Posted by Jack Smith on July 16, 1999 at 22:26:15:
In Reply to: Steering bearings, and axle questions. posted by Eric B. on July 16, 1999 at 15:12:45:
eric,
DC's right on target. many steering axles that are also powered have this same arrangement, not just power wagons. The idea is that the bronze bearing on top will take the shock loads, while the tapered roller will keep the steering arc precise and tight. When the whole unit is properly preloaded and adjusted, it's bulletproof. Although a roller bearing might work for a while on top, the constant point impact load of the rollers on the outer race will soon mark and even shatter the race. Tapered rollers are not made for that sort of application. Bronze, which has tensile and compressive strenght well up into the steel range, has traditionally been used where ever a shock load is to be encountered.
Have fun!