Patent ID: 6460423
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: F16C,G01B

Abstract:
A method of ascertaining preload in a first bearing assembly that accommodates rotation about an axis and has at least two rows of rolling elements organized such that the bearing assembly will transfer thrust loads in both axial directions, said method comprising: applying a single thrust force to the first bearing assembly such that the force is transferred through the assembly in one axial direction, with the force being at a magnitude sufficient to unseat the rolling elements of one of the rows; applying a single thrust force to the first bearing assembly such that the force is transferred through the bearing assembly in the other axial direction, with that force being of a magnitude sufficient to unseat the rolling elements of the other row; measuring the deflection that the first bearing assembly undergoes as a consequence of the thrust forces transferred through it; and comparing the deflection of the first bearing assembly with a known deflection of a second bearing assembly of equivalent stiffness under equivalent thrust forces transferred through the second bearing assembly in both axial directions while the second bearing assembly is set to a condition of known end play.