Going By The Book: Installing Two Fixed Adapter Mounting Units
Adapter‑mounted roller bearings install easily on straight shafts, handle heavy loads, and simplify maintenance. But those advantages only deliver value when the bearings are installed correctly.
Installing two fixed, tapered‑adapter mounted roller bearings can feel tricky. But with the right steps, and a clear understanding of how axial movement works, you can get consistent, reliable results and prevent early bearing failure.
Why Proper Installation Matters
Tapered‑adapter mounted bearings move along the shaft as you tighten the nut and sleeve. This is axial movement, or movement parallel to the shaft. Axial movement is normal, but if you tighten incorrectly, you may cause:
- Excess thrust load or overload, which can shorten bearing life.
- Loose fits on the shaft, which can lead to vibration, misalignment, or failure.
Regal Rexnord offers two types of tapered‑adapter systems:
- Link‑Belt 600 Series: pushes the bearing during tightening.
- Rex 6000 Series SHURLOK®: pulls the bearing during tightening.
No matter the design, always plan for the axial movement created during tightening.
Step-by-Step: Installing Fixed Pillow Block Bearings
Mounting two pillow blocks is the simpler setup. Your goal is to allow enough axial push or pull without creating excessive load on the bearings or failing to reach proper tightness.
Step 1: Allow axial movement
When you start installation, tighten the mounting bolts only enough to keep the units in place. They should still be able to slide slightly within the pillow block bolt slots. This movement helps the bearings reach proper tightness without adding unnecessary load.
Step 2: Final alignment
Once both bearings are tightened to the shaft per the service instructions, align the two units. When alignment looks good, fully tighten all mounting bolts.
Step-by-Step: Installing Fixed Flange Block Bearings
Flange blocks are more challenging because the two faces are set at a fixed distance apart. That fixed distance must be adjusted to match the push‑or‑pull movement of the tapered adapter. Service instructions list the required shim thickness for each bearing type.
Installing Rex 6000 Series SHURLOK® (Pull Type)
- Install the first flange block.
- Tighten the mounting bolts.
- Tighten to the shaft following service instructions.
- Prepare the second flange block.
- Loosely bolt the unit to the structure.
- Tighten to the zero‑fit point per service instructions.
- Allow for the pull movement.
- Loosen the mounting bolts enough to let the housing move the required pull distance.
- Install the shim stock under each bolt pad, matching the thickness listed in the instructions.
- Final tightening:
Tighten the bearing to the shaft as specified.
Tighten the mounting bolts fully.
Installing Link‑Belt 600 Series (Push Type)
The steps are similar, but in this case the bearing pushes:
- Install the first flange block.
- Tighten mounting bolts fully.
- Tighten to the shaft according to service instructions.
- Install the second flange block with shims.
- Place the required shims behind the bolt pads..
- Snug (but don’t fully tighten) the mounting bolts.
- Bring the bearing to the zero‑fit position.
- Final steps:
Remove the shims.
Tighten the bearing to the shaft per service instructions.
Tighten the mounting bolts fully.
Preventing Bearing Failure: Key Things to Watch
The top two causes of bearing failure are improper lubrication and improper installation.
Most premature failures come from the wrong lubricant, not enough lubricant, or contamination. When installing bearings:
- Use the recommended grease
- Follow proper lubrication intervals
- Make sure seals are in good condition
During installation, be aware that both over‑tightening and under‑tightening can create:
- Excessive internal loads
- Misalignment
- Shaft fretting
- Reduced bearing life
This is exactly why following each step, and using the right shim thickness, is so important.
Build Confidence Through Correct Bearing Installation
Fully reading, understanding and following the service instructions can prevent loose or overloaded bearings. The steps above will ensure a quality installation every time. For a demonstration of our Link-Belt 600 Series, check out this YouTube video.
For information or assistance, call us at (317) 273-5781 or email [email protected]. For additional videos and other demos, visit our YouTube channel.
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Mark Czubak
Mark Czubak is a Principal Engineer with the Regal Rexnord Bearing business. He has spent nearly 40 years with Rexnord where he has managed all facets of engineering, including application, design and manufacturing, giving him a cradle to grave knowledge of mounted roller bearings. With this experience, Mark shares his passion and knowledge through bearing training, application assistance and installation. “Bearings are overlooked for the more expensive components of the system, but a bearing failure can cause just as much downtime as any other component so choose your bearings wisely and save time and money.”
Page Updated: March 27, 2026