A method to ascertain measured friction torque to a bearing and a method to reduce preload variation of a bearing pair or set. Friction torque of a bearing is measured at a known load and speed. The value of the measured friction torque is then printed in a data matrix that is then applied to the bearing that was measured. Prior to assembling the bearings on a shaft system, the data matrix is read. The targeted friction torque is calculated for the shaft system based on the desired assembly preload. The bearing preload is then set and verified by measuring the friction torque of the pair of bearings assembled on the shaft. As a result of the method, bearing friction torque variation is substantially mitigated.
