Need adivce for thin section ball bearing assemly 3

[quarter2008]

Need some idea on how to install the last few balls for a full complement ball bearing (7.5” OD, 7” bore and 1/8" ball), it’s a thin section 4-point type and required >95% fill race. Thanks.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Buy it filled as an assembly?

With four-point races, you can't tolerate filling grooves.

I suppose you could split/crack the outer race, but don't expect miracles in terms of life.

Least awful solution, still awful, is to split either race in a transverse plane, i.e. manufacture as two thin chamfered rings, and use the housing or shaft to hold them together, e.g. with two snap rings.






Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[unclesyd]

As MikeHalloran posted is there any reason you can't get a full compliment bearing form one of the many suppliers.

If you have to go as stated in the OP you might look into getting a split thin series bearing and remove the retainer to add more balls. On thin bearings there is a hell of an increase in torque and wear especially if you have much preload.

 

[GregLocock]

I agree with my esteemed colleagues, but, you could use temperature to reduce the horribleness a bit. Might help if you could suggest what you are really trying to achieve with such a high fill ratio.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[quarter2008]

Thanks everybody. The bearing is somehow customised and I can't get from suppliers within budget. I tried heating the outer race and at same time crack it a little bit. No luck. Maybe I should force harder but worry about accuracy and life. My question is: How the bearing supplier install the last few balls?

 

[MikeHalloran]

Ah, magic words; 'within budget'.

Just buy the damn things; you can't make 'em cheaper.







Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[unclesyd]

Back to my old backup bearing company, Barden, here are simple descriptions, not details of two methods to achieve the results you require. Depending on you end use if possible I would look at the filer notch, quite common on some larger bearing, approach on the first try.
I would have several basic bearings on site as you will loose a couple or more until you get it right.
Read the whole page as there are some general caveats as well as specifics on using full compliment bearings depending on the method of manufacture.

http://www.bardenbearings.co.uk/full_complement_bearings.html

Anecdotal:
Prior to the days of readily available split bearings we would split our own and it usually took 3 to get one. This went on for a number of years until a bearing company came to our rescue. This was the days when races were cracked instead of ground.