Axial spherical roller bearings are single row, self-aligning roller bearings. They comprise solid shaft and housing locating washers and asymmetrical barrel rollers with cages. The cage holds together the roller and cage assembly and the shaft locating washer. The bearings can be dismantled. As a result, the bearing components can be fitted separately.

Axial spherical roller bearings of the series 293..-E1 and 294..-E1 are of X-life quality. These bearings are indicated in the dimension tables.

The bearings have an internal construction that gives increased basic load ratings as well as a precise contact geometry between the guidance rib and the end of the roller for improved kinematics. Friction and wear are reduced as a result of optimum lubricant film formation and a new cage design with improved guidance of the rollers and lubricant. Optimised osculation conditions give more uniform distribution of pressure between the rollers and raceways.

Due to the increased axial load carrying capacity and reduced bearing temperature under the same operating conditions, the rating life is significantly improved.

Axial spherical roller bearings can support very high axial loads and allow relatively high speeds. Since the raceways are inclined relative to the bearing axis, the bearings can also support radial loads, see link.

Axial spherical roller bearings can be swivelled about their central position by a few degrees, see table. As a result, they permit skewing between the housing and shaft locating washer and can thus compensate misalignments, shaft deflections and housing deformations.

The adjustment angles given in the table are permissible under the following conditions:

• P or P₀ ≦ 0,05 · C_0a
• the angular deviation is constant (static angular misalignment)
• the rotating component is the shaft locating washer.

The lower values are valid for large bearings.

Axial spherical roller bearings are not sealed.

The bearings are not greased. They are generally lubricated using oil. In some cases, lubrication with greases containing EP additives is also possible. Adequate supply to the contact points between the rollers and guidance rib is best achieved if the bearings are completely filled with grease.

Axial spherical roller bearings can be used at operating temperatures from –30 °C to +200 °C, restricted by the lubricant.

The standard cages for axial spherical roller bearings are shown in the table.

Bearings with the suffix MB have a solid brass cage that is guided on the shaft locating washer. The other bearings have sheet steel cages and do not have a cage suffix.

Suffixes for available designs: see table.