: Apply a generous, continuous bead of WeldLock™ 356 (due to its high viscosity and gap-filling) around the entire outer circumference of the sleeve or liberally coat the worn internal bore of the housing.
  2. Ensure Coverage: Ensure the thick paste consistency completely covers the damaged area to ensure maximum metal-to-metal contact through the compound.

3. Assembly and Curing

  1. Assemble: Immediately slide or press the sleeve into the housing bore. Ensure the sleeve is seated correctly.
  2. Wipe Excess: Remove any excess adhesive visible outside the joint immediately after assembly.
  3. Cure: Allow the assembly to fixture (typically 10 minutes). Allow a full 24 hours for the compound to reach maximum structural strength before placing the component back into service.