Course 204-500 11/01/06

Rolling Element Bearing Maintenance Exercise Guide

Exercise E204-S04-EXR-DFT.wpd

Introduction to Internal Bearing Clearances

Objectives
Given the DAC Bearing Maintenance Trainer, its Use Guide, and the bearings supplied with the Trainer, identify the internal clearance suffix for two of the bearings. Measure the clearance of the angular contact bearing (DAC #7313B-5GC3). Measure the clearance of the spherical roller bearing (DAC #22217-CAKC3/W33).

Performance Standard
Using the chars in the IPT Industrial Trades Training Manual, identify the unmounted radial internal clearance for the bearings listed in the exercise. Using a set of feeler gauges, accurately measure the radial internal clearance for the bearings listed in the exercise.

Foundation Competencies
Use of hand tools Use of feeler gauge Basic understanding of rolling element bearing terminology (Exercise E204-S01) Basic knowledge of bearing types (Exercise E204-S02) Basic knowledge of bearing identification systems (Exercise E204-S03)

Required Background Reading

IPTs Industrial Trades Training Manual (DAC, #510-000), pages 193 - 199

Optional
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Rolling Element Bearing Maintenance Exercise Guide

W atch video on Spherical Roller Bearing Installation and Maintenance (Majec) DAC #030-025.

Tools Required
Feeler gauge Pencil and paper

Components Required
DAC Bearing Maintenance Trainer, #204, including basic components (bearings)

Introductory Discussion
A rolling element bearing has a set amount of internal clearance, or the space between the raceway and ball, so that it can rotate freely. Without this internal clearance, the bearing can be difficult to rotate. On the other hand, too much internal clearance will result in an unstable bearing that may generate excessive noise or allow the shaft to wobble. It is therefore imperative that the bearing be manufactured with the proper amount of measured internal clearance to meet the needs of the application. W hen manufactured and not yet shaft mounted, the bearing is measured in terms of its unmounted, radial internal clearance. To measure the radial internal clearance, set the bearing on a workbench so that the weight of the bearing will force the inner ring down to make radial contact between the inner raceway, balls, and outer raceway. The small gap between the top ball and the outer raceway represents the bearings radial internal clearance.

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Rolling Element Bearing Maintenance Exercise Guide

As we learned in the previous exercise, the nomenclature used to define radial internal clearance (in ascending order of size from the smallest clearance to the largest) are C1, C2, normal (no designation), C3, C4, and C5.

The ability to measure bearing clearance is important in determining bearing fits. The bearing fitter uses shop drawings to determine what type of fit to use for a particular bearing and application. Measuring the bearing clearance before and after the bearing is mounted helps in determining the fit.

Performance Steps
Step 1. Identify the clearances (normal) for two of the bearings supplied with the DAC Bearing Maintenance Trainer. Identify the normal clearance for the angular contact bearing (#7313B-5GC3), using the table on page 195 of the IPT Training manual. Identify the normal clearance for the spherical roller bearing (#22217-CAKC3/W 33), using the table on page 196 in the IPT Training Manual.

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Rolling Element Bearing Maintenance Exercise Guide

Step 2.

Measure the clearance in the angular contact bearing (#7313B5GC3) supplied with the DAC Bearing Maintenance Trainer.

Stand the bearing up free on the workbench. Using the thinnest feeler gauge, insert the feeler gauge between the top of the ball and the outer ring of the bearing. Remove the feeler gauge. Using the next thinnest feeler gauge, insert the feeler gauge between the top of the ball and the outer ring of the bearing. Remove the feeler gauge. Continue the process, using feeler gauges of increasing size (thickness) until the gauge used will not go through. The last blade thickness that did go through is the measure of the radial clearance. Rotate the bearing and take a reading at four different locations around the bearing to ensure the measure of the unmounted radial internal clearance is correct.

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Rolling Element Bearing Maintenance Exercise Guide

Step 3.

Measure the clearance in the spherical roller bearing (#22217CAKC3/W 33) supplied with the DAC Bearing Maintenance Trainer.

Stand the bearing up free on the workbench. Using the thinnest feeler gauge, insert the feeler gauge between the top rollers and the outer ring of the bearing. Remove the feeler gauge. Using the next thinnest feeler gauge, insert the feeler gauge between the top rollers and the outer ring of the bearing. Remove the feeler gauge. Continue the process, using feeler gauges of increasing size (thickness) until the gauge used will not go through. The last blade thickness that did go through is the measure of the radial clearance. Rotate the bearing and take a reading at four different locations around the bearing to ensure the measure of the unmounted radial internal clearance is correct.

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Rolling Element Bearing Maintenance Exercise Guide

Summary
You have now learned to use standardized tables for determining the clearances of rolling element bearings. You have also learned to measure the radial internal clearance of a bearing. These skills will be valuable in installing, monitoring, and maintaining rolling element bearings. An understanding of clearances and fits is needed for bearing mounting and dismounting. By ensuring that the clearance is optimal, it is also ensured that the bearing will operate optimally.

Optional Tasks
Using other bearings supplied with the DAC Bearing Maintenance Trainer, practice measuring bearing clearances.

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Rolling Element Bearing Maintenance Exercise Guide

Resources
Basaraba, Bruce M., IPTs Industrial Trades Training Manual. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: IPT Publishing and Training, Ltd., 1989. NTN Products, An Introduction to Ball Bearings Power Transmission Distributors Association, Power Transmission Handbook. 1st ed. Cleveland, Ohio: Penton Custom Publishing Group,1993. SKF Group, SKF Bearing Maintenance Handbook. Denmark: SKF, 1996.

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Rolling Element Bearing Maintenance Exercise Guide

Review Questions
Answer the following questions from the Industrial Trades Training Manual, (DAC, #510-000) at the end of Section 4. Circle the correct answer. Name: #21 Bearing clearance is defined as: (a) the amount of space existing between the shaft and the inner race (b) the amount of space the bearing requires when it is fitted into an internal bore (c) the amount one bearing ring moves in relation to the other, either in a radial or axial direction #22 The space between the rolling member and the outer ring of a ball or roller bearing is called: (a) diametral clearance (b) backlash (c) axial clearance #23 Initial bearing clearance should be checked with the bearing: (a) laying down (b) in an upright position #24 One of the most practical methods for determining roller bearing clearance is with: (a) (b) (c) (d) a dial indicator plasti gage inserted between the top roller and outer ring inserting feeler gages between the top rollers and the outer ring lead wire inserted between the top rollers and the outer ring Date:

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