CAT 304-2603 BEARING

CAT 304-2603 is a Caterpillar single-row tapered roller bearing, commonly used in the wheel ends, final drive, or steering systems of excavators and loaders. It is compatible with Cat 320D/336D excavators, 950M/966M loaders, and other models. It has high radial and axial load capacity and is a core component that ensures the stable operation of transmission parts. The following is structured technical and application information:

Core Technical Parameters

Item Details
Basic Attributes
Model 304-2603, Type: Single-row tapered roller bearing (including inner ring, outer ring, rollers, and cage), Material: High-carbon chromium bearing steel (GCr15), Hardened layer depth: 2.5-3.5 mm, Hardness: HRC60-64, Single weight: Approximately 2.8 kg, Applicable temperature: -30℃ to +120℃, Lubrication method: Grease lubrication (Cat Moly Grease recommended) or oil lubrication (Cat DEO-ULS recommended), Rated speed: 2800 rpm (grease lubrication), 3600 rpm (oil lubrication)

Key Dimensions
Inner diameter: 80 mm (tolerance 0 to -0.015 mm), Outer diameter: 140 mm (tolerance +0.018 to +0.030 mm), Width: 32 mm (tolerance ±0.12 mm), Number of rollers: 16, Roller diameter: 14 mm mm, roller length 22 mm, contact angle 15°, chamfer 2 mm × 45°, inner ring large end face diameter 105 mm, outer ring small end face diameter 120 mm, fit clearance 0.015-0.030 mm
Compatible Models and Applications: Compatible with Cat 320D, 323D, 336D excavators, 950M, 966M loaders, for wheel end hub bearings, final drive planetary carrier supports, steering knuckle kingpin bearings. Matching parts include bearing housing, seals, and locknuts. Rated radial load ≥ 85 kN, rated axial load ≥ 52 kN, fatigue life ≥ 12000 hours
Performance Parameters: Coefficient of friction ≤ 0.002 (oil lubrication), ≤ 0.005 (grease lubrication), rated static load ≥ 120 kN, limiting speed 4200 rpm (oil lubrication), 3200 rpm (grease lubrication), corrosion resistance meets ISO 9227. No rust after ≥48 hours of neutral salt spray testing; rotational accuracy P6 grade; radial runout ≤0.05 mm; axial runout ≤0.06 mm.

Structural and Performance Advantages

Bidirectional Load Bearing: The tapered roller structure can simultaneously bear radial and axial loads, suitable for wheel ends, final drives, and other components subjected to both radial and axial forces, maintaining stable operation under heavy loads and impact conditions.

Precision Manufacturing: Utilizing high-carbon chromium bearing steel and precision machining processes, the hardened layer depth and hardness meet standards, ensuring uniform contact between the rollers and raceways, reducing wear and heat generation, and extending service life.

High Adaptability: High dimensional accuracy, tight fit with bearing housings and journals, suitable for various Caterpillar engineering machinery, minimizing radial and axial runout after installation, ensuring the operational accuracy of transmission components.

Easy Maintenance: Standard structural design, no special tools required for disassembly and assembly; regular grease replenishment is sufficient, suitable for quick on-site repairs and routine maintenance needs.

Installation and Maintenance Points:
**Before installation, clean the bearing, journal, and bearing housing, checking for burrs and cracks.** Use cold pressing (pressure ≤40 kN, applied to the inner ring end face), and avoid striking the outer ring or rollers. After installation, adjust the lock nut to control the bearing preload at 50-80 N·m, ensuring smooth rotation.

Perform a 2-hour trial run, ensuring the bearing temperature is ≤75℃ and there are no abnormal noises or vibrations. Check the lubrication status every 500 hours and replenish grease. Check the bearing clearance every 2000 hours. Replace the bearing if the radial clearance exceeds 0.10 mm or if roller peeling or raceway wear occurs.

When replacing bearings, prioritize original parts, ensuring the inner and outer diameters, roller count, and fit clearances meet standards. After installation, check the seals and lock nut to prevent grease leakage and bearing loosening leading to premature failure.