If installed correctly, mounting bearings can last for years without needing replacement. Follow these steps to ensure minimal downtime and longer life. Expandable bearings allow shaft growth and can reduce the risk of loading one bearing against another. Choosing the best shaft and seal mounting device will extend bearing life. If installed correctly, mounting bearings can last for years without needing replacement. Follow these steps to ensure minimal downtime and longer life.
*This procedure is for the set screw or set collar of the most common shaft locking device, which uses a fixed, expandable unit, but general guidelines apply to all bearing installations.
1) Check and clean the shaft
First, check your rod to make sure it is clean, round, straight, free of burrs and nicks, and not undersized or oversized, according to the manufacturer's specifications. Use fine sandpaper or shiny tape to clean any rust from the rod. Then use a light coat of oil to remove any debris.
2) Place the bearings on the shaft
When placing the bearing on the shaft, if it is necessary to snap it into place, use a hammer and a block of wood or mild steel pipe against the inner ring. DO NOT hit or apply pressure to the housing or seals.
3) Lightly screw the box to the mounting frame
Position the shaft in place by lightly screwing the housing to the mounting frame. Connect the box mounting screw slots with heavy washers or heavy lock washers. This can help prevent loosening.
4) Determine the final mounting position
Before attaching the screws, determine the final mounting position by aligning the bearing units by hand or with a rubber mallet.
5) Securely attach the box to the mounting frame
Once the bearing is properly aligned, screw both units securely to the mounting frame.
6) Make sure the shaft can move axially
Make sure the shaft can move axially through the bearing holes to confirm correct alignment. If this is not possible, loosen the housings and realign the shaft.
7) Tighten both collar fixing screws
Tighten both collar fixing screws, then turn the shaft and tighten alternately with the torque values recommended by the manufacturer. If a torque wrench is not available, tighten the set screws until permanent torque is established with an Allen wrench.
8) Expansion unit*
If using an expansion unit, always lock the fixed bearing first. Move the expansion bearing axially to center it in the housing. Once centered, alternately tighten the fixing screws on the expansion unit, as you did on the fixed unit.
