PCNC 1100 Spindle Bearing Installation

File Name: SB0024_Spindle_Bearings_0914B

Date: September 16, 2014
Product Identification: PCNC 1100 Milling Machine
Background: On the PCNC 1100 the spindle bearings consist of two pairs of angular contact bearings.
Their correct installation, which is the subject of this service bulletin, is critical to proper operation. Note that
Tormach inventories complete spindle cartridges for all PCNC series mills and its easier and quicker to
replace the cartridge than to replace the bearings. For best performance on the PCNC 770 Tormach
recommends that the spindle cartridge be replaced, not repaired. Specialized balancing equipment is
required for the assembly of PCNC 770 cartridge.

Details:
NOTE: It is possible that some spindles may have failed beyond
a worn bearing. If a bearing is sufficiently worn it may spin in the
housing or on the shaft causing galling and scoring; it could also
overheat and cause warpage. As you disassemble the spindle,
inspect it for worn/galled/scored/corroded bearing bores in the
cartridge housing and bearing seats on the spindle shaft. Also be
sure to inspect the R8 taper and alignment pin for wear. In some
instances, the spindle may be unrepairable. Prior to reassembly,
clean all spindle parts. Old grease, corrosion, and other
contaminates can severely shorten the life of new bearings.
Upper bearings are PN 30316 and
are provided as a matched set.
Lower bearings are PN 30303 and
are also provided as a matched
set. You need to order both part
numbers to get a full set of four
bearings.
Angular contact bearings have a
direction. Lateral and thrust loads
are both carried through an angular
contact in the bearing. In general
terms, the force is carried from the
inner race to the outer race as is
shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows
the spindle cross section on the
left. On the right is a detailed view
showing how the load applied by
the spindle bearing nut is carried
through the bearings.

Figure 1. Forces on an angular

contact bearing.

Figure 2. Load flow on spindle bearings.

1
Page: 1 of 2 SB0024_Spindle_Bearings_0914B Date: 9/16/2014
1071 Uniek Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597 phone 608.849.8381 fax 209.885.4534
www.tormach.com 2014 Tormach LLC Specifications are subject to change without notice

The upper bearings transfer force from the upper inside to the lower outside as shown on the right
side of Figure 2.
The lower bearing pair reverses this, as
shown in the bottom of Figure 3.
When you look at a bearing you can tell the
orientation by looking at the thickness of
the outer race. The force is always applied
to the outer race on the side where it is
thicker. The force is always applied to the
inner race on the side where the outer race
is thinner.
When installing bearings you can press
them in place or gently tap them in position.
If you tap them into position you should
only tap directly on the race (inner or outer)
that is a friction fit. Never try to tap a
bearing in place where the impact forces
are carried through the balls themselves.
You can tap a bearing into a hole by
tapping on outer race, or you can tap a
bearing onto a shaft by tapping on inner
race.

Figure 3. Upper bearing (Top) and lower bearing (Bottom).

Spindle bearing pairs are marked with a V as shown in Figure 4. Keep the bearing pairs separate
and make sure they are installed with the V in the directions shown in Figure 4.
Prior to installation you must grease the bearings. Use
general purpose lithium bearing grease (NLGI2 or better). Its
important to use the right amount of grease. Use 2 g for the
smaller upper bearings and 2.5 g for the larger lower ones.
Distribute the grease uniformly around the bearings.
Bearing preload must be set correctly. Tighten the retaining
ring until it is very tight to seat the bearings. Loosen the
retaining ring and then bring it in until it contacts solidly.
Tighten approximately 5 further. If preload is too tight it will
result in excessive wear and in temperatures above 155 F
(70 C). If you measure temperatures above 155 F (70 C)
you need to reduce the preload.
Figure 4. Bearing Markings

Page: 2 of 2 SB0024_Spindle_Bearings_0914B Date: 9/16/2014

1071 Uniek Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597 phone 608.849.8381 fax 209.885.4534
www.tormach.com 2014 Tormach LLC Specifications are subject to change without notice