Water pump bearings are double row bearings and, in contrast to conventional double row bearings, do not have an inner ring but raceways machined directly into the surface of the shaft. As a result, there is more space available for the rolling elements, giving a higher specific load carrying capacity than that of solutions with conventional single bearings. Furthermore, it is possible in this type of bearing to achieve economical combinations of ball and roller rows. In a small design envelope, this gives a broad range of load carrying capacities.

The use of a common outer ring for two rows of rolling elements prevents misalignment defects, eliminating the risk of undesirable distortion of the bearings.

In water pump bearings, the ends of the shaft normally extend beyond the outer ring on both sides. The length and diameter of these extended sections are matched to the specific application. This results in

a simple, ready-to-fit bearing unit that is primarily used in water pumps for road vehicles.

However, they are not restricted to this application.

Due to the advantages described above, they have a wide range of possible applications.

They can be used, for example, in:

■ fans

■ tension pulleys

■ vane pumps

■ angle grinders.

Since they are not restricted to use in water pumps, water pump bearings are also described in English as Integral shaft bearings.