What effect does the angle of split have on a plain bearing?

[jameshow]

Most split plain bearings it seems have a vertical cut parallel to the axis. I have also seen split plain bearings with a 45 degree or other angle cut. How does the angle of cut affect the performance of the bearing, if at all? I'm particularly interested in radially loaded bearings.

 

[JJPellin]

It is not clear what angle you are talking about. Are you just referring to the angle where the joint between the two halves of the bearings is oriented when installed in the housing? A sketch would be helpful.

The angle of the bearing within the housing could serve two purposes. Turning the bearings 90 degrees to put the split in the vertical can help to align the top cover with the bottom of the bearing housing. Or, the angle can be changed to move the oil distribution groove or any other internal feature (pressure dam, etc.) relative to the load zone for the particular application.

If you are referring to some other angle within the bearings, I don’t know what that would be.

Johnny Pellin

 

[jameshow]

See the attached of a split bearing with a vertical split vs one with a 45 degree angle split.

 

[JJPellin]

I have never seen a plain bearing with a single split like that. I have no idea what purpose it serves. What sort of machine uses a bearing like this?

Johnny Pellin

 

[MikeHalloran]

I've seen split bushings like that, with the slash cut, on hydraulic cylinder pistons.
I'm guessing that if you used a bushing with a straight split, the cylinder wall would develop an un-scuffed axial stripe at the gap that would catalyze a twisting failure of the piston seal.
With the slash cut, the cylinder wall should wear more uniformly.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[jameshow]

Mike, is it possible the angle cut is more suited to linear movement rather than rotary?

I see bearings with horizontal splits (like these), and assumed the split was to allow for shaft or housing diameter tolerances.

 

[Tmoose]

If the bearing is an interference fit in a housing then the non-angled split is probably required, along with sufficient wall thickness.

Rolling such a bushing from sheet stock can be an economical method to combine a height strength steel backing and a good working surface material with uniform wall thickness.

Sometimes features are provided to lock the split closed ( before being pressed into the housing ).