Assembly Guide for the FA1D63-02-01(02) Radial Bearing and Thrust Bearing Co-Assembly

During a major overhaul or routine maintenance of the booster pump, the assembly of the radial + thrust composite bearing system at the free end is the top priority. Incorrect assembly leads to excessive shaft vibration and premature seal failure at best—and bearing eccentric wear or shaft seizure at worst. Many technicians fail because they treat these as standalone parts. Remember: the FA1D63-02-01(02) radial bearing and the thrust bearing are a tactical team that must follow a specific assembly logic to ensure precise shaft positioning and stable operation.

I. Core Logic: Understanding the Radial + Thrust Synergy

Per the DL/T 801-2010 Technical Conditions for Booster Pumps of Large Steam Turbine Generator Units, the free end of the FA1D56A uses a composite structure where both bearings share the lower bearing housing space. They have distinct, essential roles:

• FA1D63-02-01(02) Radial Bearing: Supports the rotor weight and limits radial runout to ensure rotational concentricity.
• Thrust Bearing: Carries axial loads and precisely controls total rotor float (standard value: 8.0mm) to prevent axial movement from grinding down the seals.

CRITICAL REMINDER: Do not mess up the sequence! You must pre-position the thrust bearing components before installing the lower half of the radial bearing. Reversing this will make it impossible to guarantee the design clearance (0.30~0.50mm) between the thrust disk and pads, leading to inevitable wear and excessive shaft float.

II. Pre-Assembly: 5 Steps to Avoid Rework

Before installing the FA1D63-02-01(02) radial bearing, finish these five preparation steps to ensure precision:

1. Deep Clean: Scrub the bearing housing bore, shaft journal, and contact surfaces. Even microscopic debris or burrs can cause eccentric wear later.
2. Concentricity Check: Verify shaft concentricity is within ≤ 0.025mm (per DL/T 801-2010). Anything higher causes uneven loading and rapid temperature spikes.
3. Thrust Pre-Positioning: Rotate the two-half thrust rings into the housing. Ensure the positioning pins align with the upper housing notches at a 45° mid-plane.
4. Reference Marking: Scribe lines on the shaft at both the drive and free ends. Record the initial axial position as a baseline for final clearance adjustments.
5. Seal Replacement: Always use brand-new oil deflectors and O-rings. Reusing old seals is the #1 cause of lube oil leaks and immediate rework.

III. Core Assembly Key Points: Clearances and Handling

1. Selecting the Right Spare: The Foundation

Precision starts with the part. Dongfang SRI radial bearings are manufactured strictly to original drawings. We control the shell roundness to ≤ 0.01mm and ensure a zero-defect bond of the Babbitt metal. The optimized oil-wedge design improves lubrication under hydraulic coupling supply systems, matching the 0.08~0.10mm design clearance to significantly reduce wear and heat.

2. The Lift and Seat Maneuver

Jack the Shaft: When installing the lower radial bearing shell, you must jack up the pump shaft first, then slide the bearing in smoothly. Never force it with a hammer or pry bar. Forcing the fit deforms the bearing and damages the Babbitt surface, leading to a guaranteed seizure during startup.

3. The Final Double-Check

Once reassembled, you must verify two key clearances:

• Thrust Disk to Pad Clearance: Standard 0.30~0.50mm. Too large = excessive axial float; too small = dry grinding and overheating.
• Total Rotor Float: Standard 8.0mm. Use your scribe marks to verify the rotor hasn't shifted into a position that will rub the seal assemblies.

IV. One-Stop Support: FA1D56 Series Spares

Beyond the FA1D63-02-01(02) bearing, Dongfang SRI provides the full suite of FA1D56 series components to ensure compatibility and overhaul efficiency:

Summary: Control the Clearance, Secure the Run

FA1D56A free-end assembly boils down to three things: Synergy, Preparation, and Clearance. Follow the Thrust First, Radial Second rule, keep it clean, and use reliable Dongfang SRI FA1D63-02-01(02) bearings. This is the only way to avoid eccentric wear, seizures, and vibration issues.

Stuck on a clearance adjustment or need a technical spec check? Contact Dongfang SRI. We provide the professional guidance and parts to get your pump back online fast.

HKCYT-2025-12-29