Proper bearing alignment
When bearings are in proper alignment their center lines are parallel to each other.

In most designs, the center lines of a pair of bearings should be represented by only one line.

Improper bearing alignment
If the bearings are not seated properly their center lines will be at an angle to each other. This problem may be noticeable if you look closely for a flush mounted bearing surface before you remove it.

A few of the most common problems that produce a cocked installation are:

• dirt or burrs preventing a flush mount
• outer cup installed without proper tools
• a warped shaft
• nut faces that are out of line

Roller Damage
Worn at an angle. If wear patterns of any type are not parallel with the flat ends of the rollers, it indicates that the rollers are not running true.

This type of wear is produced when the bearing is cocked in the housing.

Race Damage
Worn on one side. When the bearing is cocked it will run crooked, creating an uneven wear pattern on both the rollers and the race.

If you observe severe wear on one side of the race, but little on the other, you can be certain that something kept the bearing from being properly seated in the housing.