conebearing

Cone bearing is a type of rolling-element bearing in which one race is shaped as a cone. The most common example is the cup-and-cone arrangement found in many bicycle hubs and older skate bearings, where a threaded cone on the axle cooperates with balls inside a fixed cup to support rotation.

In operation, the balls run between the conical inner race (the cone) and the cup, which provides a mating surface. The cone is adjustable on the axle to set the bearing preload and play; once the desired tightness is achieved, a locknut secures the cone in place. Proper lubrication, typically grease, is essential to reduce wear and corrosion and to extend service intervals.

Benefits of cone bearings include their simple construction, repairability, and replaceable components. They are relatively inexpensive and can be serviced with basic tools. However, they require periodic maintenance to clean, inspect, grease, and re-adjust. Dirt, moisture, or improper adjustment can cause rough operation, play, or accelerated wear of the cone, balls, or cup.

Despite widespread use in the past, many modern applications have shifted to sealed cartridge bearings for lower maintenance and consistent performance. Cone bearings remain popular in some bicycles and other equipment where serviceability and the ability to replace individual components are valued, or where space and weight considerations favor a screw-adjusted, open-bearing design.