Finding the Perfect Fit
Bearings are precise mechanisms produced with great care. Yet their performance is dependent on selecting the perfect shaft and housing fits. If the fits are too loose or too tight, performance and design can suffer. Improper fitting can lead to noisy operation, excessive heat and poor running accuracy. If the fits are too loose there can be bearing seat damage and excessive wear, along with vibration, reduced radial accuracy and unusual noise. On the other hand, if the fits are too tight, there is an excessive reduction in radial clearance, overheating and unintended preload. Selecting the correct fit will minimise failures. Correcting the fit can be difficult, depending on the application. This requires an entire teardown to access the shaft and housing. The different types of Fits Clearance Fit - A clearance fit enables clearance between the inner and outer diameter of a bearing. It makes installation easier. If the fit is loose, it can cause problems, where a bearing can spin...