Axial load Radial load Combined load F a F r FigureBearing LoadsPlain Bearings Also referred to as journal or sleeve bearings, the plain bearing is cylindrical in shape and designed to fit tightly in the housing and on the shaft. However, in the cast iron housings when it is desirable to relubricate the bearings, initial errors in alignment The bearing load is constant in magnitudeThe load is proper for the bearing; that is, radial loads for radial bearings (like deep groove ball bearings) and