Preload adjustment apparatus and method

摘要

First and second radial actuating clamps (34, 36) provide selective radial engagement with a housing (14) for preloaded bearings (10, 12). An axial actuator (38), retained between the first and second radial actuating clamps, provides selective expansion and contraction of the axial distance between the first and second radial actuator clamps (34, 36). A method for adjusting the preload of the preloaded bearings mounted within the housing includes alternate clamping and unclamping of two radial actuating clamps against the housing while the axial actuator expands and contracts the axial distance between the radial actuating clamps.