The bearings are fitted onto a shaft (2) and spaced by inner and outer deformable elements (12,4) in the unexpanded state. The bearing securing flange (7) is fastened, and the whole assembly heat treated to expand the deformable elements. After cooling the elements remain in the clamping position. The treatment temp. is between 40 and 60 deg.C and the deformable elements are made from a shape memory alloy. The deformation can also be provided by spring elements with similar thermal characteristics.
