5. Mounting with preload

For special applications requiring backlash-free mounting, mainly due to the need for guiding accuracy, bearings are mounted with a preload.

Preloaded assemblies are systematically found in vehicle axles (to ensure the best meshing efficiency of bevel gear drives – figure 32 ), in machine tool spindles (to ensure machining precision – figure 16 b ), and in front-wheel drives on cars (to better control the forces transmitted to the disc brake).

It is impossible to preload a single bearing. A minimum of two opposing bearings must be paired to install a preload....