Detailed technical content
Contact angle and load capacity
In a tapered roller bearing, the generatrices of the raceways and rollers are arranged to meet near a common point on the bearing axis. This geometry allows a radial load to create an axial-load component and makes the contact angle an important selection parameter. In general, a larger contact angle allows the bearing to carry a higher axial-load component.
Separable design and paired arrangements
Single-row tapered roller bearings usually have a separable design: the inner-ring, roller and cage assembly can be mounted separately from the outer ring. This is convenient for installation and maintenance, but it also means that adjusting the relative position of two bearings in an assembly affects clearance or preload.
A single-row tapered roller bearing primarily carries axial load in one direction. Therefore, two bearings are often arranged opposite each other in a machine assembly to locate the shaft in both directions. The arrangement and preload must suit the load, required rigidity, temperature and fit tolerances.
Look beyond dimensions
When checking a designation, verify the bore diameter, outside diameter, total width, contact angle, dynamic/static load ratings, speed and the configuration of the cup-and-cone set. Two designations with similar dimensions but different contact angles or rated loads may have very different operating capabilities.
