Adjusting Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Some of the world’s most demanding machines rely on cylindrical roller bearings to keep running. Off-highway vehicles, truck transmissions, and pump applications all place intense stress on their components. To meet these challenges, cylindrical roller bearings often need to be customized. Factors that may require modifications include applications with:

• Heavy loads
• High operating speeds
• Poor lubrication conditions
• Different materials used for housing and shaft
• Unique mounting configurations

These conditions can affect bearing performance, making tailored solutions essential for long-term reliability.

Choosing the Right Radial Clearance

When a bearing is installed in a housing made of one material and on a shaft made of another, the internal radial clearance becomes important. This clearance helps the bearing work across different temperatures.

To get the right clearance, engineers adjust the sizes and tolerances of the raceways and rollers.

In some designs, parts like gear bores act as the outer race. In tight spaces, rollers may run directly on a hardened shaft. These setups need special roller sizes, either slightly larger or smaller, to work correctly. Some users refer to these as an "under" or "over" roller diameter. Once the race sizes are set, the roller sizes are fine-tuned to ensure a good fit and smooth operation.

Customization to Optimize Bearing Performance

Improving Lubrication and Performance

If lubrication isn’t ideal (sometimes due to the type of fluid used) one common fix is to modify the bearing surfaces. One common method is superfinishing, a grinding process that smooths the roller and race surfaces. This helps create a better lubrication film and reduces friction.

Some applications also have specific load and speed requirements. Engineers analyze these conditions and adjust the bearing design. Adjusting the design can help the bearing better handle stress and improve performance.

Adjusting the Roller Crown

Cylindrical rollers aren’t perfectly straight. Race contact surfaces have a slight curve called a roller crown. This curve helps the bearing handle different loads. Engineers can adjust the amount of curvature to match application needs and extend bearing life.

Any bearing changes must be made carefully and tailored to each specific use case.

Regal Rexnord’s Expertise

Regal Rexnord has the tools and experience to know when and how to make these changes. We work closely with OEMs, distributors, and end users to create bearings that meet exact needs. 

More Resources 

• To discuss customization options for your application, schedule time with one of our Application Specialists today.
• View available Link-Belt^® Cylindrical Roller Bearing products.
• View available Rollway^® Cylindrical Roller Bearing products.
• To learn more, visit Regal Rexnord University.
• Link-Belt^® Product Sheet [PDF]
• Link-Belt^® Cylindrical Roller Bearings Overview [PDF]
• Cylindrical Roller Bearings Nomenclature [PDF]