Process and tool for adjusting bearings

A process for adjusting a bearing assembly located between a first machine component which rotates relative to a second machine component, the bearing assembly essentially including raceways which are carried by the first component in a fixed position on that component, races carried by the second component, but being detachable from that component with each race having a raceway that is presented toward one of the raceways on the first component, and rolling elements arranged in two rows between the raceways of the first component and the raceways on the races of the second component, the raceways and rolling elements being configured to transmit radial loads between the components and to further transfer thrust loads in both axial directions between the components, whereby the spacing between the detachable races determines the setting for the bearing;

• said process comprising:
• with the detachable races detached from the second machine component, fitting the races to the raceways of the first component with the rolling elements between the raceways of the first component and the raceways of the races;
• installing a spacer between the detachable races, with the spacer initially being long enough to place the bearing assembly in a condition of excessive end play, the spacer being collapsible under a force which the races will withstand without collapsing;
• applying an axially directed force to the two races, the direction of which causes the assembly to approach a condition of preload;
• monitoring the drag torque of the bearing assembly;
• and terminating and removing the axially directed force on the races when the drag torque reaches a prescribed magnitude.