Glossary

Bearing clearance, also known as bearing play, is the distance by which the two bearing rings of a rolling bearing can move freely relative to each other in the plane of the bearing.

• Question: What types of bearing clearance are there?
  • Answer: There are radial clearance (radial bearing play) and axial clearance (axial bearing play). Radial clearance refers to the lateral movement of the bearing rings, while axial clearance describes the axial (longitudinal) movement. Both types of bearing clearance are crucial for the functionality of a rolling bearing.

• Question: Why is bearing clearance crucial for the low-friction operation of a rolling bearing?
  • Answer: The bearing clearance allows for stress-free displacement of the bearing rings, which ensures a low-friction operation of the rolling bearing. It also affects heat and noise development, as well as wear and the lifespan of the bearing.

• Question: Why are there standardized bearing clearance values for different types of bearings?
  • Answer: Standardized bearing clearance values, such as C0, C1, C2, etc., serve to standardize and enable the correct setting of bearing clearance for different types of bearings. The goal is to have as little bearing play as possible to ensure a low-friction operation without the risk of blocking the rolling elements.