Bearings with tapered bores are mostly installed with an interference fit on the inner ring. The interference fit is determined by the axial advance distance of the inner ring onto the tapered shaft diameter, adapter sleeve, or withdrawal sleeve. The greater the advance distance on the tapered mating surface, the smaller the radial internal clearance of the bearing. The interference fit can be determined by measuring the reduction in clearance or the axial advance distance.
For small and medium-sized bearings, the inner ring can be advanced into the appropriate position on the tapered shaft diameter using bearing installation tools or, preferably, a lock nut. When using an adapter sleeve, a sleeve nut that can be tightened with a hook wrench or impact wrench is used. For withdrawal sleeves, bearing installation tools or end plates can be used to push them into the bearing bore.
Larger bearings require more force to install, therefore hydraulic nuts should be used. Hydraulic nuts can install tapered bore bearings onto tapered shaft diameters.