Performance Of Radial Bearings

Bearing internal clearance

Bearing internal clearance is defined as the total distance throughwhich one ring

can be moved radially(radial internal clearance)oraxially(axial internal clearance)

in relation to the other ring under adefined measuring load.

It is necessary to distinguish between the internal clearance of abearing before 

it is mounted and the internal clearance of a mountedbearing when in operation(operational clearance).

The initial clearancewill always be greater than the operational clearance 

because the ringsare expanded or compressed by interferences fits and 

as a result of thedifferences in thermal expansion of the bearing rings and matingcomponents.

The bearing internal clearance referred to as normal has been selected sothat 

when bearings a suitable operarional clearance will be obtained. 

Forother conditions, e.g where both rings are mounted 

with an interference fitorwhere unusual temperatures prevail, 

bearings with greater or smallerinternal clearance than normal may be required.