What is a self-aligning bearing used for?

A self-aligning bearing has a spherical outer race that lets the inner ring tilt. The bearing copes with shaft deflection or slight misalignment of its housings.

What is a thrust bearing?

A thrust bearing carries loads acting along the axis of the shaft. Thrust bearings are used under turntables and on vertical shafts.

Why are taper roller bearings used in vehicle wheel hubs?

Taper roller bearings carry radial and axial loads at the same time. A wheel hub carries the vehicle's weight and sideways forces when cornering.

CCEA A-Level Technology and Design 8900

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Mechanical and Pneumatic Systems

Bearings, lubrication and seals

3 things to know
A2 1

Overview

Plain, ball, roller, self-aligning, thrust and taper roller bearings, lubricants, viscosity, oil, grease and solid lubricants, O-rings, gaskets and rotary shaft seals.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is a plain bearing?

Key term

What is a rolling element bearing?

Key term

Compare ball bearings with roller bearings.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is a plain bearing?
Model answer
A plain bearing is a sleeve or bush in which a shaft turns with sliding contact. Plain bearings are cheap, quiet and cope well with shock loads.
2
What is a rolling element bearing?
Model answer
A rolling element bearing uses balls or rollers between an inner and an outer race. Rolling replaces sliding, so friction is much lower than in a plain bearing.
3
Compare ball bearings with roller bearings.
Model answer
Ball bearings have point contact and suit high speeds with light to moderate loads. Roller bearings have line contact and carry heavier loads.
4
What is a self-aligning bearing used for?
Model answer
A self-aligning bearing has a spherical outer race that lets the inner ring tilt. The bearing copes with shaft deflection or slight misalignment of its housings.
5
What is a thrust bearing?
Model answer
A thrust bearing carries loads acting along the axis of the shaft. Thrust bearings are used under turntables and on vertical shafts.
6
Why are taper roller bearings used in vehicle wheel hubs?
Model answer
Taper roller bearings carry radial and axial loads at the same time. A wheel hub carries the vehicle's weight and sideways forces when cornering.

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