Propeller Shaft Bearings

The

propeller shaft is supported by Stern Tube bearings, one long bearing at the aft end of the stern tube and one short bearing at the forward end which are white metal lined and supplied with generous supply of lubricating oil.(The forward bearing may be omitted in some designs, depending upon the length of propeller shaft.). The oil fills up the stern tube and is prevented from leaking out by seals provided at the forward and aft ends of the stern tube.

Intermediate Shaft Bearing

Intermediate shaft is connected at one end to the crank shaft and at the other end to the propeller shaft. The shaft is supported at the centre by a bearing, normally of the Plummer Block type. The bearing half that supports the shaft is white metal lined. There is no white metal lined top half or keep. The housing of the bearing contains an oil sump and a scraper at the top of the shaft scrapes the oil carried by the rotating shaft and directs it back to the sump. The shaft is partially immersed in the oil. The housing has an inspection cover through which the oil splashing can be seen. The housing has end seals that prevents any oil leakage. A sight glass shows the oil level. The housing bottom has arrangement for passing cooling water which keeps the temperature of the oil and thereby the bearing in check.