How to Change an Air Bearing

Replacement Air Bearings 

In most cases, air bearings are very easy to replace if they become damaged, torm or punctured. Depending on the product they are fitted to, air bearings are attached to their load module with either 1 or 5 hex-head screws. It is a simple matter of undiung the screws, removing the old bearing and putting on the new one. It really is that simple in most cases.

Here are two diagrams showing the composition of A-type and B-type air bearings:

A-type air bearings have just one center screw for SA & RS systems

B-type air bearings have one center screw and four corner screws

VL-type air bearings are not replaceable - simply drop in a new unit

There are times, however, when the air bearing is fitted differently to a larger capacity type of product - air pallet, large and medium transporters etc. In such cases, the air bearing is fabricated on a large square back-plate that slides into air bearing housing channels on the side of the product. These are called slide-mounted air bearings. These are slightly different to the other types of fitting. They slide into an angled channel and pushed home. When correctly situated, they are held in place by an air bearing retainer bar. However, this is yet another simple operation.

Here is a graphic showing a slide-mounted air bearing:

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