Abstract: A seal for use with a tapered roller bearing includes a seal affixed to a first seal support, and comprises an inner sealing member in contact with a second seal support, an outer sealing member extending toward and contacting the second seal support, and a central sealing member extending toward but not contacting the second seal support. A rain shield covering a gap between the first and second seal supports may also be included.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention overcome one or more of the above mentioned problems by using improved bearing assemblies and/or improved wear ring liners. For example, an aspect of the present invention includes configuring a bearing assembly to include a wear ring having an integral wear ring liner which allows oil or other lubricants to pass along or through the wear ring. In aspects of the invention, the wear ring liner is of a low abrasion, low friction material such as a polymeric (e.g., nylon), synthetic rubber, elastomeric, graphite, and/or other low friction lining material. The low abrasion/friction liner material provides a cushioning between the wear ring and the shaft. Thus, fretting of the shaft is substantially reduced or eliminated while at the same time allowing the wear ring to derive its concentricity directly from the shaft.