Distinguish operating rotation from vibration at loaded contacts
NSK identifies false brinelling as wear associated with small repetitive movement at the rolling contacts, including vibration of stationary bearings during transport.
The relevant history therefore extends beyond the machine's running hours. A specimen removed from equipment that barely operated may still have experienced a damaging transport or standby environment. This does not establish false brinelling from a repeated mark alone, nor does it prove that every transported bearing is affected. The observation needs to be evaluated with motion, loading and lubrication evidence. Keep transport and storage events in the investigation instead of treating a low hour count as proof of an undamaged contact history.