The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Tapered Roller Bearings

Understanding Tapered Roller Bearings

Tapered roller bearings are a specific type of rolling element bearing designed to accommodate combined radial and thrust loads. They consist of an inner and outer ring raceway assembly with tapered rollers positioned between the raceways at an angle. This unique design allows tapered roller bearings to support both radial (perpendicular to the shaft) and axial (parallel to the shaft) loads simultaneously, making them an ideal choice for applications involving heavy loads or misalignment.

Rimao Product Page

The tapered roller design offers several advantages over other bearing types. First, the tapered shape of the rollers increases the contact area between the rollers and raceways, resulting in superior load-carrying capacity. Additionally, the angled arrangement of the rollers provides a self-aligning feature, allowing the bearing to accommodate minor shaft deflections or misalignments without compromising performance or service life.

Tapered roller bearings are commonly used in various industrial applications, such as gearboxes, transmission systems, rolling mills, and machine tool spindles, where high radial and thrust loads are present. They are also widely employed in automotive applications, including wheel bearings, differential assemblies, and driveshafts, due to their ability to withstand the rigors of vehicular motion and load variations.

Selecting the Appropriate Bearing Series

Tapered roller bearings are available in various series, each designed to meet specific performance and application requirements. The most common series include:

1. Metric Series: Designed to conform to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, metric series bearings are widely used in Europe and many other parts of the world. They are available in a range of sizes and configurations to accommodate diverse applications.
2. Inch Series: Developed in accordance with ABMA (American Bearing Manufacturers Association) standards, inch series bearings are commonly used in North American and other regions where imperial measurements are prevalent. These bearings are available in various inch-based sizes and configurations.
3. Precision Series: Precision series bearings are manufactured with tighter tolerances and higher quality standards, offering enhanced precision, reduced friction, and improved performance in demanding applications such as machine tools, precision instrumentation, and aerospace systems.
4. High-Capacity Series: These bearings are designed to handle exceptionally heavy radial and thrust loads, making them suitable for use in heavy-duty industrial machinery, mining equipment, and other severe-duty applications.
5. Specialty Series: Tapered roller bearings are also available in specialized series tailored for specific environments or performance requirements, such as corrosion-resistant bearings for harsh environments, high-temperature bearings for elevated operating conditions, or bearings with specialized coatings or materials for specific applications.

Selecting the Appropriate Bearing Size and Capacity

Choosing the correct size and capacity of a tapered roller bearing is crucial to ensure optimal performance and service life. Several factors must be considered, including:

1. Load Capacity: The load capacity of a tapered roller bearing is determined by its size and internal design. It is essential to select a bearing with sufficient load capacity to handle the expected radial and thrust loads in the application, factoring in any potential overload conditions or shock loads.
2. Speed Limitations: Tapered roller bearings have maximum recommended speed ratings based on their size, internal geometry, and lubrication conditions. Operating beyond these speed limits can lead to excessive heat generation, premature wear, and potential bearing failure.
3. Shaft and Housing Fits: Proper shaft and housing fits are critical for tapered roller bearings to function correctly. Improper fits can cause misalignment, excessive preload, or insufficient clamping force, leading to bearing damage or failure.
4. Lubrication Requirements: Tapered roller bearings require adequate lubrication to minimize friction, dissipate heat, and prevent wear. The lubrication method (grease or oil), lubricant type, and replenishment intervals should be carefully considered based on the operating conditions and manufacturer recommendations.
5. Environmental Factors: In harsh environments, such as extreme temperatures, corrosive atmospheres, or contamination, specialized bearing materials or coatings may be required to ensure reliable performance and extended service life.

Mounting and Installation Considerations

Proper mounting and installation are essential for tapered roller bearings to achieve their intended performance and service life. Key considerations include:

1. Proper Handling and Storage: Tapered roller bearings should be handled with care to prevent damage or contamination. They should be stored in a clean, dry environment and protected from moisture, dust, and other contaminants.
2. Shaft and Housing Preparation: Shafts and housings must be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for burrs, nicks, or any surface imperfections that could damage the bearings during installation or operation.
3. Installation Tools and Procedures: Specialized tools and techniques are often required to ensure proper installation of tapered roller bearings. Adhering to manufacturer guidelines and using the correct tools can prevent bearing damage and ensure proper alignment and preload.
4. Initial Lubrication: Prior to operation, tapered roller bearings should be properly lubricated with the recommended grease or oil to ensure adequate protection against wear and premature failure.
5. Monitoring and Maintenance: Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial for maximizing the service life of tapered roller bearings. Periodic inspections, lubrication replenishment, and prompt replacement of worn or damaged bearings can prevent costly downtime and equipment failures.

Advanced Considerations and Trends

As technology advances and industrial demands evolve, several trends and considerations are shaping the future of tapered roller bearings:

1. Lightweight Materials: The pursuit of lighter and more energy-efficient machinery has driven the development of tapered roller bearings constructed from lightweight materials such as advanced polymers or hybrid materials, offering weight reduction without compromising performance.
2. Smart Bearings: The integration of sensors and monitoring systems into bearings, known as “smart bearings,” enables real-time condition monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimized performance in critical applications.
3. Customized Solutions: With the increasing complexity of modern machinery and unique application requirements, bearing manufacturers are offering customized tapered roller bearing solutions tailored to specific customer needs, incorporating specialized materials, coatings, or design modifications.
4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness: As environmental concerns gain prominence, the bearing industry is exploring sustainable manufacturing practices, eco-friendly materials, and designs that promote energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
5. Advanced Lubrication Systems: Innovative lubrication systems, such as solid or ionic lubricants, are being developed to enhance bearing performance, extend service life, and reduce maintenance requirements, particularly in challenging operating environments.

By staying informed about these trends and advancements, industries can leverage the latest tapered roller bearing technologies to optimize performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in their applications.

About LKPB Bearing Company

Luoyang LIKE Precision Machinery Co., Ltd – LKPB®, Located in Luoyang, China, Established in with a registered capital of 5 million, We are a professional bearing manufacturer.

LKPB strictly follows the ISO quality system requirements for product quality control, we have a strong technical team to accept processing of non-standard precision bearings of P5, P4, P2 and VSP level of accuracy. The products inner diameter size range is φ20mm-φmm.

We have established long term co-operation with a number of the world’s leading machine tool and robotics companies, the products can completely replace of INA/IKO/THK/FAG/SKF/KAYDON and other brands. We believe that cooperating with us will exceed your expectations.

1. Rotary Table Bearings ( YRT, YRTC, YRTS, YRTM, ZKLDF Series) ;

2. Cross Roller Bearings ( RA/RA-C, RAU, RB, RU, RW, RE, SX, XU, XV, XSU, XR/JXR, CRB/CRBC, CRBF/CRBFV, CRBH/CRBHV, CRBS/CRBSV, CRBT/CRBTF Series);

3. Thin Section Bearings ( KAA, KA, KB, KC, KD, KF, KG, JHA, JA, JB, JG, JU Series);  

4. Robot Reducer Bearings (CSF/CSG, SHF/SHG, CSD Series, RV Reducer Bearings and Flexible Bearings F, 3E Series);

5. Angular Contact Ball Bearings ( 718, 719, 70, 72, / Series);  

6. Ball Screw Support Bearings ( ZKLF/ZKLN, ZARF/ZARN Series);

7. Slewing Ring ( Cross Roller, Four-Point Contact, Eight-Point Contact Same Path, Eight-Point Contact Different Path, Three-row roller and Flanged Series);

8. Hollow Rotary Platform Bearings ( ZK Series).

For expert guidance in meeting your specific requirements, reach out to our knowledgeable team. Experience firsthand how our precision solutions can elevate your machinery’s efficiency and durability. Contact us today!

LKPB With more than 10 years of production experience

Supporting OEM service; 50 days return service; 7*24 hours technical support; Accept non-standard customization; Maximum 24 months product warranty

Related Posts

Tapered Roller Bearings

Figure 1: Tapered roller bearing assembly

Tapered roller bearings focus combination loads into a central rotational axis. They allow for the simultaneous action of radial and axial loads on the bearing assembly. The axial load-bearing capacity of a tapered roller bearing increases as the raceway contact angles increase—their conical shape results in less overall stress on the interfacing parts. Tapered roller bearings are used on motor shafts, axles, propellers, and countless other applications.

Table of contents

• Tapered roller bearing components
• What types of loads can tapered roller bearings handle?
• Single-row, thrust, or multi-row tapered bearings
• Selection criteria
• Common uses
• Extending equipment life cycles
• Pros and cons
• FAQs

Tapered roller bearing components

A tapered roller bearing consists of inner and outer rings which house the rolling elements. The rollers taper into conical shapes. The corresponding raceways that the rollers interface with are angled to accommodate their tapered form. The rollers themselves are held together in a cage (aka retainer) that fits the inner and outer rings. Figure 2 shows the main components which hold the rollers together.

Figure 2: Exploded view of a tapered roller bearing. From left to right: Inner raceway, rolling elements, cage, and outer raceway.

Additional resources:
Exploring Rare Metal Wire Mesh: Uses and Benefits
Everything You Need to Know About ER5556 Mig Welding Wire
Understanding Air Sealing Valves: Benefits and Applications
What Are the Benefits of Wholesale Sanding Discs?
Why Trust Matters in Choosing Epoxy Resin Wire Mesh Suppliers?
ER5356 Wire for Boat Construction: The Ultimate Guide to Choices
Key Considerations for Choosing Chamfer Router Bits

Are you interested in learning more about 603 2RS All Bearing? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

What types of loads can tapered roller bearings handle?

The angled and tapered shape of tapered roller bearings minimizes the stress caused by a combination of radial and axial loads. Radial and axial loads often combine to create different loads upon a bearing assembly. The ability to handle angular loads and changing angular loads – makes tapered roller bearings indispensable to various technical designs and industries. The tapered shape essentially concentrates radial and axial loads into a unified load that is more easily harnessed. Which angular loads can be harnessed depends on the precise angle of the tapered bearing. They can harness a comprehensive range of forces by configuring two or even more tapered bearings.

The steepness of the roller bearing's gradient increases the thrust/axial load it can handle, while a shallow angle increases the radial load capacity. As the radial load increases, the bearing experiences more stress against the sides of the bearing raceways. A more shallow angle minimizes stress, reducing pressure on the rollers. Increased axial load contributes to the stress applied to the top of the rollers. A steeper angle will distribute the pressure more towards the center of the bearing and less onto the rollers themselves.

Single-row, thrust, or multi-row tapered bearings

Depending on the type and angle of the loads that will interact with the tapered roller bearing, you will need to find the tapered bearing with an appropriate angle. For multiple loads, there are several types of multi-row assembly options.

Figure 3: A double row tapered bearing (left), thrust bearing (middle), and a single row tapered bearing.

Single-row tapered roller bearing

A single-row tapered bearing is usually adequate for the most straightforward applications (e.g., angular forces on a fixed point and with only mild fluctuation). To find the right one, you'll need to determine whether the end-use of the tapered bearing will have more radial or axial loads. There are axial-only tapered roller bearings called thrust tapered bearings that resemble flat rings or disks where the rollers are perpendicular to the bearing bore axis. When multiple bearings are required, it could be advantageous to use two- or more single-row tapered bearings rather than multi-row bearings within a single housing. One such example is if one bearing will need to be maintained, adjusted, or replaced separately from the other. Another is when there is a need to allow for flexibility in design and add or subtract individual single-row tapered bearings, which is impossible with a multi-row tapered bearing.

Multi-row tapered bearings are inherently more secure because they operate in the same housing. That housing is more prominent and provides more surface area to connect with the equipment it interfaces with, providing more stability and higher longevity.

Multi-row tapered roller bearings

If a tapered roller bearing must withstand different angles of axial thrust, one can integrate multiple rows of rollers (most typically two or four) into one unit. These roller rows can be either adjacent to each other or spaced apart. These bearings are identified according to how the multiple rows are oriented towards each other and include:

• Tandem: Adjacent roller rows are oriented with the same load-bearing direction in the same bearing.
• Double-cup: The apexes (or 'vanishing points') focused on by the two adjacent roller retainers face inwards towards each other within a single, double-grooved outer raceway.
• Double-cone:The rollers are housed side-by-side such that the 'apex' of each faces outwards and away from each other.
• Spacer-assembled: Any pair of single-row bearings separated by spacers or a wider cage within the same assembly. The single-row bearings can be oriented just as with tandem, double-cup, or double-cone arrangements according to the same principles – the key difference is that they are distanced and not right next to each other. An example of this is seen in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Spacer-assembled tapered roller bearing

Selection criteria

Tapered roller bearings are the most common solution when interfacing with combined forces, especially changing ones.

• Non-combination forces: Ball bearings and other simpler alternatives have less friction overall and are likely sufficient for non-specialty purposes that lack combination forces or a need for high surface-area contact.
• Combination forces: A combination of axial and radial loads almost always requires a tapered roller bearing.
• Determining load capacity: The contact angle determines the load capacity, so it's essential to decide the load angles a bearing will handle. For heavy-duty applications, multi-row tapered bearings are necessary for combination loads. With lighter forces, one is often enough.
• Determining contact angles: The contact angle between a component and the bearing will determine the outer ring raceway angle. More significant contact angles translate to higher axial load capacities and vice versa. When selecting the correct tapered bearing for your needs, you'll see this angle often expressed with the coefficient 'e'; higher values indicate both greater contact angles and axial load-bearing capacity.

Shallow, moderate, and sharp contact angles

Generally, an angle of 10° to 19° is very common for radial load-heavy applications. For anything less than 10°, you should consider if you need a full-thrust roller bearing and investigate whether or not there is much radial force at all. As axial loads increase (and radial loads decrease), 20° and 24° is a good balance. This angle is shallow enough that radial loads still won't put extreme pressure on the bearings but steep enough to handle axial loads more effectively. For large axial loads, angles between 25° and 29° are necessary, and this is the point where radial loads will create more wear and reduce the component's lifespan. Still, it is more than adequate to handle a high mix of radial- and axial-combination loads simultaneously.

Angular contact ball bearings can be equally effective in handling various loads. Read our technical guide on angular contact ball bearings to learn more.

Common uses

A tapered roller bearing is appropriate wherever a bearing must handle combination loads. One of the most common uses is maintaining axial balance, achieved with multiple tapered roller bearings along an axle or shaft. The tapered bearings will evenly distribute loads when adequately aligned, minimizing wear and tear on the components. With higher surface area, tapered roller bearings can distribute friction and heat from combination loads more efficiently than non-tapered rollers (which are more efficient than tapered bearings only with the most straightforward non-combination forces). This reduced friction increases the rotational speed of interfacing parts and makes tapered roller bearings ideal for use in:

• Engines
• Motors
• Gearboxes (especially those with helical gears)
• Wheels & axles
• Turbines & propellers

This equipment must combine many different angles and utilize them to drive motors, driveshafts, and other rotational components.

Extending equipment life cycles

In high-speed applications, standard bearings will break down much more quickly and damage the components they interface with. Compared to their non-tapered counterparts, tapered rollers combine less friction with high surface-area contact with extremely fast-rotating parts. The result is a highly efficient transfer of combined forces and shifting forces into a single rotational axis. This efficiency translates to much less vibration, which prevents damage to delicate instruments throughout the machine and reduces the need to dampen outside force.

Pros and cons

The pros of tapered roller bearings

• High reliability: Tapered roller bearings are highly reliable when used correctly. Automobiles can run for hundreds of thousands of miles without experiencing tapered bearing failures, requiring little-to-no maintenance.
• Combined and varied loads: Tapered roller bearings have clear advantages over spherical, cylindrical, and needle roller bearings when handling combined and varied loads due to their geometry.
• Load bearing capacity: Tapered bearings can support pure axial and radial load.
• Minimum load requirement: The rollers are very unlikely to slide or 'skid' when loaded or unloaded; other roller bearings have minimal load requirements – a consistent amount of pressure that must be maintained – to prevent the rollers from sliding within their raceways.

The cons of tapered roller bearings

• Speed: Because the rollers maintain high surface area contact – an advantage in some regards (such as distributing loads evenly) – they do not match the speed potential of spherical bearings, which have less internal friction and generate less heat.
• Heat: Compared to non-tapered rollers, tapered rollers generate less heat because there is less material, and the bearing cage with rollers is less bulky.
• Dynamic misalignment: Spherical bearings are better at tolerating dynamic misalignment than tapered bearings because they have been designed for particular angles and respond poorly to gradients outside of their design purpose. Spherical bearings can handle temporary shifts without much stress on the unit because the balls float independently within their retaining cage. With tapered rollers, any pressure exerted on one will spread thoroughly throughout the entire assembly.

FAQs

How long will a tapered roller bearing assembly last?

When properly selected, fit, sealed, and lubricated, tapered bearings last for a very long time and with minimal maintenance. They tend to be some of the last parts of a machine requiring service.

How to adjust tapered roller bearings?

The roller cage can bend if too loose, scarring the raceway surfaces. If too tight, there is constant friction that creates small metal shavings. Eliminate 'play' and back off until it spins freely.

When should I replace a tapered roller bearing?

Metal flaking indicates that the tapered bearing should be replaced as soon as possible. Also, stethoscopes can help detect grinding or squeaking noises that could mean significant wear.