Tapered roller bearings are essential components in many mechanical systems, including vehicles, industrial machinery, and household appliances. They help reduce friction and allow for smooth movement between two surfaces. Selecting the correct bearing is vital for various reasons, as it directly affects the performance, efficiency, safety, and potential downtime of a wide range of machines and equipment. In this comprehensive guide, Kewa Bearings will make you go through a step-by-step process to measure a tapered ball bearing.
Identify The Type Of Tapered Roller Bearing
Before measuring, it’s important to identify the type of tapered roller bearing you have. There are several common types, such as single-row bearings, matched bearings, double-row bearings, four-row bearings and to mention a few. Each type has its unique design, and it is essential to recognize the correct type you have for accurate measurements before we proceed further.
How To Measure A Tapered Roller Bearing?
Taper roller ball bearings usually have their identification code stamped or lasered on the outside diameter of the bearing itself, using this is the best way to ensure you select the right bearing. However, over time this code can become illegible or possibly worn away. So, it is important to be able to measure a ball bearing correctly.
Determining the size of a ball bearing can be done by measuring its outer diameter (OD), bore size (ID), and width. These measurements are usually expressed in millimeters (mm). Using a caliper or a micrometer (digital or manual), you can accurately measure these dimensions.
STEP 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Zero or calibrate your digital caliper or micrometer according to the instruction manual. Manufacturers like us always provide such manuals with our bearings.
STEP 2: Measure The Bore Size – Inner Diameter (ID)
Place the tapered ball bearing on a flat and clean surface. Take the caliper or micrometer and gently insert its jaws or anvils into the bore of the bearing. Ensure that the measuring tool is at a right angle to the bore. Once positioned correctly, read, and record the measurement displayed on the caliper or micrometer. This value represents the bore size or the Inner Diameter (ID) of the bearing.
STEP 3: Measure The Outer Diameter (OD)
Next, measure the outer diameter of the ball bearing. Position the measuring tool on the flat surface and place the outer edges of the caliper or micrometer jaws or anvils against the opposite sides of the bearings’ outer surface. Ensure the tool is at a right angle to the bearing. Read and record the measurement displayed on the caliper or micrometer. This value represents the outer diameter of the bearing.
STEP 4: Measure The Width (thickness)
For taper roller ball bearings with a cylindrical shape, measure the width or thickness of the bearing. Place the bearing on a flat clean surface and align the jaws or anvils of the measuring tool against opposite sides of the bearing. Read and record the measurement displayed on the caliper or micrometer. This value represents the width of the bearing.
And done! So, in this manner, one can measure their bearings.
A Sneak Peek into Bearing Codes
Typically bearing codes are composed of a ‘basic number’ and depending on the bearing they can have supplementary codes at the beginning or the end of the basic number. These are the prefix and suffix codes. Here’s what you need to know about the components of a bearing code:
- Basic Number – The basic number will give you general information about the bearing such as the type, series number, and bore size.
- Prefix – The prefix is used to highlight the parts used by the manufacturer in the design of the bearing.
- Suffix – Suffixes indicate bearings with additional special characteristics or designs. They are typically used to provide information about how the bearing is sealed.
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