A Pillow Block Bearing is a mounted anti-friction bearing that is contained within a solid cast iron, ductile iron or cast steel housing unit. Also referred to as a housed bearing unit, meaning they are self-contained, greased, sealed and ready for installation on the equipment. Pillow Block bearings are typically bolted to a surface, so that the attached shaft runs parallel with the surface. There are two types of housings used for pillow block bearings, solid and split housings. Solid housed bearings are single-piece housings, while split housed bearings are two-piece housings. Pillow block bearings can contain several types of bearings, including ball, roller and tapered. Shaft attachment devices can be set screw, eccentric lock, single or double set collar, concentric lock or tapered adapter. Each device has their own positive and negatives. Seals vary as well, including clearance seals, light contact, heavy contact and auxiliary type seals. Pillow Block Bearings, in most cases, also come in a fixed or expansion version. The expansion bearings allow for shaft growth and can reduce the risk of loading one bearing against the other. Choosing the best shaft mount device and seal will prolong bearing life. When installed properly, pillow block bearings can last years without needing to be replaced. Follow these steps to ensure minimal downtime and a longer service life.
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