7、Bearings Interchangeability
Bearings for rotating, oscillating, and reciprocating motion have a variety of interchangeable terms, sometimes more descriptive than numerical. These are often compatible with overall dimensions and ball or roller element dimensions, but not always. If necessary, the physical interchange of bearings must be checked carefully to confirm their compatibility and to avoid any damage from improper assembly.
Interchangeable terms refer to partially replaceable parts and include the following:
Covers - Housing covers
Endcaps - End shields
Cages - Retainers
Races - Outer rings
Rotor - A rotating shaft
Inner Rings - Inner races
Outer Races - Outer rings
Seals - Labyrinth, lip
Spacers - Separators
Rolls - Balls or rollers
Discs - A rotating disc
Shafts - Inner races
Balls - Balls or rollers
Housings - Outer rings or covers
Lubricants - Grease, oil
Most bearing manufacturers also list physical interchangeability of their bearings by providing information on the following:
Inside diameter (ID)
Outside diameter (OD)
Total bearing width
Cage and roller/ball diameter
Shoulder diameter (removeable bearing)
Bore type (tapered, straight, etc.)
Cage and ball/roller arrangement
Roller/ball composition
Angular contact (if necessary)
Removable bearing locks
Such information permits comparison of bearings from one manufacturer with those from another, especially when the same numerical designation is used by both manufacturers. This also allows easy identification of design differences between similar-appearing bearings, even when both manufacturers use the same numerical designation.
In addition, manufacturers may provide dimensional interchange tables in various oversizes to provide cross-referencing among the various manufacturers and types of bearings in existence. As with the manufacturer’s listing, these tables include most of the same basic information, with the addition of clearances ranging from standard to specific customer requests. This allows for interchangeability of bearings with various running-in clearances and the selection of the most consistent operating temperature.
