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NOT MEASUREMENT SENSITIVE

MIL-DTL-197M
22 November 2016
SUPERSEDING
MIL-DTL-197L
11 October 2011

DETAIL SPECIFICATION

PACKAGING OF BEARINGS,
ASSOCIATED PARTS AND SUBASSEMBLIES

This specification is approved for use by all Departments and Agencies of the Department
of Defense.

1. SCOPE

1.1 Scope. This specification covers the cleaning, drying, preservation, packaging, and
packaging marking requirements for all types and sizes of stock and production bearings,
associated parts, and subassemblies (see 6.1).

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

2.1 General. The documents listed in this section are specified in sections 3 and 4 of this
specification. This section does not include documents cited in other sections of this specification or
recommended for additional information or as examples. While every effort has been made to ensure
the completeness of this list, document users are cautioned that they must meet all specified
requirements of the documents cited in sections 3 and 4 of this specification, whether or not they are
listed.

2.2 Government documents.

2.2.1 Specifications and standards. The following specifications and standards form a
part of this document to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of
these documents are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

Comments, suggestions, or questions on this document should be addressed to DLA Aviation

VEB, 8000 Jefferson Davis Highway, Richmond, VA 23297-5616, or e-mailed to
STDZNMGT@[Link]. Since contact information can change, you may want to verify the
currency of this address information using the ASSIST database at [Link]

AMSC N/A AREA PACK

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FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS

QQ-A-1876 - Aluminum Foil

PPP-B-566 - Boxes, Folding, Paperboard
PPP-B-585 - Boxes, Wood, Wirebound
PPP-B-676 - Boxes, Setup
PPP-B-1055 - Barrier Material, Waterproof, Flexible
PPP-C-96 - Cans, Metal, 28 Gage and Lighter
PPP-C-795 - Cushioning Material, Packaging (Flexible Closed
Cell Plastic Film, for Long Distribution Cycles)
PPP-C-1120 - Cushioning Material, Uncompressed Bound Fiber
for Packaging
PPP-D-723 - Drums, Fiber

FEDERAL STANDARD

FED-STD-791 - Testing Method of Lubricants, Liquid Fuels, and

Related Products

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION

A-A-3174 - Plastic Sheet, Polyolefin

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECIFICATIONS

MIL-DTL-117 - Bags, Heat-Sealable

MIL-PRF-121 - Barrier Materials, Greaseproof, Waterproof,
Flexible, Heat-Sealable
MIL-P-130 - Paper, Wrapping, Laminated and Creped
MIL-PRF-131 - Barrier Materials, Water-vapor-proof, Grease-proof,
Flexible, Heat-Sealable,
MIL-D-3464 - Desiccants, Activated, Bagged, Packaging Use and
Static Dehumidification
MIL-PRF-6085 - Lubricating Oil: Instrument, Aircraft, Low
Volatility
MIL-C-11796 - Corrosion Preventive Compound, Petrolatum Hot
Application
MIL-DTL-17667 - Paper, Wrapping, Chemically Neutral (Non-
Corrosive)
MIL-B-17931 - Bearings, Ball, Annular, for Quiet Operation
MIL-PRF-20092 - Rubber or Plastic Sheets and Assembled and
Molded Shapes, Synthetic, Foam or Sponge, Open
Cell
MIL-PRF-22191 - Barrier Materials, Transparent, Flexible, Heat-
Sealable

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE SPECIFICATIONS - Continued

MIL-PRF-26514 - Polyurethane Foam, Rigid or Flexible, for

Packaging
MIL-PRF-27617 - Grease, Aircraft and Instrument, Fuel and Oxidizer
Resistant
MIL-PRF-32033 - Lubricating Oil, General Purpose, Preservative
(Water-Displacing, Low Temperature)
MIL-I-52211 - Industrial Gas Production Equipment, Accessories,
and Support Items; Packaging of
MIL-DTL-53131 - Lubricating Oil, Precision Rolling Element Bearing,
Polyalphaolefin Based
DOD-L-81846 - Lubricating Oil, Instrument, Ball Bearing, High
Flash Point
MIL-PRF-83671 - Foam-in-Place Packaging Materials, General
Specification for

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE STANDARDS

MIL-STD-129 - Military Marking for Shipment and Storage

MIL-STD-130 - Identification, Marking of U.S. Military Property
MIL-STD-1334 - Process for Barrier Coating of Anti-Friction
Bearings
MIL-STD-2073-1 - Standard Practice for Military Packaging
MIL-STD-3004 - Quality Assurance/Surveillance for Fuels,
Lubricants and Related Products
MIL-STD-3010 - Test Procedures for Packaging Materials

(Copies of these documents are available online at [Link]

2.2.2 Other government documents, drawings, and publications. The following other
government documents and publications form a part of this document to the extent specified
herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues are those cited in the solicitation or contract.

CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS

21 CFR - Food and Drugs

29 CFR - Labor
40 CFR - Protection of the Environment
49 CFR - Transportation

(Copies of these documents are available online at [Link]

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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (NASA)

NASA JPR 5322.1 - Contamination Control Requirements Manual

NASA-STD-6001 - Flammability, Offgassing, and Compatibility
Requirements and Test Procedures

(Copies of these documents are available online from [Link]

2.3 Non-government publications. The following documents form a part of this document
to the extent specified herein. Unless otherwise specified, the issues of these documents are those
cited in the solicitation or contract.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY

ASQ Z1.4 - Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by

Attributes

(Copies of this document are available online from [Link]

ASTM INTERNATIONAL

ASTM D1974/D1974M - Standard Practice for Methods of Closing, Sealing,

and Reinforcing Fiberboard Boxes
ASTM D4727/D4727M - Standard Specification for Corrugated and Solid
Fiberboard Sheet Stock (Container Grade) and Cut
Shapes
ASTM D5118/D5118M - Standard Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard
Shipping Boxes
ASTM D5168 - Standard Practice for Fabrication and Closure of
Triple-Wall Corrugated Fiberboard Containers
ASTM D5486/D5486M - Standard Specification for Pressure-Sensitive Tape
for Packaging, Box Closure, and Sealing
ASTM D6251/D6251M - Standard Specification for Wood-Cleated
Panelboard Shipping Boxes
ASTM D6256/D6256M - Standard Specification for Wood-Cleated Shipping
Boxes with Skidded, Load-Bearing Bases
ASTM D6576 - Standard Specification for Flexible Cellular Rubber
Chemically Blown
ASTM D6880/D6880M - Standard Specification for Wood Boxes
ASTM D7478/D7478M - Standard Specification for Heavy Duty Sheathed
Wood Crates
ASTM F25/F25M - Standard Test Method for Sizing and Counting
Airborne Particulate Contamination in Cleanrooms
and Other Dust-Controlled Areas

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ASTM INTERNATIONAL - Continued

ASTM F50 - Standard Practice for Continuous Sizing and

Counting of Airborne Particles in Dust-Controlled
Areas and Clean Rooms Using Instruments Capable
of Detecting Single Sub-Micrometre and Larger
Particles
ASTM F311 - Standard Practice for Processing Aerospace Liquid
Samples for Particulate Contamination Analysis
Using Membrane Filters
ASTM F312 - Standard Test Methods for Microscopical Sizing
and Counting Particles from Aerospace Fluids on
Membrane Filters

(Copies of these documents are available online at [Link]

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION

ISO14644-1 - Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments

Part 1: Classification of air cleanliness
ISO14644-2 - Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments
Part 2: Specifications for testing and monitoring to
prove continued compliance with ISO 14644-1

(Copies of these documents are available online at [Link]

SAE INTERNATIONAL

SAE AS6039 - Bearings, Ball, Rod End, Double Row, Self-

Aligning
SAE AS7949 - Bearings, Ball, Airframe, Antifriction, General
Standard for
SAE AS8976 - Bearings, Plain, Self-Aligning, All Metal
SAE AS39901 - Bearings, Roller, Needle, Airframe, Antifriction,
Inch
SAE AS81820 - Bearings, Plain, Self-Aligning, Self-Lubricating,
Low Speed Oscillation
SAE AS81934 - Bearings, Sleeve, Plain and Flanged, Self-
Lubricating
SAE AS81935 - Bearings, Plain, Rod End, Self-Aligning, Self-
Lubricating, General Specification For

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SAE INTERNATIONAL - Continued

SAE AS81936 - Bearings, Plain, Self-Aligning (Cu-Be Ball, CRES

Race) General Specification For
SAE AMS-G-81937 - Grease, Instrument, Ultra-Clean, Metric

(Copies of these documents are available online at [Link]

2.4 Order of precedence. Unless otherwise noted herein or in the contract, in the event of
a conflict between the text of this document and the references cited herein, the text of this
document takes precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and
regulations unless a specific exemption has been obtained.

3. REQUIREMENTS

3.1 General. This procedural document provides the detailed preservation and packaging
requirements for bearings, associated parts, and subassemblies. Many of the methods of
preservation described herein have been derived from MIL-STD-2073-1. However, the methods
specified in this document have been tailored to meet the necessary requirements for the proper
protection of bearings. Consequently, the methods specified herein are not identical to those
detailed in MIL-STD-2073-1. The general requirements of 3.1.1 through [Link] shall apply in
performing all methods of preservation in accordance with this document.

3.1.1 Hazardous material. Packaging of hazardous material shall comply with the
applicable requirements contained in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Titles 29, 40, and 49.
Hazardous material shipment documentation shall be provided with the shipment as required.

[Link] Ozone depleting substances (ODSs). ODSs shall not be used in the performance
of the methods or procedures described in this specification.

3.1.2 Loose fill materials. Loose fill materials are prohibited in all military packages.

3.1.3 Facilities. Bearings shall be preserved and packaged in facilities that meet the
requirements of this document.

3.1.4 Transfer to a subcontract packaging facility. The following procedure, as specified

in [Link] through [Link], shall be used when transferring the bearings from the manufacturing
facility to a subcontract packaging facility:

[Link] Required information. The packaging facility shall be provided all the necessary
information that includes and clearly defines the type bearings and degree of preservation/
packaging required in accordance with this specification. This is to include complete
identification of embedded lubricants as may have been applied by the manufacturer during
production to meet government contract requirements. When bearings are provided to the
packager with required lubrication or an acceptable contact preservative compound applied, and
also protected in manufacturer's intimate packs meeting requirements of this specification, this

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protection shall be maintained and this information shall be fully communicated to the packager.
Subsequent required final packaging shall be accomplished as specified herein.

[Link] Prior to cleaning. Bearings shall be protected against damage and shipped to the
packager with a minimum of transport and storage time. The packager shall perform military
preservation operations and packaging as specified herein.

[Link] Prior to packaging. Lubricated bearings (see 3.3.4) and preserved bearings
(see [Link]) scheduled for transfer to a packaging facility shall be placed individually or in bulk
in a clean dust-excluding container. Containers and lining shall protect the bearings against
damage, corrosion and deterioration when shipped in the protective container. Storage and
transport time shall be held to a minimum and intimate wrapping shall be applied in the required
packaging environment.

3.2 Packing (intermediate and exterior containers).

3.2.1 Packing level. Unless otherwise specified (see 6.2), all bearings shall employ level
A or B packing as defined in section 3 of MIL-STD-2073-1.

3.2.2 Level A packing. Packaged bearings shall be packed in containers conforming to

the following:

Specification Class/type
PPP-B-585 Class 3, military overseas
ASTM D6251/D6251M Class 2, overseas boxes
ASTM D6880/D6880M Class 2, heavy duty
ASTM D5118/D5118M Class weather resistant, corrugated and solid
fiberboard
ASTM D5168 Class weather resistant, not applicable

Exterior shipping containers shall be multi-application type containers designed to protect

bearings and bearing components within a given fragility and size range. Intermediate containers
shall provide weather resistant case liners, closed and sealed in accordance with military
practices. Alternately, wrapping of unit or intermediate packages with PPP-B-1055 barrier
material with all seams sealed with a minimum 2-inch wide tape conforming to
ASTM D5486/D5486M is acceptable in lieu of case liners. Boxes shall be closed, strapped, or
banded in accordance with the applicable box specification, except that ASTM D5118/D5118M
boxes shall be closed, sealed, and reinforced using any method in ASTM D1974/1974M. Unless
otherwise specified (see 6.2), the gross weight of wood or wood-cleated boxes shall not exceed
1000 pounds; fiberboard boxes shall not exceed the weight limitation of the applicable box
specification.

[Link] Exterior shipping container. Unless otherwise specified (see 6.2), containers
conforming to ASTM D5118/D5118M, ASTM D5168, and PPP-B-566, shall be prohibited as
exterior shipping containers under level A.

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[Link].1 Exception. Exceptions shall be as follows:

a. For bearing unit protection method 44B (where shipments do not exceed 20 pounds
gross weight), the shipping container shall be in accordance with ASTM D5118/D5118M, class
weather resistant. Fiberboard separators or other devices of material in accordance with
ASTM D4727/D4727M shall be provided to separate unit packages both horizontally and
vertically.

b. For bearing unit protection method 20B, shipping containers not exceeding 1000
pounds gross weight shall be in accordance with ASTM D6251/D6251M or ASTM
D6880/D6880M. Containers shall have skids applied in accordance with the applicable
container specification. Shipping containers exceeding 1000 pounds gross weight shall be in
accordance with ASTM D6256/D6256M or ASTM D7478/D7478M. Dunnage shall be used to
prevent movement of the bearing relative to the crate. Nylon sling straps shall be used in lifting
bearings from the crate.

3.2.3 Level B packing. Bearings shall be packed in containers conforming to the

following:

Specification Class/type
PPP-B-585 Class 2, normal overseas or
Class 3, military overseas
ASTM D6251/D6251M Class 1, domestic boxes
Class 2, overseas boxes
ASTM D6880/D6880M Class 2, heavy duty
ASTM D5118/D5118M Class weather resistant, corrugated and solid
fiberboard
ASTM D5168 Class weather resistant, not applicable

Box closures, sealing, and reinforcement shall be as specified in the applicable box specification
or as specified in ASTM D1974/D1974M.

3.3 Preservation.

3.3.1 Selection of methods of preservation. The methods of preservation listed in table I

and as described in 3.3.2 through 3.9.3 shall apply depending upon bearing type, size, and any
specific contract requirements included in the procurement item description. The details of these
methods are described in this specification (see 3.10.3 through 3.10.14). These requirements
shall be considered the minimum acceptable.

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TABLE I. Methods of unit preservation by size or type.

Open/closed bearings 1
Size or type
MIL-DTL-197 method
Up to and including 1.1811 inches 41B
or 30 millimeters (mm) (metric) outside diameter (OD) 2 44B
46B
52B
55B
Over 1.1811 inches or 30 mm (metric) 20B
but not exceeding 16 inches OD 2, 3 40B
41B 4
Greater than 16 inches OD or 406 mm (metric) 49B
or greater than 10 pounds (lbs.) 32B
Plain bearings, self-aligning bearings, rod end bearings, 33B
sleeve bearings, and airframe bearings
Optional methods (see 3.3.1) 45B
54B
1
Cleaning and drying shall apply only to open, non-lubricated bearings.
2
Method 40B is required for bearings to MIL-B-17931.
3
Method 20B may be used for bearings with OD over 4.86 inches or over 123 mm.
4
No weight limit when used with supporting container (MIL-DTL-117, type I, heavy duty).

NOTE: In the event that a bearing falls into two categories in Table I, the higher packaging
method shall be used”. i.e. “Bearing, Ball, Rod End shall be packaged method 41B (ball bearing)
rather than 33B (rod end bearing)

3.3.2 General preservation process. Unless otherwise specified (see 6.2), all bearings
shall be subject to a general preservation procedure. The details of that procedure are determined
by bearing type, closure, and contract or purchase order requirements. The general procedure
consists of the following steps: demagnetization, cleaning, drying, preservation or lubrication,
intimate bagging or wrapping, and unit packaging. These steps are not listed in sequence and
additional steps may be required.

3.3.3 Demagnetization, cleaning and drying. Prior to cleaning, the magnetization of

instrument precision ball bearings shall not exceed a pole strength of two gauss and the
magnetization of all other bearings shall not exceed a pole strength of five gauss. Bearings in
excess of the applicable value shall be demagnetized and retested. Bearings shall be cleaned and
dried according to type and closure and contract or purchase order requirements. Pre-lubricated
bearings shall not be subjected to the cleaning process. Processed bearings shall be free of any
chemical or particulate residue that will have detrimental effect on the life of the bearing.

3.3.4 Lubricants and preservative compounds. Lubrication of bearings and actual

lubricants used shall conform to government prime contract item description requirements. Any
resultant flow-down of item description requirements to a packaging facility shall include the
same item description information (see [Link]). When lubrication is not applicable, then a
contact preservative compound shall be applied in accordance with contract or purchase order
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requirements. When the bearing item description does not specify a contact preservative
compound, then the preservative material shall be as specified in table II.

Self-lubricating bearings, as described within this document, shall not have lubricants or
preservative compounds applied.

TABLE II. Lubricants and preservative compounds.

Closed race bearings

Precautionary
Bearing type Preservative or preservative lubricant 1
marking
General purpose
and precision
Instrument
and instrument precision
Large (Over 16 inches OD
or over 10 pounds) Preservative same as operational lubricant 3.12.4(a)
Airframe bearings
Rod end bearings
Needle roller bearings 2
Cam followers
Oxygen equipment MIL-PRF-27617 3.12.4(d)
(free of hydrocarbons)
Open race bearings
General purpose MIL-C-11796, class 3 3; MIL-PRF-6085;
precision and elements MIL-PRF-32033 3
Instrument MIL-PRF-6085, DOD-L-81846,
3.12.4(b)
and instrument precision MIL-DTL-53131, MIL-PRF-32033 4
3.12.4(c) 5
Large (Over 16 inches OD MIL-PRF-6085, MIL-PRF-32033
or over 10 pounds)
Needle roller bearings 2 MIL-PRF-6085, MIL-PRF-32033 4
Oxygen equipment Fluorocarbon grease 3.12.4(d)
(free of hydrocarbons)
Self-aligning bearings
Plain bearings Preservative same as operational lubricant 3.12.4(a)
Self-lubricating bearings 6
Plain bearings
Sleeve bearings 3.12.4(e)
Dry
Rod end bearings 3.12.4(a)7
Cam followers

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1
Stored bearings that have been preserved in lubricants or preservatives that have exceeded their rated shelf life shall
be tested for lubricant re-certification in accordance with MIL-STD-3004. Bearings with lubricants or preservatives
that cannot be re-certified shall be cleaned and re-lubricated, or re-preserved, as required.
2
Drawn cup needle roller bearings may use method 33B (see table I).
3
Bearings shall cool to ambient temperature before packaging.
4
MIL-PRF-32033 is recommended in accomplishing method 20B and method 41B preservation for open bearings.
Bearings shall cool to ambient temperature before packaging.
5
If barrier film coated in accordance with MIL-STD-1334.
6
Excludes sintered bearings (powdered metallurgy).
7
For rod end bearings that have preserved/lubricated bearing inserts.

[Link] Contamination levels for oils. When measured in accordance with method
3009.3 (microscopic) of FED-STD-791 or equivalent government-approved method, the number
of solid contaminant particles in the lubricating oil shall not exceed the following limits:

a. Oil for general purpose, precision and large bearings:

Particle size range (micrometers (µm)) Count per 100 milliliters (ml)
5 to 15 1785
> 15 to 25 265
> 25 to 50 78
> 50 to 100 11
> 100 0

b. Oil for instrument and instrument precision bearings:

Particle size range (µm) Count per 100 ml

5 to 15 150
> 15 to 25 45
> 25 to 50 23
> 50 to 100 10
> 100 0

[Link] Contamination levels for grease. Grease for general purpose, precision, and large
bearings shall be tested in accordance with FED-STD-791, method 3005.4; no more than 1000
particles per cubic centimeter (cm3) of 25 µm or larger in size and no particles larger than 75 µm
shall be allowed. For instrument and instrument precision bearing greases, the contamination
requirements of SAE AMS-G-81937 shall apply.

a. Grease for general purpose, precision, and large bearings:

Particle size range (µm) Count per cm 3

25 to 75 1000 maximum
> 75 0

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b. Grease for instrument and instrument precision bearings:

Particle size range (µm) Count per cm 3

10 to 35 1000 maximum
> 35 0

c. The greases shall not contain dirt, crystals, lumps, or particles of gelling agent
exceeding the limits. The particle size shall be measured along with the largest dimension of the
particle.

[Link] Receiving inspection test. No receiving inspection tests are necessary on

packaged lubricants provided the containers are intact and markings adequately identify the
lubricant(s).

[Link] Shelf life. Bearing shelf life may be determined by the bearing lubricant or
preservative used during the bearing's packaging and by the type of packaging employed
(see table II). A detailed description of bearing shelf life requirements is beyond the scope of this
specification, however; the following may be used to guide determination of shelf life
requirements and actions for the described bearing types. Procuring activities should consult
manufacturer documentation for determination of bearing shelf life (see 6.2).

[Link].1 Closed race bearings. Closed race bearing shelf life may be determined by the
manufacturer's installation life (see 6.5.9) to arrive at an overall shelf life value. Typical
installation life will vary with the type of preservative or lubricant used and the type of
packaging. Procuring activities will consult with manufacturers to determine useable shelf life
(see 6.2 and 3.12.4(a)).

[Link].2 Open race bearings. Open race bearings are cleaned and lubricated with their
operational lubricant prior to placement into service. Open race bearing shelf life may be
extended by re-certification if suspected of having exceeded rated shelf life (see 3.12.4(b),
[Link], and appropriate end-user maintenance documentation - example: NAVAIR 01-1A-
503/U.S. Army TM55-1500-322-24/ USAF T.O. 44B-1-122, "Maintenance of Aeronautical
Antifriction Bearings for Organizational, Intermediate and Depot Maintenance Levels").

[Link].3 Self-aligning bearings. Self-aligning bearing shelf life shall be determined

using the same method as described in [Link].1.

[Link].4 Self-lubricating bearings. Self-lubricating bearings require no additional

lubricant that might affect shelf life (see 3.12.4(e)). Procuring activities should consult the
manufacturer for determination of shelf life for self-lubricating bearings (see 6.2). Note that
sintered (powdered metallurgy) bearings are considered self-lubricating, but they are impregnated
with their operational lubricant and should be treated as self-aligning bearings.

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[Link] Visual check. A visual check of all lubricants shall be made every 12 months on
all containers that have been opened. The visual inspection shall be conducted prior to use. The
containers that have been opened shall be checked for: proper color, all forms of visual
contamination, evidence of water, and evidence of separation. Any lubricants that show evidence
of deterioration because of age or contamination shall not be used (see 6.3.2). Containers that
have not previously been opened shall be checked for damage or leaks and shall not be opened
unless there is evidence of damage.

[Link] Lubricant testing. The lubricant shall pass the type B-2 tests for lubricating oils
and for greases, semi-fluids, lubricants, and other grease-like materials of MIL-STD-3004.
Additional testing of the principal characteristics likely to affect deterioration is optional.

[Link] Preservative application. Unless otherwise specified (see [Link] and 6.2),
bearings and bearing parts shall be coated with the lubricant or preservative compound specified
in 3.3.4. Bearings shall be completely preserved so as to obtain a continuous coating on all
surfaces. During or after preservation with the compound, all internal surfaces shall receive
complete coverage. When an operational lubricant (grease or oil) is required, the quantity
applied shall conform to the item description or technical data applicable to the assigned national
stock number (NSN) (or other identification number when an NSN has not been assigned)
(see 6.2). When no quantity is specified, the lubricant shall be in accordance with the
manufacturer's standard practice. Non-stainless steel, closed bearings, shall have a thin coating
of compatible lubricant on outer surfaces and shall be internally greased. Plain self-lubricating
bearings shall be packaged free of oil and grease.

[Link].1 Self-lubricating bearings. Self-lubricating bearings shall be preserved dry.

Cleaning solvents, grease, or oil shall not be used.

3.4 Oxygen equipment bearings.

3.4.1 Separate clean work area for oxygen equipment bearings. A minute deposit of
hydrocarbon oil film on an oxygen equipment bearing presents an explosion hazard when
installed in the system; for this reason, a separate clean work area shall be designated for the
processing of oxygen equipment bearings. This area shall be isolated from all manufacturing
processes and shall contain only the equipment necessary to process the oxygen equipment
bearings. Workbenches, tools, and processing equipment shall be maintained free of grease, oil,
or other combustible materials and shall be used only on or for oxygen equipment. Personnel
present in this area shall maintain themselves and their clothing in a condition that will prevent
transferring contaminants to bearing surfaces.

3.4.2 Cleaning, drying, and unit preservation of oxygen equipment bearings. The method
of cleaning and drying as well as the cleanliness classification that determines the type of
inspection shall be as specified in MIL-I-52211. Cleaning and drying of oxygen equipment
bearings shall be as specified in MIL-I-52211 and 3.5. Preservation shall be method 41B and
shall include the special marking requirements of MIL-I-52211. The environment and processing
cleanliness for oxygen equipment bearings shall be the same as that described in 3.5.1 and 3.5.3.

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3.4.3 Lubricants and preservative compounds for oxygen equipment bearings. The
preservative for oxygen equipment bearings shall be the operating grease. Oils and greases shall
be fluorocarbon-based only. Hydrocarbon-based oils or greases are prohibited.

3.4.4 Intimate bags for oxygen equipment bearings. Intimate bag material shall be
fluorocarbon or chlorofluorocarbon film (at least 2 mils nominal thickness) that meets the liquid
oxygen impact compatibility requirements of NASA in accordance with tests specified in
NASA-STD-6001. Closure shall be by heat sealing. Bags shall allow for re-closure and shall be
leak-proof when resealed.

3.4.5 Unit pack bags for oxygen equipment bearings. Unit pack bags shall be as
specified in [Link].

3.5 Instrument and instrument precision ball bearings.

3.5.1 Environment and process cleanliness of cleaning and drying areas. Cleaning and
drying areas are defined as those areas in which bearings are subjected to the cleaning and drying
processes. Requirements for class 7 of ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2 for particle count shall be
met (see 4.5). The temperature shall be maintained at 73 ±5 °F (24 ±3 °C) with a maximum
relative humidity (R.H.) of 45 percent.

3.5.2 Cleaning and drying of open non-lubricated instrument and instrument precision
ball bearings. The bearings shall be cleaned and dried by any process or processes that are not
injurious to the item (see 3.3.3). The use of chlorinated or fluorinated solvents, acetone, aqueous
washes, and other suitable non-ozone-depleting solvents is permitted. Solutions used to clean
barrier-film-coated bearings shall be stored separate from solutions used to clean non-barrier-
film-coated bearings. A barrier-film-coated bearing shall not be processed through the regular
bearing cleaning area. Procedures for packaging barrier coated bearings are specified in
MIL-STD-1334 and these procedures shall be followed. Bearings shall be thoroughly dried prior
to lubrication and intimate wrapping.

3.5.3 Preservation and unit packaging area environment and process. The working area
shall be well illuminated and air-conditioned. Requirements for class 7 of ISO 14644-1 and
ISO 14644-2 shall be met for cleaning and drying operations (see 3.5.1 and 4.5). Once bearings
are dry, they shall be preserved, lubricated, and intimate-packaged in a continuous process within
a class 5 environment in accordance with ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2. Any transfer out of the
class 5 environment after the preservation process has begun shall require that the bearings be
placed in clean, dust-excluding containers. The unit packaging area, or secondary bagging, shall
be well illuminated, clean, dry, and in an air-conditioned environment. The presence of dust and
dirt-producing sources shall be kept to a minimum. When bearings have been intimate wrapped
in nylon 6 material, they shall remain in the controlled environment described in 3.5.1 until the
bearings are enclosed within the unit pack bag.

3.5.4 Method 40B preservation area environment, cleaning and drying areas, and process
controls. Working area environment and process control for method 40B bearings shall conform
to 3.5.1, 3.5.2, and 3.5.3.

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3.6 General purpose and precision bearings.

3.6.1 Environment and process cleanliness of cleaning and drying areas. The presence of
dust and dirt-producing sources, such as cartons or trash barrels, shall be kept to a minimum.
Smoking, eating, and drinking shall not be permitted in the cleaning and drying areas. Cleaning
and drying areas are defined as those areas within a 10-foot radius of the cleaning and drying
equipment, including aisles.

3.6.2 Preservation and unit packaging area environment and process control. The
working area shall be well illuminated. Requirements for class 8 of ISO 14644-1 and
ISO 14644-2 shall be met for the preserving, intimate bagging, or intimate wrapping processes
(see 4.5). The temperature shall be maintained at 73 ±5 °F (24 ±3 °C) with a maximum R.H. of
45 percent. Area control shall be in accordance with 3.6.1. Bearings shall be preserved and
transferred to the unit packaging area in a continuous process. Delays shall be minimized.
Bearings waiting to be preserved or lubricated shall be kept in covered containers, suitable rust
preservatives, or humidity chambers to avoid corrosion. Bearings shall be reprocessed if they
become contaminated. Preserved bearings shall immediately be transferred (after insertion of
seals or shields) to the unit packaging area in clean, dust-excluding, compatible containers. The
unit packaging area, or secondary bagging, shall be well illuminated, clean, dry, and in an air-
conditioned environment. The presence of dust and dirt-producing sources shall be kept to a
minimum.

3.6.3 Cleaning. Open, non-lubricated bearings shall be cleaned by any process or

combination of processes that will accomplish thorough cleaning without damage to the item.
Agitation tanks and commercial filtration systems shall be used. Spray washes and ultrasonic
cleaning are permitted. Prior to lubrication and wrapping, bearings shall be thoroughly cleaned
and shall be free of any chemical or particulate residue that will have a detrimental effect on the
life of the bearing. The cleaning system shall be capable of cleaning bearings to the requirements
of 4.5.4. Written procedures shall be established for planned maintenance and checks of the
cleaning and drying systems. At a minimum, the procedures shall include machinery cleanliness,
filter maintenance, cleaning fluid quality and cleanliness, and the frequency of such maintenance
actions and checks.

3.6.4 Method 40B preservation area environment, cleaning and drying areas, and process
controls. Working area environment and process controls for method 40B bearings shall
conform to 3.6.1, 3.6.2, and 3.6.3.

3.7 Bearings, plain, rod end, self-aligning, self-lubricating, SAE AS81935; bearings,
sleeve, plain and flanged, self-lubricating, SAE AS81934; bearings, plain, self-aligning, self-
lubricating, low speed oscillation, SAE AS81820; and similar airframe products.

3.7.1 Environment and process cleanliness of cleaning and drying areas. The presence of
dust and dirt-producing sources, such as cartons or trash barrels, shall be kept to a minimum.
Smoking, eating, and drinking shall not be permitted in the cleaning and drying areas. Cleaning
and drying areas are defined as those areas within a 10-foot radius of the cleaning and drying

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equipment, including aisles. The area for the self-lubricating plain bearings shall be maintained
at a temperature of 75 ±10 °F (24 ±6 °C) with a maximum R.H. of 75 percent. The enclosed
atmosphere shall be well ventilated and maintained so that the particle count is 2500 maximum,
with a particle size of 5 µm or less, when measured in accordance with ASTM F25/F25M or
ASTM F50.

3.7.2 Preservation and unit packaging area environment and process control. The
working area shall be well illuminated. The temperature shall be maintained at 75 ±10 °F
(24 ±6 °C) with a maximum R.H. of 75 percent. Bearings shall be preserved and transferred to
the unit packaging area in a continuous process (see 3.10.1). Delays shall be minimized.
Bearings shall be reprocessed if they become contaminated. The unit packaging area shall be
well illuminated, clean, and dry. The presence of dust and dirt-producing sources shall be kept to
a minimum.

3.7.3 Cleaning. The bearings shall be cleaned by any process or combination of

processes that will accomplish thorough cleaning without damage to the item. The self-
lubricating bearings shall be cleaned using established cleaning procedures. The use of filtered,
dry, compressed air or wiping with soft, clean cloth are examples of suitable processes. Cleaning
solvents, greases, or oils shall not be used. Prior to wrapping, bearings shall be thoroughly dry
and free of any chemical or particulate residue that could have a detrimental affect on the
bearing. Written procedures shall be established for planned maintenance and checks of the
cleaning and drying systems and the frequency of such maintenance actions and checks.

3.8 Bearings, plain, self-aligning, all metal, SAE AS8976; bearings, plain, self-aligning,
(Cu-Be ball, CRES race), SAE AS81936; and similar airframe products.

3.8.1 Environment and process cleanliness of cleaning and drying areas. The presence of
dust and dirt-producing sources, such as cartons or trash barrels, shall be kept to a minimum.
Smoking, eating, and drinking shall not be permitted in the cleaning and drying areas. Cleaning
and drying areas are defined as those areas within a 10-foot radius of the cleaning and drying
equipment, including aisles.

3.8.2 Preservation and unit packaging area environment and process control. The
working area shall be well illuminated. The temperature shall be maintained at 75 ±10 °F
(24 ±6 °C) with a maximum R.H. of 75 percent. Area control shall be in accordance with 3.8.1.
Bearings shall be preserved and transferred to the unit packaging area in a continuous process
(see 3.10.1). Delays shall be minimized. Bearings waiting to be preserved or greased shall be
kept covered as necessary to avoid contamination. Bearings shall be reprocessed if they become
contaminated. Preserved bearings shall be transferred to the unit packaging area. The unit
packaging area shall be well illuminated, clean, and dry. The presence of dust and dirt-producing
sources shall be kept to a minimum.

3.8.3 Cleaning. The bearings shall be cleaned by any process or combination of

processes that will accomplish thorough cleaning without damage to the item. Agitation tanks
and commercial filtration systems may be used. Spray washes and ultrasonic cleaning are
permitted. Prior to wrapping, bearings shall be thoroughly cleaned and shall be free of any

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chemical or particulate residue that could have a detrimental effect on the life of the bearing.
Written procedures shall be established for planned maintenance and checks of the cleaning and
drying systems. At a minimum, the procedures shall include machinery cleanliness, filter
maintenance, cleaning fluid quality and cleanliness, and the frequency of such maintenance
actions and checks.

3.9 Bearings, ball, airframe, antifriction, SAE AS7949; bearings, ball, rod end, double
row, self-aligning, SAE AS6039; and bearings, roller, needle, airframe, antifriction, inch,
SAE AS39901.

3.9.1 Environment and process cleanliness of cleaning and drying areas. The presence of
dust and dirt-producing sources, such as cartons or trash barrels, shall be kept to a minimum.
Smoking, eating, and drinking shall not be permitted in the cleaning and drying areas. Cleaning
and drying areas are defined as those areas within a 10-foot radius of the cleaning and drying
equipment, including aisles.

3.9.2 Preservation and unit packaging area environment and process control. The
working area shall be well illuminated. The temperature shall be maintained at 75 ±10 °F
(24 ±6 °C) with a maximum R.H. of 75 percent. Area control shall be in accordance with 3.9.1.
Bearings shall be preserved and transferred to the unit packaging area in a continuous process
(see 3.10.1). Delays shall be minimized. Bearings waiting to be preserved or lubricated shall be
kept in covered containers as necessary, to avoid contamination. Bearings shall be reprocessed if
they become contaminated. Preserved bearings shall be transferred to the unit packaging area.
The unit packaging area shall be well illuminated, clean, and dry. The presence of dust and dirt-
producing sources shall be kept to a minimum.

3.9.3 Cleaning. The bearings shall be cleaned by any process or combination of

processes that will accomplish thorough cleaning without damage to the item. Agitation tanks
and commercial filtration systems may be used. Spray washes and ultrasonic cleaning are
permitted. Bearings shall be thoroughly cleaned and shall be free of any chemical or particulate
residue that will have a detrimental effect on the life of the bearing prior to lubrication and
wrapping. Written procedures shall be established for planned maintenance and checks of the
cleaning and drying systems. At a minimum, the procedures shall include machinery cleanliness,
filter maintenance, cleaning fluid quality and cleanliness, and the frequency of such maintenance
actions and checks.

3.10 Methods of preservation (see 6.2).

3.10.1 Military preservation. The military preservation procedure shall be accomplished

without interruption. When interruptions are unavoidable, temporary covers or enclosures shall
be provided to insure against contamination or deterioration of items.

[Link] Cleaning and drying. Open non-lubricated bearings shall be cleaned and dried
by any process or combination of processes that will accomplish thorough cleaning and drying
without damage to the item. Closed bearings shall not be subjected to any process injurious to
the bearing's internal lubrication.

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[Link] Preservative applicability. When contact preservatives are required to protect

the bearing, the preservatives shall be as specified in 3.3.4. The required preservative shall be
uniformly applied by any applicable procedure that permits the preservative to coat all the
necessary surfaces (see [Link]).

[Link] Self-lubricating bearings. Bearings shall be cleaned using the manufacturer's

established cleaning procedure. The use of cleaning solvents, grease, or oil is prohibited.

3.10.2 Selection of unit preservation. Unit preservation methods shall be in accordance

with 3.10.3 through 3.10.14. Method 40B unit preservation is required for MIL-B-17931
bearings. Unit preservation for instrument precision ball bearings shall be by method 41B. The
appropriate military methods as specified in table I shall be used for the type and size of bearings
being preserved. Bearings shall be packaged individually, in pairs, or as sets. Bearing and
bearing components that are bulk-preserved shall be as specified in 3.10.14 and the quantity for
each bulk pack shall be as specified in the contract or purchase order (see 6.2). Unit preservation
for balls and rollers shall be by method 41B or method 46B.

3.10.3 Method 20B - aluminum foil wrap. After cleaning and drying, the bearings shall
be coated as specified in [Link] with the materials listed in 3.3.4. Bearings shall be securely
wrapped in aluminum foil. The aluminum foil shall be in accordance with QQ-A-1876 and be
0.0015 inches thick for bearings weighing up to and including 5 pounds, and 0.0020 inches thick
for bearings weighing more than 5 pounds. Bearings having a bore diameter of 3.5 inches or
greater, or weighing over 20 pounds, shall be doughnut-wrapped. Separable bearing assemblies
or cup (inner) and cone (outer) combinations that measure over 2.5 inches OD shall have
aluminum foil in accordance with QQ-A-1876 placed between each part to prevent brinelling
(see 6.5.5). Bearings thus treated shall be cooled to room temperature and hot-dipped with a
coating of strippable cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) compound (Thermo Cote 149, Evans
Stripcoat Type II, Eastman™ CAB-500-5, or government-approved equivalent) to a minimum
thickness of 0.05 inch, and over-wrapped in a grease-proof barrier material conforming to
MIL-PRF-121, type optional. Users should evaluate strippable CAB preservative compounds to
determine suitability to their needs prior to use.

3.10.4 Method 32B - container, waterproof bag, sealed. The bearings or bearing
components shall be preserved as required in 3.3.4 and [Link], and enclosed in a close-fitting
container (box), which in turn shall be enclosed in a sealed waterproof bag conforming to
MIL-DTL-117, type III, class B, style 1. The net weight limitation shall be 10 lbs. without a
supporting container. When A-A-3174 material is used, the net weight is restricted to five lbs.
without a supporting container. Any MIL-DTL-117 type, class, and style bag that meets or
exceeds the bag specified may be used. A protective wrap of heavy-duty kraft paper or
equivalent material (tape sealed) may be provided to protect the barrier material during handling
and storage.

3.10.5 Method 33B - greaseproof-waterproof bag, sealed. The bearings or bearing

components shall be preserved as required in 3.3.4 and [Link], and processed as specified in 3.1.
The bearings shall be enclosed in a close-fitting sealed bag conforming to MIL-DTL-117, type II,

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class C, style 1, 2, or 3. A-A-3174 material may also be used. The net weight limitation shall be
10 lbs. without a supporting container. Any MIL-DTL-117 type, class, and style bag that meets
or exceeds the requirements may be used. Projections, sharp edges or other physical
characteristics of the item that may damage the greaseproof-waterproof barrier or container shall
be cushioned as necessary to mitigate shock and thereby prevent physical and functional damage
to the items. If a carton or box is selected as the unit container, the primary cushioning shall be
placed between the outside of the bag and the inside of the carton or box (see 3.11).

3.10.6 Method 40B - vacuum-formed plastic skin package. After required cleaning and
drying (see 3.3.3), the open, non-lubricated bearings shall be thoroughly coated as specified in
[Link] and enclosed in a vacuum-formed package. The plastic sheet shall be checked for
cleanliness prior to draping over the bearing. If the plastic sheet requires cleaning, it shall be
cleaned using best practices to insure that no contaminants or other foreign matter are entrapped
with the bearing prior to draping the sheet over the bearing. The packaged bearing shall show no
evidence of corrosion (see 4.4.2 and 4.4.3). Material used in forming the package shall be
cellulose acetate, CAB, or cellulose propionate (use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is prohibited).
Material shall be sufficiently transparent to permit ease of reading and identification of bearing
marking and visual examination of the exterior bearing surfaces. In packaging bearings up to 6
inches outside diameter, the plastic sheet shall have a minimum thickness of 15 mils prior to
forming; the minimum thickness after forming shall be 8 mils single thickness at the outside
diameter and 4 mils in the bearing bore. In packaging bearings with outside diameter over 6
inches, the sheet shall have a minimum thickness of 30 mils prior to forming. Doughnut
packages shall be limited to bearings with bore diameter one inch or larger. Dimpling at bore
shall be acceptable for all bearings and may be used as an alternate to the doughnut type pack,
except that dimpling holes shall not be permitted between the inner and outer rings of any
bearing.

[Link] Vacuum forming. A transparent plastic sheet shall be vacuum formed over the
bearing. Single seal and single shield bearings shall be oriented with the bearing seal or shield
up under the first drape. Bearings with snap rings on the outside diameter shall be oriented so
that the snap ring is on the side opposite to the final seal.

[Link] Sealing. Plastic shall be sealed at the base edge with a cellulose acetate base in
acetone. Flange type seals are not permitted. The seal shall be positive and shall not impair the
transparency of the package. Small air bubbles formed in the closing shall not be cause for
rejection.

3.10.7 Method 41B - water-vaporproof bag, sealed. After required cleaning and drying
(see 3.3.3 and 3.5), the bearings or bearing components shall be coated as specified in [Link].
Bearings shall then be wrapped or bagged with the material specified in [Link] or [Link] as
appropriate, and closure completed by means of heat-sealing. The bearings shall then be placed
individually into a water-vaporproof bag in accordance with MIL-DTL-117, type I or II, class E,
style 1, 2, or 3. Entrapped air shall be exhausted from the bag by any suitable means, but not to
the point where undue stress is placed upon the barrier. The bag shall then be heat-sealed. The
strength of the heat seals shall be as specified in 4.4.1, based upon samples made on production
packaging equipment. A carton or box shall be used to complete the unit container (see 3.11).

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[Link] Intimate bags for instrument and instrument precision ball bearings for
method 41B. All intimate bags for instrument and instrument precision ball bearings shall be
nylon 6 at least two mils nominal thickness, certified as meeting Food and Drug Administration
requirements for direct contact with food, in accordance with 21 CFR 177.1500, transparent, and
cleaned to NASA JPR 5322.1, level 100. Alternate bags in accordance with MIL-DTL-117, type
I or II, class E, any style, cleaned to NASA JPR 5322.1, level 100, may be used. Intimate bags
shall be heat sealed so as to prevent free movement of the bearing inside the bag. Sealing shall
take place in an environment meeting the requirements of ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2, class 5.
Bags shall allow for re-closure and shall be leak-proof when resealed. Nylon 6 bags are moisture
sensitive and all unused bags shall be stored in the clean room with temperature and humidity
controls (see 3.5.1). Once bearings are sealed within nylon 6 bags, they shall remain in the
temperature and humidity-controlled class 7 area until closure is made within the unit pack bag
(see [Link]).

[Link] Intimate bags for general purpose and precision bearings for method 41B. The
intimate bag material shall be two mils nominal thickness nylon 6 or at least four mils nominal
thickness polyethylene in accordance with A-A-3174, type I or II. When A-A-3174 material is
used, the net weight is restricted to five lbs. Transparent materials are desirable, but not
mandatory. Intimate bags for general purpose and precision bearings shall be cleaned to the
requirements of NASA JPR 5322.1, level 100. Alternate bags in accordance with
MIL-DTL-117, type I or II, class E, any style, cleaned to NASA JPR 5322.1, level 100, may be
used. Bags shall allow for re-closure and shall be leak-proof when resealed. Nylon 6 bags are
moisture sensitive and all unused bags shall be stored in the clean room with temperature and
humidity controls (see 3.6.2). Once bearings are sealed within nylon 6 bags, they shall remain in
the temperature and humidity-controlled area until closure is made within the unit pack bag
(see [Link]).

[Link] Unit pack bag for method 41B. Unit pack bags for instrument, instrument
precision, and general bearings shall be MIL-PRF-22191, type I, heat-sealable material.
Alternate bags meeting the requirements of MIL-DTL-117, type I or II, class E, any style, may be
used. Bags shall allow for re-closure and shall be leak-proof when resealed. A carton or box
shall be used to complete the unit container (see 3.11).

3.10.8 Method 44B - vials (plastic), sealed. Bearings or bearing components shall be
fully immersed in preservative compound as required in 3.3.4 and [Link], and enclosed within a
sealed rigid container of extruded plastic (use of PVC is prohibited) resistant to the particular
lubricant or preservative being used. The container wall thickness shall be 0.030 inch minimum
and length shall not exceed 10 inches. The size of the vial shall be such as to provide minimum
weight and cube, permitting not less than 0.010 inch play between bearings or bearing parts and
inside diameter of the vial. In filling the container, a five-percent minimum void shall be
provided to permit thermal expansion. Vials shall be initially closed by a secure leak-proof
closure. Vials shall allow for re-closure and shall be leak-proof when re-closed.

3.10.9 Method 45B - rigid metal container, sealed. The bearings, preserved, wrapped,
and cushioned as specified in 3.10.6, shall be snugly enclosed in a sealed rigid metal container.

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Any selected type of rigid metal container listed in PPP-C-96 may be used if the container meets
one of the test requirements of method 5009 in MIL-STD-3010. When specified in the contract
or purchase order, the metal container may be vacuum sealed (see 6.2).

3.10.10 Method 46B - vials (plastic), sealed. After cleaning and drying, the bearings,
balls, or rollers shall be coated as specified in [Link]. Bearings or balls shall be separated by
nylon 6 spacers or tightly wrapped with nylon 6 material. Wraps shall be made secure either by
heat sealing or folding, followed by insertion into vials specified in 3.10.8. Each vial shall have
been cleaned with a blast of dry nitrogen, by vacuum, or solvent-washed before inserting the
contents. Additional dunnage of nylon 6 shall be used when necessary to prevent movement of
the bearings, balls, or rollers within the vial. The vial closure seal shall provide a water vapor
transmission rate equal to the vial material. Vials shall allow for re-closure and shall be leak
proof when re-closed.

3.10.11 Method 49B - greaseproof spiral wrap, hot wax coating. After cleaning and
drying, bearings shall be dip-preserved or lubricated with the bearing operating fluid. The
bearings shall be wrapped in a greaseproof spiral inner wrap and over-wrapped with self-
adhering greaseproof spiral wrap. The external surface of the over-wrap shall be coated with hot
wax. The unit shall be cushioned and unit packaged in a container of fiberboard or wood
(see 3.11).

[Link] Intimate wrapping of large bearings either 16 inches outside diameter or

greater than 10 pounds for method 49B. The bearing shall be wrapped with an intimate wrap of
material in accordance with MIL-PRF-121, type I or II (greaseproof), and shall be wound in a
spiral fashion from inside diameter to outside diameter to inside diameter. An over-wrap of
material in accordance with MIL-PRF-121, type I or II, shall be applied in a spiral fashion and in
the opposite direction of the intimate wrap. Hot wax shall be applied to the entire surface of the
wrapped bearing. The hot wax shall be applied with a brush to form a seal as water-vaporproof
and waterproof as possible. Method 41B is an acceptable alternative to method 49B, however;
the intimate wrap bag shall be at least four mils nominal thickness (type, spun bonded
polyolefin); and the unit pack bag shall be MIL-DTL-117, type I, heavy duty.

3.10.12 Method 52B - container, water-vaporproof bag, sealed container. The bearings
or bearing components shall be preserved as specified in 3.3.4 and [Link] and comply with the
requirements of method 50 of MIL-STD-2073-1. The bearings shall also be wrapped and
enclosed in a close-fitting box conforming to PPP-B-566 or PPP-B-676. The box shall be
desiccated with activated desiccant conforming to MIL-D-3464, type I. The quantity of desiccant
shall be determined in accordance with section 5 of MIL-STD-2073-1. The desiccant shall not
be permitted to come in direct contact with critical surfaces of the bearings. The desiccant shall
be located as to not be load-carrying. The box shall be enclosed in a heat-sealed bag conforming
to MIL-DTL-117, type I or II, class E, style 1, 2, or 3. A-A-3174 material may also be used. The
sealed bags shall be enclosed in an outer container conforming to ASTM D5118/D5118M or
ASTM D5168, as applicable. Closure of the container shall be in accordance with
ASTM D1974/D1974M.

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3.10.13 Method 54B - rigid container, non-metallic, sealed. Bearings or bearing

components shall be preserved as specified in 3.3.4 and [Link], processed in accordance with 3.1
and comply with the requirements of method 50 of MIL-STD-2073-1. Bearings not exceeding
20 pounds, preserved, wrapped, cushioned, and desiccated as required in 3.10.14, shall be
enclosed in a sealed, close-fitting, rigid, non-metallic container. For heavier items, fiber
containers conforming to PPP-D-723, type III, grade A, class 2, may be used. Sealed, rigid, non-
metallic containers may be used if the container meets one of the test requirements of method
5009 in MIL-STD-3010. The container may be vacuum sealed.

3.10.14 Method 55B - bulk quantities only. In addition to the requirements of method 50
of MIL-STD-2073-1, bearings or bearing components shall be packaged using the container
specified in 3.11. Bearings shall be coated as specified (see [Link]) prior to intimately wrapping
each bearing with nylon 6 or other suitable clean material in accordance with MIL-PRF-131
Class I, MIL-PRF-121, or MIL-PRF-22191. Prior to wrapping, the bearings shall be drained of
all excess preservative. Bearings shall be secured in place in a manner devised by the contractor.
Activated desiccant shall be used as required and shall be evenly distributed among the bearings.
Desiccant shall not come in direct contact with the bearing surfaces (see [Link]). The size of
the container shall be minimized, consistent with the quantity and weight of the bearings packed
therein. The quantity of bearings shall be such that the gross weight shall not exceed 70 lbs.
Additional over-packing is not required. All unit packs shall include a humidity indicator.

[Link] Desiccant (activated). The bagged activated desiccant shall conform to

MIL-D-3464. Type I shall be used unless type II or type III is specified or required because of
special characteristics of the item (see 6.2). The desiccant shall be located in the pack in a place
most accessible to voids in the item or pack interior. Desiccant bags shall be secured within the
unit pack by tying, taping, etc., or in specially designated desiccant baskets affixed to the
container interior. Desiccant shall be adequately secured so as to prevent its shifting or
movement and under no circumstances be permitted to come in direct contact with critical
surfaces of the enclosed item. When direct contact is absolutely unavoidable, the desiccant shall
be isolated from the item with MIL-PRF-121, type I or II barrier material. The desiccant shall
not be unnecessarily exposed to the ambient environment when removed from the vaporproof
desiccant storage container. Removal of the desiccant and its insertion into the unit pack shall be
the last action prior to performing the final seal of the bag or container.

[Link] Quantity of desiccant. The minimum quantity of desiccant to be used per unit
pack shall be computed in accordance with either formula I or II as specified in section 5 of
MIL-STD-2073-1.

[Link] Humidity indicators. Humidity indicators shall be as specified in section 5 of

MIL-STD-2073-1.

3.11 Containers for bearings. Container selection shall be determined by the size and
weight of the bearings, examples include fiberboard box, cleated plywood, nailed box, metal
drum, or wood crate. Containers for large bearings shall have sufficient strength to withstand the
forces exerted on the container during handling. Dunnage shall be used to prevent movement of
the bearing within the container.

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3.11.1 Unit containers. Bearings and components larger than 1.625 inches or 40 mm OD
and unit-protected in accordance with methods 20B, 40B, and 41B shall be individually
packaged in a unit container. Any bearing with a unit weight greater than one pound, regardless
of preservation method, shall be packaged in a unit container. The quantity unit pack for large
bearings shall be one each due to their fragile nature (brinelling). Items packed in vials in
accordance with preservation methods 44B or 46B may have more than one item in a vial. Items
in kits shall indicate one each, regardless of the quantity of items contained in the kit. Bearings
1.625 inches OD and smaller shall not be packaged with more than 25 per unit container. The
specified QUP of the contract or purchase order shall govern. Unit containers shall conform to
PPP-B-566 or PPP-B-676 for contents not exceeding five pounds and ASTM D5118/D5118M
for contents in excess of five pounds.

3.11.2 Closure and sealing of unit container. Unit packs shall be closed as specified in
the appendices or notes of the applicable container specifications by use of tape, stitching,
staples, or fasteners. When level A packaging is specified and ASTM D5118/D5118M class
weather resistant or class domestic boxes are intermediate pack, weather-resistant boxes shall be
closed by any method in accordance with ASTM D1974/D1974M. Boxes shall be sealed with
tape applied over all external seams, corners, staples, and joints of the box. The tape shall be
centered over the seams and extend over the corners and edges of the box. Vial closures shall be
in accordance with 3.10.8 and 3.10.10.

3.11.3 Intermediate container. Unless excepted by 3.11.4 or unless otherwise specified

(see 6.2), unit packs shall be intermediate packed. Intermediate containers shall provide a snug
fit for contents and shall contain identical items only. The applicable container specification or a
limit of 20 pounds shall govern gross weight of intermediate packs, whichever is smaller. Unit
packs shall be placed in the intermediate containers in an upright position, or a position that will
preclude possible brinelling of the packed bearings. For methods 44B and 46B, fiberboard
separators of material conforming to ASTM D4727/D4727M shall be provided to separate unit
packs both horizontally and vertically. Intermediate packs shall be marked to indicate the top of
the container.

3.11.4 Exceptions. Intermediate containers shall not be required when any of the
following apply:

a. Commercial packing is required.

b. Shipments do not exceed 20 pounds gross weight.
c. Packs include a carton conforming to ASTM D5118/D5118M as the unit package.

3.11.5 Intermediate container when level A packing is specified. Intermediate containers

shall be as specified in 3.11.3. Containers shall conform to ASTM D5118/D5118M, class
weather resistant. Containers shall be closed and sealed using any method specified in
ASTM D1974/D1974M and 3.11.2.

3.11.6 Intermediate container when level B packing is specified. Intermediate containers

shall be as specified in 3.11.3. Containers shall conform to PPP-B-566, ASTM D5118/D5118M,

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class domestic, or PPP-B-676. Container closure shall be in accordance with the applicable
specification and ASTM D1974/D1974M.

3.11.7 Cushioning and dunnage materials. The use of excelsior, newspaper, shredded
paper (all types), and similar hygroscopic or non-neutral materials and all types of loose fill
materials for applications such as cushioning, fill, stuffing, and dunnage is prohibited. The
following materials are acceptable for use for cushioning and dunnage for bearing containers:
PPP-C-795, PPP-C-1120, MIL-P-130, MIL-DTL-17667, MIL-PRF-20092, MIL-PRF-26514,
MIL-PRF-83671, and ASTM D6576. The acceptable material thickness shall be found in
MIL-STD-2073-1. Additional materials listed in MIL-STD-2073-1 may be selected for
cushioning and dunnage as acceptable alternate materials.

3.12 Marking for shipment and storage.

3.12.1 Levels A and B. Interior (unit and intermediate) packages, exterior shipping
containers, and palletized unit loads shall be marked in accordance with MIL-STD-129.

3.12.2 Method 41B marking. Bearings unit-protected in accordance with method 41B
shall have the barrier bag and unit container marked in accordance with MIL-STD-129.

3.12.3 Bar coding. Unless otherwise specified (see 6.2), bar code markings shall be
applied on interior (unit and intermediate) packs, exterior shipping containers, and palletized unit
loads, in accordance with MIL-STD-129.

3.12.4 Precautionary marking. One of the following markings (less quotes) shall appear
on one side of each unit, intermediate, and exterior packing as applicable (see table II and
[Link]):

a. For lubricated (open or closed race) bearings (see [Link].1):

"PACKAGED MIL-DTL-197
LUBRICATED WITH (SPECIFICATION NUMBER)"

b. For preserved (open race) bearings (see [Link].2):

"PACKAGED MIL-DTL-197
PRESERVED WITH (SPECIFICATION NUMBER)
CLEAN AND LUBRICATE PRIOR TO USE OR AS REQUIRED"

c. For barrier-film-coated bearings:

"PACKAGED MIL-DTL-197
LUBRICATED WITH (SPECIFICATION NUMBER) BARRIER FILM COATED"

d. For oxygen equipment bearings:

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"PACKAGED MIL-DTL-197
LIQUID OXYGEN/GASEOUS OXYGEN SYSTEM"
(Special marking and labeling in accordance with MIL-I-52211 also required)

e. For self-lubricating bearings (see [Link].4):

"PACKAGED MIL-DTL-197
SELF LUBRICATED BEARING
DO NOT LUBRICATE WITH OIL OR GREASE"

3.12.5 Special marking requirement bearings. Special circumstances may require special
marking. For example, bearings may be acquired for a special project code or a shelf life may be
required for the lubrication in the bearing. Such bearings or bearing components, as identified in
the contract or purchase order, would require marking in accordance with contract requirements
(see 6.2).

3.12.6 Method 20B labeling. In addition to the required markings on containers,

bearings unit-protected to method 20B shall be labeled as follows:

a. A label shall be affixed to the outermost circumference (tapered rollers may be

packed separately) of the bearing after the bearing has been foil wrapped.
b. Printing on the label shall be readable through the strippable compound applied at the
hot dip operation.

3.12.7 Method 40B labeling. In addition to required markings on containers, bearings

unit-protected to method 40B shall be permanently marked with the NSN and date packaged.
The marking may be printed directly onto the plastic or may be applied as a label. The label, if
used, shall be compatible with the plastic and shall not be affected by the lubricant or
preservative compound. Labels shall be sealed between layers of the transparent material around
the outer circumference of the bearing. If the label obscures more than 50-percent of the outer
circumference of the bearing, it shall be of a transparent material.

3.12.8 Workmanship. Workmanship shall be such that when the proper process and
procedure are followed, materials and items shall be protected against corrosion, deterioration,
and damage during handling, shipment, storage, and require minimum processing for service.

3.12.9 Lot numbers. Bearing manufacturers' lot numbers shall be shown on the unit and
exterior container labels for every lot of packaged bearings. Lot numbers are not required when
bearings are serialized (see 3.12.10).

3.12.10 Serial numbers. Bearing serial numbers shall be shown on the unit-marking
label per MIL-STD-129 as well as on the bearings per MIL-STD-130.

3.12.11 Matched sets. Individually packaged bearings constituting a set shall be taped
together with transparent pressure-sensitive tape before the insertion into the unit package, heat
sealed together as a set, or the individual unit package of a set shall be taped together so

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markings are not obscured. In all cases, the unit package shall be marked with the following
caution: "MATCHED SET, DO NOT SEPARATE". These bearings shall not be separated for
individual issue, but shall be issued and used as a single unit.

3.12.12 Bearing nomenclature marking. The bearing nomenclature, as specified in the

contract or purchase order, shall be included on the packaging and packing container (see 6.2).

3.12.13 Preservation method marking. The preservation method code shall be marked on
the unit pack label in accordance with MIL-STD-129.

3.13 Recycled, recovered, or environmentally preferable or bio-based materials.

Recycled, recovered, or environmentally preferable or bio-based materials should be used to the
maximum extent possible, provided that the material meets or exceeds the operational and
maintenance requirements, and promotes economically advantageous life cycle costs.

4. VERIFICATIONS

4.1 Classification of inspections. The inspection requirements specified herein are

classified as follows:

a. Conformance inspections (see 4.2).

b. Quality system (see 4.3).
c. Test methods (see 4.4).

4.2 Conformance inspections. Conformance inspections shall consist of inspections and

examinations for the characteristics described in paragraphs 4.2.2 through 4.2.9 and table III.

TABLE III. Examinations.

Examination Requirement paragraph
Visual examination 4.2.3
4.2.4
Marking examination 4.2.5
Method of preservation 4.2.6
Level of packing 4.2.7
Magnetism 4.2.8
Requirements for method 4.2.9

4.2.1 Lots. A lot shall consists of one day's production or processing of bearings,
regardless of bearing dimensions, subject to the same packaging method and cleanliness level.

[Link] Sampling. As a minimum, the contractor shall randomly select a sample quantity
from each lot of completed packages in accordance with general inspection level I of ASQ Z1.4.
The acceptable quality level (AQL) shall be as identified in the contract or purchasing order
(see 6.2). In addition, the following sampling shall be accomplished:

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[Link].1 Sampling for heat seal test (see 4.4.1). Samples from each heat sealer shall be
tested daily with each type of material used. If the heat sealer is dedicated to a specific material
and the temperature setting is not changed, the sealer may be tested monthly. The monthly
testing shall not be started until thirty days of continuous testing results with no failures. A log
shall be maintained for recording the results of this test by heat sealer. Sealers tested shall be
selected from intimate pack, primary, and secondary pack areas. Any failure shall require return
to daily testing until subsequent 30-day period has been met without failure.

[Link].2 Sampling for fingerprint corrosion and cleanliness test. A daily sample shall be
tested for fingerprint corrosion and cleanliness in accordance with 4.4.2 (not applicable to
ceramic materials). Daily samples shall consist of one day's production or processing of
bearings, regardless of bearing dimensions and subject to the same packaging method and
cleanliness level and shall be one of the following:

a. Five panels fabricated of the same material as the bearing outer ring and having the
same surface finish as the bearing outer ring. Tests shall be conducted only for like kinds or
types of steel with high-chromium content (CRES or chrome).
b. Five bearings, bearing outer rings, or bearing inner rings with ground outer diameters,
selected at random which are classified as "scrap" or "reject", but whose surfaces are adequate for
the purpose of this test.

[Link].3 Sampling for corrosion test (method 40B). Two packages prepared by the same
production procedures as the packages being offered for acceptance shall be selected at random
at a minimum of once per week for the test of 4.4.3. Material contained in the packages may be
as specified in [Link].2. This shall be a continuous test and packages shall be examined daily.
A new set of test packages shall be placed under test every week (168 hours) unless a failure is
noted prior to the end of the 168-hour period. If a failure (any corrosion) is noted prior to the end
of the 168-hour period, a new package, or packages, as applicable, shall be placed under test
immediately and packaging by the method represented by the failure shall be stopped. All items
packaged by the method represented, which have not already been shipped, shall be rejected.
After the correction of procedural deficiencies, the rejected material shall be reprocessed,
repackaged, re-sampled, and re-tested. This test is for process control only and shall not affect
material already shipped.

4.2.2 Materials. All materials to be used in packaging, including lubricants, shall be

inspected in accordance with the applicable material specification and the cleanliness levels of
this specification. If direct inspection is not specified under the terms of the contract or purchase
order, certified inspection and laboratory test reports shall be provided which verify that the
materials as furnished conform to the detailed specification (see 6.2).

4.2.3 Visual examination. Each of the sample packages selected in accordance with
[Link] shall be visually examined to verify compliance with the requirements of this
specification.

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4.2.4 Visual examination under magnification. Instrument and instrument precision ball
bearings packaged in transparent materials shall be visually examined under a 10X magnification
through the package for contamination within the bearing or the package prior to shipment.
Other bearings as applicable shall be examined visually through the transparent package for
contamination. If the transparent packaging material is so cloudy that a 10X examination is not
possible, then the bearings need to be repackaged.

4.2.5 Marking examination. Unit, intermediate, and exterior packages shall be examined
to determine compliance with the marking requirements specified in 3.12.1 through 3.12.13.

4.2.6 Method of preservation. The military method used shall be in accordance with
contract or purchase order requirements and the requirements of this specification (see 6.2).

4.2.7 Level of packing. The level of packing shall be A or B, as specified in the contract
or purchase order (see 6.2).

4.2.8 Magnetism. The measured magnetism of a bearing shall not exceed the specified
level for the preservation method used (see 3.3.3).

4.2.9 Requirements for method. Verify the requirements of section 3 have been
accomplished for the preservation method used.

4.3 Quality system. The contractor shall implement and maintain a quality system that
satisfies program objectives and meets the test, examination, and inspection requirements
contained in this specification.

4.4 Test methods. Table IV shows the tests required for each applicable method. The
sampling requirements are also identified.

TABLE IV. Tests applicable to each method of unit preservation.

Method number
52B Sampling Reference
Inspection/test
20B 32B 33B 40B 41B 44B 45B 46B 49B & 54B paragraph paragraph
55B
Leakage - X1 X1 - X X - - - X1 X [Link] 4.4.1
Heat-sealed
- X X - X - - - - X X [Link].1 4.4.1
seam
Fingerprint X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 X 2 [Link].2 4.4.2
corrosion &
cleanliness
Corrosion - - - X - - - - - - - [Link].3 4.4.3
1
Leakage test is not required for bulk quantities.

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2
Plain self-lubricating bearings, sleeves, and rod ends shall not require the fingerprint corrosion test.

4.4.1 Leakage and heat-sealed seam tests. Sample specimens shall be selected in
accordance with [Link].1. The leakage and heat-sealed seam test shall be in accordance with
methods 5009 and 2024 of MIL-STD-3010. Bag heat seals shall be checked or tested daily.

a. The leakage tests shall be performed in accordance with method 5009 of

MIL-STD-3010. The requirement for the technique used for this test shall depend on the method
of preservation used in the packaging process. It is possible that the contractor will use one or
more techniques in performing the leakage test.

b. The heat seal seam test shall be conducted in accordance with method 2024 of
MIL-STD-3010. In addition, the test shall be performed at room temperature using a static load
weight as specified herein. When the barrier materials conform to A-A-3174, MIL-PRF-121,
MIL-PRF-131 Class I, or MIL-PRF-22191, the static load weight shall be 56 ±0.5 ounces. Heat
seals shall not separate during the final 3 minutes of the test. Partial separation in the area of
partial fusion adjacent to the actual seam is acceptable within the first 2 minutes of the test. The
weight shall be allowed to act for a minimum of 5 minutes.

4.4.2 Fingerprint corrosion and cleanliness test. Sample specimens shall be selected in
accordance with [Link].2. Samples shall be cleaned and dried in accordance with 3.3.3, 3.4.2,
3.5.2, and 3.6.3 along with the production lot. The test shall be performed by suspending the
unpacked samples in the air over the water in a static humidity chamber at 75 ±5 °F (24 ±3 °C)
for 24 hours. If no corrosion (such as pitting, cracking, or material discoloration) is seen without
visual aid at the conclusion of the test, satisfactory cleanliness has been achieved.

4.4.3 Corrosion test. Packaged bearings selected in accordance with [Link].3 shall be
exposed for 1 week (168 hours) to 90 ±5 percent R.H. at 120 ±5 °F (50 ±3 °C). If no corrosion
(such as pitting, cracking, or material discoloration) is seen without visual aid at the conclusion
of the test, satisfactory preservation and packaging has been achieved.

4.5 Atmosphere in workrooms.

4.5.1 Temperature, humidity, and airborne particle count. Relative humidity and
temperature for workrooms shall be tested daily for conformance to 3.5.1, 3.6.2, 3.6.4, 3.7.1,
3.7.2, 3.8.2, and 3.9.2. Recorders shall be installed to record the temperature and humidity on a
continuous basis. Testing for airborne particle count shall be performed on a quarterly basis in
accordance with class 5, class 7, and class 8 of ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2. Applicable
workrooms shall be tested in accordance with [Link] quarterly to determine conformance to
these requirements.

4.5.2 Equipment calibration. Equipment used to control and monitor clean room and
workstation conditions shall be calibrated annually.

4.5.3 Environment and process cleanliness tests.

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[Link] Clean room environment test (airborne particle counting methods). This test
shall be conducted in accordance with ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2.

4.5.4 Cleanliness of general purpose and precision bearings manufactured to ABEC or

RBEC 3 or better, excluding 5T for torque and extra-thin bearings (see 6.5.1). Contamination on
cleaned or preserved bearings visible to the unaided eye is unacceptable. Verification of abrasive
or metal (except silver) particles may be accomplished by the following or equivalent method.
Flush the bearing with solvent capable of dissolving the preservative or lubricant. The solvent
used to flush the bearing shall be filtered through a 1-inch diameter 0.5-µm absolute filter, or
finer, marked in 3.10 by 3.10 mm grids in accordance with ASTM F311. The filter shall be
inspected in accordance with ASTM F312, method B, for particle abrasive or metal (except
silver) contamination to the acceptability limits below. Cause and corrective action is required
for any failure of this test.

Particle size range (mm) Maximum allowable number of particles

0.051 to 0.127 15 max allowable per 4 random grid squares
> 0.127 to 0.254 10 entire filter
> 0.254 0 entire filter

5. PACKAGING. Requirements of MIL-DTL-197 apply.

6. NOTES

(This section contains information of a general or explanatory nature that may be helpful, but is not
mandatory.)

6.1 Intended use. This specification is intended for use as a reference in section 5 of
bearing commodity specifications and for direct reference in acquisition documents. It is intended
to furnish direction in the packaging of bearings at military and other government activities and at
plants of commercial subcontractors. The packaging requirements specified herein are intended to
ensure proper and safe transportation, storage, and stowage of bearings for shipment to government
activities.

6.2 Acquisition requirements. Acquisition documents should specify the following:

a. Title, number, and date of this specification.

b. Exceptions to packaging, if required (see 3.2.1).
c. Exceptions to packaging, if required (see 3.2.2 and [Link]).
d. Preservation, if different than general preservation procedure (see 3.3.2).
e. Manufacturer's shelf life, if available (see [Link] and 6.5.22).
f. Lubricant or preservative compound (see [Link]).
g. Operational lubricant (grease or oil), if required (see [Link]).
h. Preservation method (see 3.10 and 4.2.6).
i. Bulk pack quantity, if required (see 3.10.2).
j. Vacuum-sealing for rigid metal containers, if required (see 3.10.9).
k. Type II or III desiccant, if required (see [Link]).

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l. Unit packs, if different than intermediate (see 3.11.3).

m. Bar coding, if different (see 3.12.3).
n. Special markings, if required (see 3.12.5).
o. Bearing nomenclature (see 3.12.12).
p. AQL (see [Link]).
q. Direct inspection requirements, if required (see 4.2.2).
r. Level of packing (see 4.2.7).

6.3 Cleanliness.

6.3.1 Cleaning the exterior of the bearing package before opening. This note is directed
particularly toward instrument precision ball bearings, although it can apply generally to all types.
After the bearings have been properly packaged under clean room conditions, the exterior of the
package may become dirty. Containers and packages frequently generate small amounts of static
electricity that attract dirt and dust particles, and contamination adheres to the package.
Particularly for instrument precision ball bearings, control should be established to clean the
exterior parts of the package before entry into the processing area. A recommended method is to
have the package blasted with absolutely clean dry air or remove static electricity charge with an
appropriate solvent. Once entering the processing area and placed in a laminar flow hood, the
package should be washed again with the appropriate solvent for approximately 5 to 10 seconds to
remove exterior contaminants before being placed in a clean container ready to be cut open. The
package should be opened carefully so that there will be no chips of the packaging material
generated and the bearing should be removed with tweezers, or suitable handling tools. Bearings
should never be handled with bare hands or fingers.

6.3.2 Visual inspection of bearings before installation. The bearings should be inspected
under suitable lighting conditions to assure that bearings are free from contamination, corrosion,
and rust prior to installation. Bearings should be handled in a manner that does not result in
contamination.

6.3.3 Bearing cleanliness. Cleaning is a most important part of bearing preservation. It is

essential that the cleaning method not leave residues that may either react unfavorably with the
preservative, lubricant, or packing material; or that may be unstable and decompose to form
corrosive residues.

6.3.4 Bearing (support item). When bearings are acquired by equipment contractors for
subsequent delivery to the Government as spares, proof of conformance to the provisions of this
document by the bearing manufacturer, including the environment and process cleanliness
provisions of 4.5.4, may serve as the basis for government acceptance.

6.3.5 Air cleanliness classes. The information contained in ISO 14644-1 and ISO 14644-2
should be used to the fullest extent in achieving and maintaining the air cleanliness classes required
herein for clean rooms and workstations.

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6.3.6 Oxygen-use bearings. Oxygen-use bearings must be free of any contamination by

hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons in the form of oil, grease, lint, debris, or combustible foreign matter
create explosion hazards in the presence of oxygen.

6.4 Lubricant information. Item description requirements include lubrication requirements

as may be cited in the bearing item description, original equipment manufacturer or military
drawing, military/federal specification, commercial item description, or bearing manufacturer's part
number (see 3.3.4).

6.4.1 Lubricant certification. Lubricants used to preserve bearings in accordance with this
document should be certified to meet all requirements of the appropriate lubricant specification.
Recertification should occur in accordance with manufacturer's recommended periodicity (see
[Link] and 6.2) or, in the absence of same, every 2 years for organic-based oils, 3 years for
organic-based greases, and 5 years for silicone and perfluorinated oils and greases.
MIL-STD-3004 provides the test requirements for re-certification of most lubricants (see 6.5.22).

[Link] Lubricant re-certification. For bearings in storage that are suspected of having
exceeded the rated shelf life (see 6.5.21) of their preservative, those bearings will be sampled and
the lubricant or preservative tested in accordance with MIL-STD-3004 to certify/re-certify that
they meet all of the requirements of the appropriate lubricant or bearing specification or standard
(see footnote 1 of table II, [Link], 6.4.1, and 6.5.22). Bearings that are found to have exceeded
their shelf life (i.e., that cannot be re-certified only through testing) will be cleaned, inspected, re-
lubricated, and repackaged in accordance with this specification. The bearings will then be
returned to stock with a shelf life re-certification date marked clearly on the new packaging.

6.5 Definitions.

6.5.1 Annular Bearing Engineers Committee (ABEC). The class or degree of precision of
ball bearings. See ABMA Standard 20, "Radial Bearings of Ball, Cylindrical Roller and Spherical
Roller Types Metric Design"; ABMA Standard 12.1, "Instrument Ball Bearings Metric Design";
and ABMA Standard 12.2, "Instrument Ball Bearings Inch Design".

6.5.2 ABMA. American Bearing Manufacturers Association.

6.5.3 Barrier coating. A fluoropolymer or other coating applied to selected surfaces of

open race bearings to prevent migration of lubricating oil from the bearing by rendering selected
bearing surfaces unwettable to oil. Barrier coatings keep a metered amount of oil lubricant inside
the bearing both in operational use and during shelf storage (see table II, 3.5.2, and 3.12.4(c)).

6.5.4 Bearing closure. Bearing closure is defined in accordance with 6.5.6 and 6.5.12.

6.5.5 Brinelling. Damage to a bearing in which metal is deformed without removal in the
bearing race after the bearing has been subjected to prolonged or excessive load (as when dropped).
Brinelling may be observed as a series of dents, or "peens", along the inner surface of a bearing's
race where contacted by the rollers or balls. "False brinelling" occurs when an abrasive

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contaminant is introduced between the rollers/balls and the race and the bearing is subjected to
vibration, resulting in polished areas that resemble brinelling, but do not deform the race surface.

6.5.6 Closed race bearings. Closed race bearings are those having either seals, shields,
bands, or retainment plates, or other devices completely closing both sides of bearings, or a single
contact seal on one side only, rendering cleaning and re-lubrication difficult.

6.5.7 General purpose bearings. General purpose bearings are bearings which fall into the
following tolerance classification: Tolerances coinciding with those of unground bearings up to
and including the ABMA tolerances of ABEC 1 or RBEC 1.

6.5.8 Intimate bag or wrap. The inner bag or wrap used directly against the bearing or
bearing component.

6.5.9 Installation life. The time, from initial lubrication, preservation, and packaging of a
closed race bearing, to a time in the future that the bearing can be estimated to be installable
without issue, based on the type of lubricant or preservative used. Installation life is determined by
the manufacturer or overriding industry standard (see [Link].1).

6.5.10 Instrument bearings. Instrument bearings are ball bearings with outside diameter not
over 30 mm or 1.1811 inches and an ABEC tolerance of ABEC 3 or better.

6.5.11 Instrument precision bearings. Instrument precision bearings are ball bearings with
outside diameters not over 30 mm or 1.1811 inches and ABEC tolerances of ABEC 5P, 5T, or
better.

6.5.12 Large bearings. Large bearings are those bearings exceeding 16 inches outside
diameter or greater than 10 pounds in weight.

6.5.13 Open race bearings. Open race bearings are those having a single seal, or shield, or
those having no seals or shields, or those that are separable.

6.5.14 Operational lubricant. The lubricant identified by specification, standard, or

contract applied as a protective film to provide lubrication to a bearing that is installed and in
service. Operational lubricants may also be specified as preservative lubricants (see table II,
3.12.4(a), 6.5.18, and 6.5.19).

6.5.15 Oxygen equipment bearings. Oxygen equipment bearings are those bearings used in
gaseous or liquid oxygen systems and high-pressure, submersible, life support systems. They must
be free from combustible materials, lubricants, or debris.

6.5.16 Precision bearings. Precision bearings are bearings manufactured to, or better than,
the following ABMA tolerances:

a. ABEC 3 and RBEC 3 for metric ball and roller bearings.

b. ABEC 5T for torque tube and extra thin type bearings.

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c. Class 3 for inch-tapered roller bearings.

6.5.17 Preservation (unit protection). Preservation (unit protection) is the application of

protective measures, barrier materials, cushioning, and containers when necessary. Preservation is
the process and procedures used to protect material from deterioration and damage. It includes
cleaning, drying, preserving, packing, marking, and unitization.

6.5.18 Preservative. A compound identified by specification, standard, or contract applied

as a protective film on a bearing that is packaged, in storage, or in transit. Preservative compounds
are not lubricants; bearings preserved in preservative compound will require cleaning and
lubrication with their operational lubricant prior to use (see table II and 3.12.4(b)).

6.5.19 Preservative lubricant. A lubricant identified by specification, standard, or contract

applied as a protective film on a bearing that is packaged, in storage, or in transit. Preservative
lubricants may be the same as, or differ from, operational lubricants. If different, preservative
lubricants will be cleaned from the bearing, and the bearing will be lubricated with its operational
lubricant prior to use (see table II, 3.12.4(b), 6.5.12, and 6.5.18).

6.5.20 Roller Bearing Engineers Committee (RBEC). The class or degree of precision of
radial roller bearings (see ABMA 20).

6.5.21 Self-lubricating. A bearing with a self-lubricating liner such as Teflon® or a

powder metallurgy (sintered) bearing that has been permanently impregnated with a lubricating oil,
neither of which require the application of a lubricant. Self-lubricating bearings will be packaged
and stored without preservative or preservative lubricant (see table II).

6.5.22 Shelf life. The total period of time beginning with the date of manufacture,
assembly, preservation, packaging, or after visual inspection/certified laboratory test or restorative
action, that a bearing may remain in storage inventory and still remain suitable for issue or
placement into service by the end user. Bearing shelf life as described in this specification relates
only to the preservative or preservative lubricant used to preserve the bearing. The lubricant-
preserved bearings assigned a type II shelf life code may have their shelf life extended by testing
and re-certification of the lubricant or preservative in accordance with MIL-STD-3004 (see table II,
[Link], 6.2 and 6.4.1).

6.5.23 Small bearings. Small bearings are those bearings that do not exceed 16 inches
outside diameter or less than 10 pounds in weight.

6.6 Cross-reference table. Table V contains cross-reference data for military bearing
preservation methods.

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TABLE V. Military preservation methods cross-reference.

Description of method Method Method Method
MIL-DTL-197 MIL-P-197 MIL-P-116
Physical protection of bearing - - III
Bearing dipcoated with preservative, or operating 20B A IB2
lubricant followed by intimate aluminum wrap
then greaseproof wrapped (see 3.10.3)
Waterproof or waterproof-greaseproof with - - IC
preservation
Container, waterproof bag, sealed (see 3.10.4) 32B - IC2
Greaseproof-waterproof bag, sealed (see 3.10.5) 33B - IC1
Vacuum formed plastic skin package, bearing 40B L IA19
dipcoat preserved or lubricated (see 3.10.6)
Bearing preserved or lubricated; wrapped; placed 41B G IA8
in water-vaporproof bag, sealed (see 3.10.7)
Container, water-vaporproof bag, sealed container - - IA14
Floating water-vaporproof bag, sealed - - IA16
Vials (transparent plastic), bearings, balls or 44B F IA6
rollers immersed in preservative oil, sealed
(see 3.10.8)
Metal rigid container, sealed (see 3.10.9) 45B - IA5
Vials (transparent plastic), bearings, balls, or 46B H IA13
rollers dipcoat preserved or lubricated; wrapped,
cushioned, sealed (see 3.10.10)
Bearing preserved with operating fluid; wrapped 49B M IA20
in greaseproof spiral inner wrap, overwrapped
with self adhering greaseproof spiral wrap;
external surface coated with hot wax, cushioned,
and unit packed in a container of fiberboard or
wood (see 3.10.11)
Water-vaporproof protection with desiccant - - II
Water-vaporproof bag, sealed - - IIc
Container, water-vaporproof bag, sealed container 52B B IIb
(see 3.10.12)
Floating water-vaporproof bag, sealed - - IIa
Rigid container, non-metallic, sealed 54B - IIf
(see 3.10.13)
Bulk quantities (see 3.10.14) 55B B IId

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MIL-DTL-197M

6.7 Subject term (key word) listing.

Barrier film
Brinelling
Cellulose acetate
Clean room
Closed race
Contamina
Corrosion
Demagnet
Dunnage
Fingerprint
Foil wrap
Heat seal
Intermediate pack
Intimate wrap
Open race
Operational lubricant
Packing
Preservation
Preservative
Recertification
Self aligning
Self lubricating
Shelf life
Unit pack

6.8 Changes from previous issue. Marginal notations are not used in this revision to
identify changes with respect to the previous issue due to the extent of the changes.

Custodians: Preparing Activity:

Army - AR DLA - GS4
Navy - SH
Air Force - 99 (Project PACK-2016-013)
DLA - GS

Review Activities:
Army - AT, SM
Navy - AS, OS, SA
Air Force - 70, 71, 84

NOTE: The activities listed above were interested in this document as of the date of this
document. Since organizations and responsibilities can change, you should verify the currency of
the information above using the ASSIST database at [Link]

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