FAG four point contact bearings

FAG four point contact bearings

FAG four point contact bearings are particularly suitable where:

  • Predominantly axial loads must be supported;
  • The axial design envelope is not sufficient for FAG double row radial angular contact ball bearings;
  • Radial forces must be supported by a separate radial bearing;
  • Axial forces occur in both directions and a close axial clearance is required in conjunction with a small bearing width, e.g. in gearbox engineering.

FAG four point contact bearings are available as:

  • bearings of basic design;
  • bearings with retaining slots in the outer ring
  • X-life bearings

Basic design of FAG four point contact bearings

FAG four point contact bearings are single row, non self-retaining radial ball bearings. They are similar in their structure to single row radial angular contact ball bearings; the raceways on the inner rings are, however, designed such that they can support axial loads in both directions. The centre points of curvature of the arc-shaped raceways on the inner and outer ring are offset relative to each other in such a way that the balls are in contact with the bearings at four points under radial load.

Smaller axial section height than double row angular contact ball bearings
These FAG bearings have solid outer rings, split inner rings and ball and cage assemblies with brass or polyamide cages. The two-piece inner ring allows a large complement of balls to be accommodated in the bearing. The inner ring halves are matched to the particular bearing and must not be interchanged with those of other bearings of the same size. In an axial direction, four point contact bearings are considerably narrower than, for example, FAG double row angular contact ball bearings.

FAG four point contact bearings with retaining slots in the outer ring

FAG four point contact bearings with retaining slots in the outer ring
FAG four point contact bearings are often combined with a radial bearing and used as an axial bearing with radial clearance in a housing. For quick and secure location of the bearings in the housing, larger bearings therefore have two retaining slots in one end face of the outer ring offset by 180°. Locking pins engage in these retaining slots and locate the outer ring in the housing.

X-life premium quality

FAG four point contact bearings are available in certain sizes as X-life bearings. These bearings exhibit considerably higher performance than standard four point contact bearings. This is achieved, for example, through the modified internal construction, higher surface quality of the contact surfaces and optimised cage design, as well as through the improved quality of the steel and rolling elements.

Advantages for X-life bearings

The technical enhancements offer a range of advantages, such as:

  • a more favourable load distribution in the bearing and thus a higher dynamic load carrying capacity of the bearings
  • quieter running
  • running with reduced friction and greater energy efficiency
  • lower heat generation in the bearing
  • higher possible speeds
  • lower lubricant consumption and, consequently, longer maintenance intervals
  • a measurably longer operating life
  • high operational security
  • compact, environmentally-friendly bearing arrangements.

In conclusion, these advantages improve the overall cost-efficiency of the bearing position significantly and thus bring about a sustainable increase in the efficiency of the machine and equipment.