Ram™ Ball Bearing Structure
 
 
1 Fully Self-Aligning
RAM Ball Bearings are self-contained with a precisely ground spherical outside diameter. When seated into a corresponding housing, Ram bearing units are fully self-aligning. The benefit of full self-alignment is that it allows the bearing insert to adapt to shaft movement during installation and use.
2 Super-Finished Ball Channels
RAM Ball Bearing's inner and outer ball channels are super-finished. Super-Finishing is a process similar to that of a detailed polish which cleanses and smoothes the channels allowing for maximum operating efficiency and bearing longevity.
3 Anti-Rotation
RAM Normal and Medium Duty Ball Bearings have anti-rotation pins. The anti-rotation pin keeps the outside diameter of teh bearing from rotating inside the housing.
4 Heavy Duty Steel Cage
RAM Ball Bearings are constructed with precision stamped heavy duty steel cages and steel rivets. Our parts help to ensure proper ball alignment and spacing. Furthermore, these heavy duty parts help to resist wear adding hours life to each bearing unit.
5 SAE 52100 Chrome Steel Balls
RAM Ball Bearings are constructed with SAE 52100 chrome steel balls. SAE chrome steel is heat treated to achieve optimal hardness (HRC 62-66) and dimensional stability. SAE 52100 chrome steel is a high quality steel with low impurity levels adding to the overall quality and life of the bearing unit.
6 Solid Base Housings
RAM pillow block housings are cast with a solid base for added strength and durability. The solid base significantly reduces the chance of housing's foot pads cracking during installation and use. Look for all RAM housings to be solid base soon. Every RAM housing is a rigid one piece cast housing that is and machined to tight tolerances. In addition, every housing is painted with a thick coat of sleek black paint.
7 Dual Set Screws
RAM Ball Bearing set screws are positioned 120° apart to help ensure a secure lock between the shaft and the bearing. When the set screws are properly tightened, our positioning at 120° greatly reduces the ability for the shaft to slip while in motion.
8 Stout Raceways
RAM Ball Bearing raceways are also constructed with SAE 52100 chrome steel to ensure optimal hardness (HRC 59-63) and dimensional stability. RAM Ball Bearing raceways are precisely ground to ensure smoothness and roundness creating a superior sealing surface. Furthermore, RAM Ball Bearing raceways are zone annealed around each set screw. The annealing process softens the area of steel around each set screw to no more than HRC 50. This step helps to prevent cracking while the set screws are being tighten against the shaft.
9 Double Sealed
RAM Normal and Medium Duty Ball Bearings are double sealed for extra protection against contaminants. The inner seal fully contacts the inner and outer bearing rings and consists of steel backed synthetic rubber. The outer seal is a steel slinger and fully contacts the inner ring. While in motion, RAM's double seal design creates air pressure within the bearing forcing contaminants and moisture out while retaining grease.

Triple seal bearings are available by request
10 Grease Fitting
RAM Bearings are all equipped with a grease fitting at 45° for relubrication.
11 Drip Hole
RAM Bearings have a drip hole on the opposite side of the grease groove. The drip hole allows for grease to escape helping to prevent premature seal failure from over-greasing.
12 Triple Lip Seal (Optional)
RAM Bearings can be ordered with an optional Triple Lip Seal. Our Triple Lip Seal is our best option for severe conditions and contaminate control. The triple lip consists of synthetic rubber that has been baked to a protective heavy duty steel cap. The three fingers of the seal contact the inner ring of the bearing successfully keeping out all contaminates. Simply add R3 to the end of the part number to specify a bearing with the Triple Lip Seal is required.