A system and method is provided to accommodate positional variations in a bearing
assembly, which has a clearance adjustment assembly for setting the roller clearance
therein. The bearing assembly has multiple rows of tapered rollers disposed circumferentially
between an inner sleeve and the clearance adjustment assembly, which is secured
by an outer retaining sleeve. The clearance adjustment assembly has at least one
clearance adjustment ring disposed adjacent multiple tapered support rings, which
extend circumferentially about the multiple rows of tapered rollers. In the bearing
assembly, the at least one clearance adjustment ring forces the multiple tapered
support rings against the multiple rows of tapered rollers to set the desired roller
clearance. Accordingly, the bearing assembly can accommodate expansion, contraction,
and angular variations in the system.