Change Language :
Correctly securing plain bearings to prevent bearing drift
Causes of bearing drift, and solutions for perfect function
Plain bearings are crucial components in structures with moving elements. However, even small errors when securing bearings can have serious consequences: unwanted noise, excessive wear or even complete failure of the bearing point. In the following, we will show you the most common causes of these problems and bearing drift, then provide you with suggested solutions and show you how to optimally secure plain bearings.
What you will find on this page
Why does a bearing drift?
So-called "drifting" is the reason why we secure plain bearings. But what does this term actually mean?
Drifting plain bearings lose their tight fit in the housing bore and move even though they are supposed to be fixed. This problem often occurs when the press fit - the mechanical tension that holds the bearing firmly in the hole - is insufficient. Causes for this can include:
The consequences of bearings drifting
Plain bearings that rotate together with the shaft in the hole cause wear in both the housing and themselves. This leads to unwanted noise or even total failure.
How to prevent the drifting of plain bearings
- Ensure that the temperatures do not exceed the maximum recommended value for the plain bearing.
- Check the surface pressure to which the plain bearing is exposed.
- Ensure that the tolerances of the housing bore and shaft are correct. At least an h9 tolerance is recommended for the shafts. Their inner diameter is only set after they have been press-fit into the H7 housing bore. Further information is available here.
Temperatures at which securing our plain bearings is recommended
If the plain bearings are moved axially or the forces can have an axial effect on the bearing, there is a risk of the bearing moving out of the hole even earlier. In these cases, the bearings must be specially secured in addition to being press-fit. The adjacent table shows the temperature limit above which the plain bearings must be secured in the hole, even at low axial forces. The greater the forces, the more likely it is that such securing should be considered.
Locating spigot of plain bearings
If the press fit of the plain bearing is not sufficient, there are various options available for axially securing plain bearings.
The most tried and tested methods are listed below:
Anti-rotation feature of plain bearings
In addition to the locating spigot, the anti-rotation feature is a common design issue. Plain bearings are designed to move through the shaft while the bearing itself is fixed in the housing.
Metal or PTFE plain bearings require a firm fixation, as their sliding properties depend on the liner on the inner diameter. Plastic bearings are more resistant here, as the homogeneous material itself has good sliding properties. Nevertheless, even with plastic bearings, spinning in the hole is undesirable, as housing bores are generally not optimised for friction.
Practical solutions for anti-rotation feature
Contact us
Contact details
Opening hours
Office hours
Monday to Friday from 8 am - 8 pm.
Live chat:
24h