Angular Contact Bearings

Angular contact bearings are designed such that there is an angle between the races and the balls when the bearing is in operation. An axial load passes in a straight line through the bearing, whereas a radial load takes an oblique path that tends to want to separate the races axially. So the angle of contact on the inner race is the same as that on the outer race. Angular contact bearings are typically assembled with a thrust load or preload. The preload creates a contact angle between the inner race, the ball and the outer race. The preload can be done while manufacturing the bearing or it can be done when the bearing is inserted into an application.