Roller Bearing Terms and Definitions
Axial Load: A force exerted in a direction along the axis of a roller bearing.
Ball Track: The path in which the balls of a roller bearing rotate.
Cage: The component of a roller bearing that holds the balls in place as well as separating them.
Clearance: The gap between the inner and outer rings of a roller bearing that can be adjusted to accommodate end play, temperature differences, and manufacturing tolerances.
Contact Angle: The angle between the line of contact of the inner and outer rings.
Dynamic Load: The amount of rolling or sliding movement caused by a steady pressure or load that is not in the bearings line of center.
End Play: A gap between the rolling elements and the inner and outer bearing rings.
Inner Ring: The inner part of a roller bearing that houses the rolling elements and creates a channel for them to race.
Load Ratings: Expressions of a roller bearings ability to withstand dynamic loading.
Orientation: The process of controlling the relative position of the inner and outer bearing rings, when assembled.
Outer Ring: The outer part of a roller bearing that houses the rolling elements and creates a path for them to race.
Preload: A load that is applied to a roller bearing to reduce the amount of axial or radial deflection.
Radial Load: A force that is perpendicular to the axis of a roller bearing.
Roller: The cylindrical components of a roller bearing that roll around the paths created by the inner and outer bearing rings.
Separator: The component of a roller bearing that holds the balls in place and separates them.
Thrust Load: A force in the direction parallel to the axis of a rolling bearing.
Static Load: The amount of force that a roller bearing can withstand before deforming plastically or seizing up.
Tolerance: The allowable variations of dimensions and properties of a roller bearing.
Vibration: The movement of a machine or component.
Zerks: The outlets, usually located in the end caps, where lubricants are applied to a roller bearing.
