Tapered Roller Bearings Information

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Tapered roller bearings contain an inner ring, outer ring, and a number of
tapered rollers. Looked at individually, the inner and outer bearing rings are also tapered,
resembling a cone segment. Due to the large surface area contact, tapered roller bearings are able
to withstand heavy axial and radial loads.

Tapered roller bearings have unique design characteristics compared to other types of roller
bearings. The rollers themselves have end diameters with two different sizes, hence the name
"tapered rollers." The raceways in which the rollers operate have an angled surface
corresponding with the taper of the rollers which makes these rings resemble segments of a cone;
the inner raceway is in fact called a cone, while the outer raceway is known as a cup. Rollers are
separated by a cage, also referred to as a retainer, that keeps the rollers a fixed distance apart,
ensuring a smooth rotation and even load distribution. Rollers themselves are actively aligned by
the angle surfaces of the rollers, cones, and cups, so the cage mainly serves to evenly space the
rollers and contain them within a unified assembly. Flanges prevent the roller and cage assembly
from leaving the bearing raceway at high speeds. In theory, if the tapered rollers, cone, and cup
were fulfilled as geometric cones, the apex of each would meet at the same point on the main
axis of the bearing.

These aforementioned dimensional profiles ensure that loads are uniformly stressed across all
components under normal loading scenarios. Due to their reliability in bearing both axial and
radial loads, tapered roller bearings are quite versatile.
 Components
Rollers

Axial and Radial Loads

The angle formed by the line of contact between the cup and rollers and that of the bearing's bore
axis determines the type of load for which the bearing is well-suited. The larger the angle, the
better the bearing is able to handle thrust loads, but the capacity to handle radial loads is
proportionally reduced. Axial loads can only be endured in one direction for bearings equipped
with a single row of tapered rollers.

Axial-Only Loads

Similar to other types of roller bearings, tapered roller bearings are also manufactured in the
thrust variety. In this instance, the rollers are placed in a configuration in which their axes are
perpendicular to the axis of the bearing bore. The larger diameter end of each roller is placed
further away from the bore than the smaller diameter end. No cones are utilized for this
configuration; rather two matching cups and the cage contain the bearings within the assembly.

Multiple Roller Rows

Since tapered roller bearings which utilize a single row of rollers can only accommodate axial
thrust in one direction, manufacturers will place paired rows of rollers adjacently in the bearing
so thrust along either direction of the bearing axis is endured. Rollers with two rows or four rows
of tapered rollers are most common.

Bearings with two rows are classified based on how the rollers are oriented and how other
components are machined.

Tandem bearings have roller rows which are placed next to each other with
the same load-bearing orientation. This is only for instances where a single
row does not meet the load requirements and a larger bearing diameter is
unacceptable.

Double-cup tapered roller bearings locate the rollers so that their apexes
face each other. The outer raceway features two grooves in a single-piece
construction, while the inner raceways are separate cones divided by a
spacer.

Double-cone bearings place the rollers in a configuration where their

hypothetical apexes would extend away from each other. In this instance
the inner raceway is of single-construction, while the outer raceway is a
two-piece construction assembled with a spacer and additional hardware.

Spacer-assembled double-row bearings are any two single-row bearings

which have been compiled into a single assembly by the use of spacers and
hardware. Nearly any two single-row bearings can be provided in a
preconfigured, spaced assembly.
 Those bearings which utilize two pairs of tapered roller rows are valued for their
exceptional bidirectional load-bearing capabilities, as well as the roller orientation permutations
available. They are often employed on the roll necks of rolling mill equipment. Such bearings are
typically constructed of two double cones, one double-cup raceway, two single-cup raceways,
and associated bearing spacers. Four-row bearings are also produced with a narrowing bore, so
as to press-fit onto shafts. Such designs may deviate from the typical construction of four-row
tapered roller bearings.

Cages

The cages of tapered bearings are somewhat different than the cages of other bearing types. The
most common type of cage implemented is the pin cage. Two differently-sized rings are
machined, one of which has a series of pins which extend from its circumference and upon
which the rollers are threaded. The other ring is welded to the ends of the pins to contain the
rollers and cage in a unified assembly. Polymer cages are most common, but some non-ferrous
metals are also used. More rollers results in a higher load capacity, but reduces the bearing's
capabilities in high speeds, dynamic loads, vibration, and deceleration.

Lubrication

Like all types of roller bearings, lubrication is an essential part of the bearing's efficient
operation. While the potential for the sliding or scrubbing of rollers in this type of bearing is
considerably less than other types of bearings, lubrication helps reduce the friction between
rollers and raceways. Lubrication also helps dissipate heat and dampen operational noise. A
small annular groove may run the circumference of the bearing cup to assist in lubricant
proliferation. Since tapered roller bearings are easily disassembled, access holes of supplemental
lubrication are not required, but sometimes included anyhow.

Synthetic oils are often used on well-manufactured bearings, and are appropriate for
moderate to high RPMs. Petroleum-based oils provide quality lubrication under high
stress and high speed. Mineral oils are also acceptable for high-speed rotation. Silicone-
based oils protect against high heat and do not corrode in the presence of rubber, but are
used solely in low-speed applications
Greases are best for moderate or high RPMs. The high-speed torque of a greased bearing
is lower than an oiled bearing, but the opposite is true at lower speeds.
Dry films are never an ideal lubricant, but are used where greases and oils may not be
suitable. Films are difficult to apply and produce wear flakes during operation.
Seals

Bearing seals are an effective way of preventing the bearing from being impeded by various
environmental contaminants and moisture. Contact seals are those which increase friction, due to
the fact that rubberized or polyurethane seal components experience some sliding against the
rotating bearing. Non-contact seals do not generate additional friction, and some gap is left
between the seal and the bearing. Non-contact seals are composed of steel or another hard metal,
and are sometimes gap-filled with grease. It is not uncommon for bearings in high stress
applications to have both types of seals.

Contact, press-fit
Non-contact, Contact, inner cup-
press-fit seal Contact, press-fit seal with exterior clamped seal with Contact, outer
seal with nose nose gasket. cone-clamped seal
which shields interior nose
bearings; does not gasket. Reliable Design excludes gasket. This seal is for easy assembly
prevent lubricant protection from common heavy used in instances and protection
occasional contaminants but against common
leakage or where the bearing
contaminants. allows excessive contaminants.
contaminant exterior cannot be
lubricant to be
infiltration. sealed.
expelled.

Contact, press-fit
Contact, clamped seal where snap-
seal with nose ring maintains Contact, clamped
gasket; best used Contact, press-fit Contact, press-fit positive pressure
for bearings with seal with seal for good seal with two
a vertical axis and tolerance to grease retention against bearing gaskets for
a need to retain bearing cavity and contaminant cup, with excellent
exclusion. exceptional protection against
grease. Not a pressures. protection against contaminants.
good exclusionary exterior
seal. mechanical
intrusion.
 Contact, press-fit
seal with
Contact, clamped additional snap-
Contact, spacer- seal for excellent Contact, clamped ring to maintain
mounted seal with Contact, clamped protection against seal for excellent seal under
two gaskets and seal with three mechanical and contaminant excessive thrust
excellent gaskets for use contaminant exclusion and loads. Maximum
exclusion underwater. intrusion, and expulsion of protection against
capabilities. detainment of excess lubricants. contaminants and
lubricants. commonly-used in
marine
environments.

Images credit: Clark Seals

1. Specifications
Lifespan

Once the components of the bearing begin to experience material flaking, the bearing is
considered fatigued and immediate replacement is recommended. Lifespan can be estimated
based on ISO 281. This standard estimates the bearing life, based on 90% reliability for all roller
bearings, and accounts for variables such as materials, manufacturing quality, types of load,
operating conditions, lubrication, and contamination.

Temperature

Thermal expansion of bearing components is inevitable, but excessive heat can be relieved by
the lubricant, materials and construction of the raceways, cages, and rollers, and overall surface
areas. Brief operating conditions, such as bearing start-up or a newly installed bearing, may
invoke a temperature spike, but this almost always decreases. This is a result of the thermal
expansion experienced by bearing components. Considerable care should be taken when
selecting bearings for precision equipment.

Speed
The temperature of the bearing largely dictates the operational speed. Reference speed is the
speed at which the heat generated and dissipated by the bearing is at equilibrium. Limiting speed
is the highest speed at which the bearing is meant to rotate. Limiting speed is not always as high
as the reference speed, but it can be exceeded provided the strength of the bearing material, the
friction caused by any contact seals, and the lubrication used do not impair such operation.

Torque

Bearing torque can be attributed to several variables, such as roller size, the number of rollers,
cage composition, bearing tolerances, lubricant type and fill, and the bearing's load. Bearing
torque is classified into three categories.

2. Starting torque is the measurement of the torque required to initiate rotation of one
raceway of the bearing. This is substantially higher than running torque.
3. Average running torque is the mean level of torque the bearing is subjected to at a
consistent RPM.
4. Peak running torque is the maximum amount of torque experienced by a bearing, but can
be difficult to determine. This provides a measure of consistency for a batch of bearings.

Deflection

Deflection will occur between the tapered rollers and the raceways; specifically the ends of the
rollers may adopt a more elliptical shape. Tapered roller bearings deflect less than many other
types of bearings, so they are commonly used in machine tools which require an accurate shaft
position. Monitored deflection of tapered roller thrust bearings is paramount, as the load
distribution on the bearing moves inward, increasing contact stress along certain points and
contributing to roller and raceway wear. There are many instances in which a preload, often
supplied by a spring, will improve the stiffness of the bearing and improve running accuracy.

5. Applications
Common uses for this tapered roller bearings include:

Automotive wheel bearings; as well as in gearboxes, axle systems, and engines

Agricultural machinery shafts and line shafts
As steady rest rollers, strip levelers, or in combination with a rail element
 Helicopter transmissions
Aircraft fuel pumps

6. Standards
Tapered roller bearings adhere to many of the general standards outlined for roller bearings, but a
collection of specific industrial standards have also been composed.

ISO10317 -- Tapered roller bearings designation system

ISO 355 -- Tapered roller bearings dimensions and boundaries

ABMA STD 19.1 -- American Bearing Manufacturers Association specifications for tapered
bearings

7. Resources
TimkenUnderstanding Tapered Roller Bearings

Medias SchaefflerTapered roller bearings

WikipediaTapered roller bearing

Clark SealsBearing Seals

Images credits:

Timken | Simply Bearings Ltd. | Baxin Bearing | GKN Service | RKB Bearing Industries