METHOD OF MEASURING PRELOAD IN A MULTIROW BEARING ASSEMBLY

摘要

The preload in a double row production bearing assembly (A) is ascertained by comparing the deflection (Dp) produced in that bearing assembly by oppositely directed thrust forces (Fm(+),Fm(-)) with the deflection produced in a master bearing assembly (B) by equivalent thrust forces likewise applied in opposite directions. The master bearing assembly is similar in configuration and substantially equal in stiffness to the production bearing assembly, but exists in a state of end play. Each thrust force (F) is transferred through the rolling elements of one row and should be sufficient in magnitude to unseat the rolling elements of the other row. The preload in the production bearing assembly (S) equals the end play in the master bearing assembly (Em) plus the deflection in the production assembly (Dp) less the deflection in the master assembly (Dm). The endplay in the master bearing assembly is ascertained by extrapolating the deflection to zero thrust force.