One mechanical phenomenon that some millwrights have never faced is adjustable spherical roller bearings that were pressed into proper adjustment via the tightening of the bearing nut: (A) Ref: Fig. 1, against the locking washer (W). The male/female tapered fit which joins each the other at (B) via the tremendous internal/external pressure fit between said components insures a rigid no-slack joining of the two. The mentioned adjustment nut while locked in place by the locking washer (W) insures no further inadvertent rotation of the nut. Thus, for a long time with proper lubrication, said bearing can be expected to function per design.

Fig. 1

Eventually, however, the bearing has to be removed. That s when the two threaded pipe plugs are removed, and the hose from a hydraulic porta-power jacking unit is screwed into the lower of the two openings. The air in the honeycomb of drilled holes and external groves cut into the external of the shaft journal (but completely enclosed by the tight fit of the inner bearing race) is purged by the forced pressure of the incoming oil. When fresh oil emerges from the upper opening, the upper threaded plug is again inserted and tightly sealed. Now via the phenomenal pressure that can be applied with the hydraulic unit, said pressure is applied and the bearing pops free into your face!! (That is, unless you had the foresight to remove the nut and washer, then replace the nut about half way to purposely prevent...