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Bearing Preload - Extend Bearing Life

Smalley Bearing Preload Wave Spring Series

150 Standards wave springs designed to match popular bearing sizes
Stocked from 9 mm to 580 mm in carbon and stainless steel
No-Tooling-Costs™ on customs; .118" to 120" diameters
Designed with gap or overlap geometry to prevent binding in tight radial spaces

Browse Parts or Request Samples for Your Application

For a complete listing of standard bearing sizes, view our bearing cross reference table.
View the Bearing Preload Springs part table to compare spring characteristics, request a quote, request samples, or design a part custom for your application requirements.

What is Bearing Preload?

Bearing Preload is the process of adding a sustained axial load, independent of external loads, to a ball bearing. An axial preload ensures constant contact between the ball complement and bearing races reducing or eliminating both modes of play. Spring Preload, a versatile execution of Bearing Preload, utilizes single turn wave springs to add the necessary preload forces despite dimensional variation and thermal expansion. Properly preloading a bearing can increase its life and eliminate the vibration and noise that results from specified clearance, manufacturing precision, and wear. Learn more about preloading and why it's important.