Installing Cam Follower Bearings

Cam followers and yoke rollers can be used interchangeably across multiple applications. Usually, the deciding factor is the user’s preference for either a straddle or yoke-type mounting set-up.

For applications with higher loads, it is generally advised to use yoke rollers, as stud deflection issues are mitigated. This results in the yoke capacity becoming dictated by the shear strength of the mounted shaft.

On the other hand, cam followers are generally preferred for most other applications. This is because of their relative ease of application, only requiring the user to drill and tap a suitable mounting hole into the support housing to install.

Both yoke rollers and cam followers carry numerous advantages for many track, guide, and load support roller and cam applications. In instances of rotary movement translation to axial or linear motion they provide high levels of efficiency and their accuracy also makes installation in a series easy. Provided the holes supporting the housing are properly aligned, this ensures that the load is distributed evenly throughout the series.

In applications that require a high degree of accuracy or ones where this is not possible, an additional eccentric brushing or collar can be fitted to the cam follower stud. This allows for more controlled load distribution and greater flexibility in height when mounting into a modified housing bore.

The illustrations to the left demonstrate different examples of the preferred installation method for yoke rollers.

Load ratings apply to yoke rollers that are mounted with this method. Both ends of the assembly are evenly supported and both endplates are sufficiently supported and secured to stop disassembly. This method fully supports the bearing to withstand the fully-specified load limits.

This installation method is neither preferred nor acceptable for cam followers.

Load ratings do not apply when cam followers are mounted in this way. The follower risks disassembling during operation as there is no clamping on the endplate to secure it. Excessive axial loading forces could also result in stud bending due to the lack of support on the shaft.

This installation method is acceptable and is the preferred assembly method for a UNASIS cam follower.

Load ratings apply when cam followers are mounted in this way. A bore before the threaded section gives the shaft adequate support. The bearing does not risk being disassembled as the endplate is properly secured by clamping it against a boss on the housing. Whilst not necessary, it is recommended as it ensures clearance between the housing and the running surface, whereas a bearing clamped directly against the housing may bind to or affect the outer roller.

Please note UNASIS do not endorse this method, even though it is acceptable in some circumstances.

When mounted this way, load ratings do not apply and the bearings can tip and bind if the radial loads are too great. This mounting method requires a washer to clamp the endplate, in which instance we recommend a cam follower over a yoke roller.

This is not an acceptable installation method.

Load ratings do not apply when yoke rollers are mounted in this way. This method carries the risk of the bearing tipping, binding, or disassembling under the pressure of larger loads or as a result of the lack of a washer on the stud leaving the endplate unsecured.

In this instance, the preferred method would be to use a cam follower over a yoke roller.

This installation method is neither preferred nor acceptable for cam followers.

Load ratings do not apply when cam followers are mounted in this way. As there is no clamping on the end plate, the follower is not secure and may disassemble during operation. This lack of support on the shaft could also lead to the stud bending under excessive axial loading forces.