An apparatus for retaining a bearing assembly on the neck of a roll in a
rolling mill. The apparatus includes an adaptor element having outwardly
projecting first lugs circumferentially separated by first flutes.
Fasteners detachably secure the adaptor element to a distal end of the
roll neck. A locking element, which comprises an integral component of the
bearing assembly, has inwardly projecting second lugs circumferentially
separated by second flutes. The locking element is rotatable between an
unlocked position at which its second lugs are aligned with the first
flutes of the adaptor element to accommodate axial shifting of the bearing
assembly onto and off of the roll neck, and a locked position at which its
second lugs are aligned with the first lugs of the adaptor element to
axially retain the bearing assembly on the roll neck.