Lesson 3: Bearings

Lesson 3: Bearings

Introduction:

Different types of bearing are used extensively throughout our

machines to join stationary part to a moving part.
Objectives:

After completing this lesson the student will be able to identify the
different types of bearings used in our field.
References:

An Introduction to Bearings SEBV0507

Materials:
Various bearings used in the shop
Unit 3 3-3-2 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.1 Bearings

Bearings
A bearing (Figure 3.3.1) is a mechanical device for decreasing
friction in a machine in which a moving part exerts force on another
part.

Fig. 3.3.2 Friction

Friction
When objects move against one another, a degree of resistance is
produced by the contacting surfaces. This resistance is better known
as friction (Figure 3.3.2). While friction is useful for transmitting
motion from one object to another, it is also a force that works
against movement. Continuous friction causes heat to build up and
results in wear of the contacting surfaces. In machinery, unchecked
friction can quickly lead to damaged parts and equipment
breakdowns.
Unit 3 3-3-3 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.3 Bearings on Shafts

Bearings on Shafts
Usually, the bearing supports a moving part. The bearing must allow
the moving part one type of motion, such as rotation, while
preventing it from moving in any other way, for example, sideways.
Bearings are generally found at the rigid supports of rotating shafts
(Figure 3.3.3) where friction is the greatest.

BEARING FUNCTIONS

- Decrease Friction, Heat and Wear

- Support Static Weight of Shafts and Machinery
- Support Radial and Thrust Loads
- Allow Tighter Fit Tolerances
- Easier to Replace and Less Expensive than Shafts

Fig. 3.3.4 Bearing Functions

Bearing Functions
Bearings were invented early in history. When the wheel was
invented, it was mounted on an axle, and where wheel and axle
touched was a bearing. Early bearings had surfaces of wood or
leather lubricated with grease such as animal fat. Modern bearings
are often designated into friction and anti-friction types. Neither type
of bearing is completely frictionless but both are efficient in reducing
friction.
Unit 3 3-3-4 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

In machinery, the most common methods used to reduce friction, heat

and wear are lubrication and bearings. Oil provides lubrication and
cooling but does not provide support. Bearings are particularly useful
because they also support both the static weight and dynamic loads of
the rotating driveshafts, gears, connecting rods, etc. For example,
wheel bearings support the weight of the entire heavy machine.
Crankshaft journal bearings support the shaft against the forces
produced by the piston rods.
The primary functions of bearings in a machine are as follows:
- Decrease friction, heat and wear
- Support the static weight of shafts and machinery
- Support radial and thrust loads produced by rotating shafts
- Allow tighter fit tolerances to prevent "slop’ in rotating
shafts
- Easier to replace and less expensive than shafts

Fig. 3.3.5 Radial and Thrust Bearing Loads

Radial and Thrust Bearing Loads

As gear shafts operate in a machine they produce a number of
different loads that bearings must support. First, there is the static
load of the weight of the shaft and gears that are mounted on it
(Figure 3.3.5, top diagram). The direction of the load is toward the
center line (or axis) of the shaft. This is called the radial load. As the
shaft rotates it also tries to move to the left or right along the center
line of shaft (Figure 3.3.5, bottom diagram). This is called a thrust
load. Bearings absorb radial loads and thrust loads to prevent shafts
from moving.
Unit 3 3-3-5 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

While many specific varieties of bearings are used in modern

machinery, bearings are classified into two main types: solid (plain)
bearings and anti-friction bearings.

Fig. 3.3.6 Solid Bearings

Solid Bearings
Solid bearings (Figure 3.3.6) are classified as sleeves or bushings and
split-half. Solid bearings are also referred to as friction bearings.

Fig. 3.3.7 Shaft Supported by Oil (solid theory)

In a solid bearing, the shaft turns on the bearing surface. The shaft
and the bearing are separated by a thin layer of lubricating oil. When
rotating at operational speeds, the shaft is often supported by the thin
layer of oil and not by the bearing itself.
As the rotational speed increases, the oil film becomes thicker, so that
the friction increases in less than direct proportion to the speed. At
lower speeds, the oil film is thinner if other factors are unchanged.
At extremely low speeds, the film may break and the two pieces
come into contact. Therefore, friction is high when a machine is
started in motion, and the bearing may fail if high stresses are put on
it during starting.
Unit 3 3-3-6 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.8 Sleeve Bearing

Sleeve Bearing
The simplest types of solid bearings are one-piece sleeve bearings
also called bushings. Sleeve bearings have been used in wheels and
other rotating shafts since the earliest times. Sleeve or journal type
bearings are simpler than anti-friction bearings in construction but
more complex in theory and operation. Figure 3.3.8 shows a type of
sleeve bearing and a camshaft. The camshaft is supported at the
journals by sleeve bearings in the engine block.
The shaft supported by the bearing is called the journal, and the outer
portion, the sleeve. If journal and sleeve are both made of steel, the
bearing surfaces, even if well lubricated, may grab or pick up small
pieces of metal from each other. The sleeves of most bearings
therefore are lined with brass, bronze, or Babbitt metal. Bronze
sleeve bearings are widely used in oil pumps and electric motors.
Solid bearings are lined metals that are softer than the shafts that turn
on them so that the bearing will wear before the shaft does. It is
typically less difficult and much less costly to replace a worn bearing
than it would be to replace the shaft or assembly that rests on the
bearing.
Sleeve bearings are generally pressure-lubricated through a hole in
the journal or from the housing that contains the bearing. The sleeve
is often grooved to distribute the oil evenly over the bearing surface.
Unit 3 3-3-7 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.9 and 3.3.10 Split-half Bearings

Split-half Bearings
A second type of solid bearing is the split-half bearing.
Two (2) split-half bearings make one complete bearing. Most split-
half bearings that are used in engines have an oil hole and/or groove
in the top half of the bearing. The bottom half of the bearing is
smooth. The oil hole and groove permit lubricant to go to the bearing
contact area. Split-half bearings have lock tabs that fit into notches
for correct alignment, and the lock tabs also prevent bearing
movement.
Unit 3 3-3-8 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Most split-half bearings have three (3) different layers of metals. The
top layer can be a mixture of lead and tin or a mixture of copper and
lead. The purpose of this layer is to "dry-lubricate" the bearing until
lubrication oil is there. The next layer is aluminum. Aluminum takes
heat away evenly from the bearing contact area. It is also soft so that
foreign materials, like dirt or metal shavings, can press into the
bearing face instead of into the crankshaft. The bottom or outer layer
is made of steel. Steel increases the strength of the bearing and is
also support for the aluminum contact area.
The most common application of split-half bearings is in the cylinder
block of an engine. Split-half bearings are used as connecting rod
bearings and crankshaft main bearings. They help support the
crankshaft and also permit the rotation of the crankshaft with a
minimum of friction. The primary purpose of split-half bearings is to
decrease friction, heat, and wear. Use the parts book to make sure
that the correct bearing is used. Keep the bearings clean and in the
box until they are to be used. Inspect the bearings for damage before
installation. Inspect the bearing contact area on the crankshaft to
make sure it is clean and not damaged. Put oil on the surface of the
bearing that makes contact with the crankshaft. Make sure that the
oil holes of the bearing are in alignment with the holes in the cylinder
block. It is possible that all of the main or connecting rod bearings
do not have to be exchanged for new bearings when the engine is
rebuilt. Exchange worn bearings for new bearings.
Follow the Service Manual procedures for the correct use of tools
used in the installation and removal of all split-half bearings.
Unit 3 3-3-9 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Benefits of Solid Bearings

- Less Expensive
- Handle heavy radial loads

Fig. 3.3.11 Benefits of Solid Bearings

Benefits of Solid Bearings

- Less Expensive
- Handle Heavy radial loads
Unit 3 3-3-10 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.12 Anti-friction Bearings

Anti Friction Bearings

Anti-friction bearings use rolling action to reduce friction and have
lower starting friction than plain bearings. Anti-friction bearing
(Figure 3.3.12) designs include ball bearings, roller bearings and
needle bearings.

Fig. 3.3.13 Anti-friction Bearing Components

Anti-friction bearing assemblies (Figure 3.3.13) consists of most or

all of the following components:
Inner race or cone: The inner race is a hardened steel ring with a
machined channel or groove that the balls or rollers travel in. The
inner race is often attached to the rotating shaft that the bearing
supports.
Outer race: Similar to the inner race, the outer race is a hardened
steel ring with a channel or grove for the balls or rollers to travel in.
The outer race is normally a separate component often mounted so it
remains stationary.
Unit 3 3-3-11 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Balls or Rollers: Between the races are the actual friction reducing
components. These may be hardened steel balls, straight or tapered
rollers, or thin rollers called needles. The balls or rollers turn freely
between the inner and outer races.
Cage: The cage is positioned between the inner and outer races and
is used to maintain the correct spacing between the balls or rollers.

Fig. 3.3.14 Bearing Contact Area

Anti-friction bearings reduce friction by providing both rolling action

and a narrow contact area (Figure 3.3.14). Balls have point contact
with the races that support them allowing high speed operation. A
thin layer of oil separates the components. Straight rollers have a line
contact. The line provides more surface contact for greater support
against radial loads.
Unit 3 3-3-12 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.15 and 3.3.16 Ball Bearings

Ball Bearings
The primary purpose of ball bearings is to support a load and to keep
friction, heat, and wear to a minimum during the rotation of different
parts at high speeds. Ball bearings use the principle of rolling action.
This movement of the different parts permits the rotation of
components with a minimum of friction, like a shaft in a bore. Use
the correct ball bearing assembly. Inspect the ball bearings and the
shaft for damage before installation. Some typical applications of
ball bearings are in transmissions, generators, water pumps, and belt
pulley drives.
Follow the Service Manual procedures for the correct use of tools
used in the installation and removal of all ball bearing assemblies.
Use gloves for protection if heat is used during installation of the
bearing. (See Bearing Heaters.)
Unit 3 3-3-13 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.17 and 3.3.18 Straight Roller Bearings

Straight Roller Bearings

There are many sizes of straight roller bearings. Straight roller
bearings are similar to ball bearings. The straight roller bearing
assembly also has four (4) parts. The basic difference between a
straight roller bearing and a ball bearing is that instead of a round
steel ball, the straight roller bearing has a cylinder shape solid steel
roller. The rollers turn freely between the inner and outer race. The
cage keeps the correct clearance between the rollers. A thin layer of
oil separates the four (4) components of the bearing assembly.
The primary purpose of straight roller bearings is to help the
reduction of friction, heat, and wear during the rotation of different
parts at high speeds. They are used in large radial load applications.
Straight roller bearings use the principle of rolling action and the
different parts of the straight roller bearing move in relation to each
other. This movement of the different parts permits rotation with a
minimum of friction. Straight roller bearings have line contact in
comparison to point contact of ball bearings. This line contact
permits a straight roller bearing to be used for larger radial loads than
a ball bearing of the same size. Typical applications of straight roller
bearings are in transmission and final drives of vehicles. Use the
correct straight roller bearing at all times. Refer to the Parts Book.
Inspect the bearing and shaft for damage before installation. Use the
correct amount of lubricant.
Use the correct tools for the installation and removal of straight roller
bearings. Use correct procedures given in the service manual for
installation and removal.
Unit 3 3-3-14 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.19 and 3.3.20 Tapered Roller Bearing

Tapered Roller Bearings

Tapered roller bearings are very similar to straight roller bearings.
The basic difference between straight roller bearings and tapered
roller bearings is that the rollers and the surface of the races are
tapered at an angle to the centerline of the shaft they support. The
angle provides resistance to thrust loads. The main parts of the
tapered roller bearings can be separated. The inner race, the rollers,
and the cage are one assembly. The outer race is one part. There are
many sizes of tapered roller bearings. The size of the bearing is
controlled by the use or application.
There are many applications of tapered roller bearings. Because of
the tapered inner race and the tapered rollers, they are used for both
radial and thrust loads. One tapered roller bearing is used with
another tapered roller bearing that can operate against thrust loads
from the opposite direction. Some typical applications are in
transmissions, differentials, final drives, and some hydraulic pumps.
Unit 3 3-3-15 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.21 and 3.3.22 Needle Bearings

Needle Bearings
Needle bearings are a special type of straight roller bearing. There
are many types and sizes of needle bearings, but there are two (2)
basic designs. One design (Figure 3.3.21) has all the needle bearings
in alignment around a shaft or bore inside a cap. The other design
(Figure 3.3.22) has a bearing cage to separate the needle bearings
inside the cap. Needle bearings are long and generally very small in
diameter. Because of the longer length, there is more line contact
that permits the needle bearings to be used in large radial loads.
The small diameter of needle bearings permits the bearings to be
used where a minimum clearance is needed. The application of
needle bearings is limited to bore diameters of less than ten (10)
inches (254mm). Needle bearings that are in a cage, have less load
capacity than the bearings that are not in a cage, but they can operate
at higher speeds. Some typical applications of needle bearings are in
universal joints and planetary final drives.
Unit 3 3-3-16 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

BENEFITS OF ANTI-FRICTION BEARINGS

- No Wear on the Shaft

- Less Power Loss
- Allows Higher Speeds

Fig. 3.3.23 Benefits of Anti-friction Bearings

Anti-friction Bearings
The benefits of anti-friction bearings are listed below:
- No wear on the shaft
- Less power loss
- Allow higher speeds
Unit 3 3-3-17 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.24 and 3.3.25 Thrust Bearings

Thrust Bearings
With design changes, solid, roller, ball, and needle bearings can be
used as thrust bearings. Split-half bearings that are used for heavy
radial and thrust loads have flanges on both sides of the radial
bearing surface. Bushing or sleeve bearings used for thrust loads
also have flanges on one or both sides of the radial bearing surface.
Ball bearings and straight roller bearings used for thrust application
have the bearing surfaces of the inner and outer races of the bearing
machined deeper than those of standard ball or roller bearings.
Straight roller and needle bearings have the rollers and needle
bearing roller positioned with the center lines of the rollers at a 90°
angle to the shaft when they are used as thrust bearings.
Thrust bearings are used in high thrust load applications. Many
engines use a thrust main bearing to limit crankshaft end movement
and also for thrust loads caused by timing gears, torque converters, or
clutches. Bushing bearings with a flange on only one side are
normally used with a second thrust bearing for thrust loads in the
opposite direction. Use the correct thrust bearing. Refer to the Parts
Book. Inspect bearings and the crankshaft for damage before
installation.
Use the correct tools for the installation and removal of thrust
bearings. Use the correct procedure given in the Service Manual for
installation and removal.
Unit 3 3-3-18 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.26 and 3.3.27 Thrust Plate

Thrust Plate
There are many sizes and shapes of thrust plates. They can be made
of a mixture of steel and bronze, steel and aluminum, or lead and tin.
The shape of a thrust plate can be like a flange, a split-half circle, or
like a round plate. They can also have grooves and small round
pockets in the face of the plate to hold lubricating oil.
Thrust plates are used to control thrust loads along the center line of a
shaft. Thrust plates are used in some engines to limit crankshaft end
movement. They are also used at the end of some camshafts and also
in some turbochargers.

Fig. 3.3.28 and 3.3.29 Thrust Washers

Thrust Washers
Thrust washers are thin, flat bearings that are used only in thrust load
applications. Thrust washers can be made from a mixture of
different metals. They can be steel and bronze, aluminum on a steel
back, plastic on a steel back, or lead and tin. Some thrust washers
have grooves or pockets to hold oil for improved lubrication. Thrust
washers can have lock stems on the inside or outside diameter to
prevent rotation.
Thrust washers are used to help control and take up thrust loads
along the center line of a shaft. Thrust washers are put on shafts next
to gears and other bearings. Some typical applications are
transmissions, differentials, and pumps.
Unit 3 3-3-19 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.30 Oil bath Heater

Oil Bath Heater

Oil bath heaters are available in many sizes. They can be put on a
stand, workbench, or on the floor. They are square shaped and made
of metal. The thermostat (controls the amount of heat); timer; and
electric switches are at one end. The submersible (under the oil)
heating element is connected to the controls. Special bearing heater
oil, which has a smoke point of 450°F (230°C) must be used. Most
oil bath heaters have a removable steel mesh tray with two handles on
the sides. The tray is supported, which keeps the bearings or gears in
the bottom of the tray away from dirt (sludge) that has dropped to the
bottom of the heater.
Oil bath heaters are primarily used to heat bearings, gears, or
housings that are machined to very precise tolerances. Heating the
bearings expands the inner race of the bearing, which makes it easier
to install or remove a bearing. They are also used to expand housings
for bushing installation. The bearings are also cleaned and lubricated
in the process.
Protective gloves, apron, and safety glasses should be worn when
using the bearing heater. Never drop bearings into the oil bath heater.
Remove the tray first and place bearings or shafts into the tray
carefully. Then place the tray into the oil bath heater. Use the
Unit 3 3-3-20 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

correct heat setting and set the correct amount of time on the timer.
Do not use lubricating oil. Use only special bearing heater oil that
has a smoke point of 450° F (230°C). Lubricating oil loses viscosity
under high heat for a long period of time, smokes at a lower heat
setting, and releases dangerous fumes. Follow the manufacturer’s
operation instructions.

Fig. 3.3.31 Dry Heater Bearing Oven

Dry Heater Bearing Oven

Electrically heated bearing ovens are available in different sizes.
They can be mounted on a workbench or on a stand. Ovens are box
shaped. There are different shelf levels inside the oven. Some
models operate on 115 volts AC and others on 230 volts AC.
Electrically heated bearing ovens are primarily used to expand
bearing, gears, and bushing housings for easier installation and also
to prevent damage to the bearings and the shaft during the installation
procedure.
Place the bearing heater oven so that there is unrestricted circulation
around the fan motor. Do not place the oven in a corner or against a
wall. Wear protective gloves to remove a heated bearing. Do not
use with flammable solvents or vapors. All ovens should be
grounded. Do not place bearings immediately under or on top of
heating elements.
Unit 3 3-3-21 Caterpillar Service Industry
Lesson 3

Fig. 3.3.32 Introduction Bearing Heater

Induction Bearing Heater

Induction bearing heaters are transformers (electrical components that
increase or decrease voltage) that induce (put into) low voltage and
high current into the bearing race to heat it for expansion. This is the
fastest and cleanest method to heat bearings, but the temperature is
not easily controlled. The bearing must be watched very closely to
prevent overheating. Different size bars are available for the different
bore diameters of bearings and gears.
Induction bearing heaters are primarily used to heat bearings and
gears for easier installation. Put a mark on the bearing with a
material called Tempilstick®. Different Tempilstick® are available
for different temperatures. Put the bar that is about the same size as
the bore diameter of the bearing or gear through the bearing or gear.
Put bar and bearing on the induction heater. The mark, made by the
Tempilstick®, will go away (melts) at a specific temperature.
NOTES