RE: ball bearings
 

There would be no bending force on the crankpin either, the inner race of the tapered bearing would ride in the same spot as the ball bearing does.

RE: ball bearings
 

OK bearing experts-
Please explain why some ruined balls -from a ball race - end up square?
Not joking - seen em a number of times.

RE: ball bearings
 

Dick,
Not a bearing "expert", but I would say that your "square balls" (should I rephrase that?--- naw! :) ), would be caused by the balls locking up and skidding, turning, locking up and skidding, turning, etc etc, till they go roughly square, - no doubt, all caused by dirt and lack of lubrication, - maybe vibration - square?? - well nearly! [8D]

RE: ball bearings
 

Hobbsy,
I think you got me there! - can't win them all! ;)

RE: ball bearings
 

I figured it was some harmonic . the square shape is slightly dished on eaach facet-
Weird

RE: ball bearings
 

Someone, maybe in the bearing industry, will no doubt will come up with a more precise answer!