A locating bearing assembly (10) is provided that optimizes load
distribution between bearing rows and for all rolling elements within the
rows in either positive or negative torque conditions, by combining a
single row tapered roller bearing with an angular contact ball bearing.
The outer race (60) for the ball bearing is preloaded by a spring element
(72) to prevent the balls (26) from floating freely between the ball
bearing's inner and outer raceways (16, 64). This will insure that the
balls (26) are always sufficiently loaded to roll along a single axis
which is off set from the radial direction. The use of the single row
tapered bearing and the preloaded angular contact ball bearing provides
for a locating bearing assembly ("LBA") in which the ball bearing
supports only reversing axial loads. All radial loads are borne by the
tapered roller bearing and transmitted to the bearing assembly housing
(30).