Bearings Clearance
Bearings clearance is the space between two bearing components, such as between the outer surface of the bearing race and the inner surface of the rolling element. It is the difference in the inner and outer diameters of the bearing, and the clearance between the two components contributes to the amount of lubricant required and the amount of force allowable.
Clearance is only necessary when some kind of deformation in the bearing is possible, and there are a number of factors that will affect the amount of clearance required. For example, the temperature of the bearing, the torque applied to the bearing, and the preload applied to the bearing assembly.
A precise amount of clearance is necessary for a bearing to operate correctly and properly. Too much clearance can lead to increased wear and reduce the life of the bearing, and too little clearance can cause the bearing to run too hot and fail prematurely.
The amount of clearance is dependent on the bearing design and on the application in which the bearing is used. Generally, the amount of clearance will be determined by the bearing manufacturer or by the user. In some applications, the bearing manufacturer may recommend that a specific amount of clearance be used.
In terms of bearing selection, it is important to ensure that the clearance is the right value for the application. Too much clearance can result in increased friction and reduce bearing life, while too little clearance can lead to bearing failures due to excessive heat buildup.
The amount of clearance also affects the amount of lubrication required. For example, too much clearance can increase the need for lubrication, while too little clearance can reduce the effectiveness of the lubricant.
When calculating the bearing clearances, it is important to consider the type of lubricant used, the speed of the bearing, and the temperature range in which the bearing is being used. Also, accuracy is important in the calculation, as a small amount of clearance can have a large impact on the bearing life.
In general, the amount of clearance is determined by the bearing manufacturer or by the user. It is important to double-check the bearing clearance before installation, as any changes in the clearance may cause bearing failure. It is also important to make sure that the bearing is adequately lubricated before installation, as this can reduce the bearing clearances and extend its life.
