LTZC Precision Split Bearings – Designed for Constrained Installation Spaces

What are Split Bearings?

Simply put, split bearings are designed by dividing a single-piece bearing into two or more sections, typically split along the axis. This design greatly simplifies installation, maintenance, and inspection, and is particularly suitable for equipment where traditional single-piece bearings require disassembly of couplings, drives, or large rotating structures. Unlike standard ball or roller bearings, split bearings offer the unique advantage of easy installation and maintenance; when one section wears out severely, only that section needs to be replaced.

As a leading slewing bearing manufacturer in China, LTZC integrates advanced machining, precision grinding, high-strength heat treatment, and segmented assembly technologies to create split bearings with high load capacity, excellent alignment performance, and long-term reliable operation. The LTZC split bearing series includes split roller bearings, split ball bearings, and large-diameter precision segmented slewing bearings suitable for heavy-duty applications.

What types of split bearings are available?

Split bearings are available in various structural forms depending on load direction, speed, accuracy, installation limitations, and performance requirements. LTZC offers split roller bearings, split ball bearings, and toothed and gearless types to suit a variety of equipment and installation needs.

1. Split Roller Bearings

Split roller bearings are the most commonly used bearing type for high radial loads and continuous operation. The inner ring, outer ring, and cage are all divided into multiple parts for easy mounting around the shaft.

Features of LTZC split roller bearings:

Designed for high radial loads and medium axial loads

Available with cylindrical or spherical roller construction

Easy to install and remove without disassembling adjacent components

Suitable for large, multi-supported rotating shafts

Gear accuracy up to grade 5

Materials include high-carbon chromium steel treated with LTZC's proprietary heat treatment process

Typical applications:

Conveyors and material handling systems

Gearboxes

Pumps and fans

Steel industry

Marine propulsion systems

2. Split Ball Bearings

Split ball bearings are designed for equipment requiring low friction, high rotational accuracy, and high-speed performance. The ball bearing structure is divided into several matching sector segments to maintain uniform clearance and smooth operation.

LTZC split ball bearings feature: Low torque, low vibration; precision raceways for smooth rotation; suitable for medium loads and high-speed applications; customizable seals and lubrication systems; suitable for machinery with limited installation space.

Typical applications: Light industrial machinery; precision rotating systems; large-diameter mechanisms requiring smooth operation; electrical equipment and high-speed shafts.

3.  Precision Split Bearings

This is one of LTZC's core competencies—manufacturing large-diameter split bearings, where the outer ring, inner ring, or both are divided into 2 to 8 segments. These bearings are suitable for applications where integral bearings cannot be installed or transported due to their large size.

Key Features:

Suitable for various sizes from 1 meter to over 15 meters in diameter

Capable of withstanding extremely high axial, radial, and overturning moment loads

Suitable for various bearing models, and can replace bearings from major international brands

Optional gear tooth surface finishing (internal or external gears)

Installation solutions designed for space-constrained applications

Suitable for construction machinery, tunnel boring machines, offshore cranes, wind turbines, and heavy rotating equipment

Advantages of LTZC Segmented Bearings:

Ultra-large CNC milling and grinding capabilities

LTZC fully in-house production with strict heat treatment control

Micron-level alignment accuracy of ring segments after assembly

Customized bearings and bearing CAD drawings are available

Installation and maintenance technical guidance are provided

Third-party bearing testing reports are available

Successfully applied in offshore wind turbine nacelles, tunnel boring machines, marine cranes, and heavy energy equipment

Main application areas:

1. Mining and material handling: Conveying systems, crushers and large drive shafts, bucket wheel excavators

2. Steel and metallurgy: Continuous casting machines, cooling beds, rolling mill stands

3. Energy industry: Wind turbines (yaw and pitch systems), hydroelectric generators, large rotary drive mechanisms

4. Marine and offshore engineering: Tunnel boring machine propellers, deck machinery, cranes and offshore elevators

5. Tunnel boring machines (TBMs): Main bearing sealing systems, rotary cutterheads

6. Industrial machinery and robotics: Mixers, large turntables, automated rotary platforms

How to install split bearings?

Installing split bearings requires precise alignment and accurate torque control. LTZC provides complete installation documentation, 3D installation diagrams, and on-site technical support for large or complex installation projects.

Standard Installation Steps:

1. Preparation

Check the flatness and cleanliness of the bearing housing surface.

Check the shaft alignment and fit tolerances.

Apply a small amount of grease to prevent corrosion.

2. Positioning the Base Component

Place the lower half or base ring component onto the bearing housing surface.

Use the LTZC alignment indicator to ensure correct positioning.

Do not fully tighten the bolts at this stage.

3. Assembling the Upper Component

Carefully place the upper component or cover half.

Insert the bolts and tighten them gently.

4. Gradual Tightening

Tighten the bolts in a crisscross sequence.

Use the LTZC recommended torque chart to ensure even preload.

Check radial and axial clearances.

5. Rotation Check

Slowly rotate the shaft or equipment to check for smooth operation.

Confirm there is no abnormal noise or friction.

6. Lubrication

Apply LTZC premium bearing grease or oil to the lubrication system.

Ensure a good seal to prevent dust, water, or debris from entering.

7. Final Inspection

Record the preload, torque, and clearance values.

Perform a low-speed test run before full-load operation.

LTZC provides remote technical support, installation tools, and field service for large segmented slewing bearings. See the LTZC Bearing Installation and Maintenance Manual.

Advantages of LTZC Split Bearings

LTZC has over 30 years of expertise in bearing manufacturing, particularly in large-diameter and segmented rotating systems. With complete in-house production capabilities, LTZC ensures higher precision, better durability, and shorter lead times than many competitors.

1. LTZC has its own production plant, a complete independent manufacturing system, and advanced production processes. LTZC bearings undergo 100% inspection with a 98% pass rate. This vertically integrated model ensures consistent quality and rapid response for customized split bearings.

2. Advanced CNC bearing machining centers enable high-precision machining of bearing components, with micron-level dimensional control, ensuring a perfect fit for each part after assembly.

3. Designed for confined spaces, eliminating the need for shaft disassembly and minimizing downtime.

4. Superior load-bearing capacity and reliability, low friction and long service life,excellent shock and vibration resistance.

5. Customized engineering services for special applications.

LTZC can provide fully customized designs based on the following factors:

Bearing type and structure

Load conditions

Environmental requirements (dust, seawater, high temperature)

Lubrication system

Number of bearing sections

Material and coating selection

This flexibility makes LTZC a trusted partner for OEMs and global engineering projects.