Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and means for preloading bearings and more particularly the preloading of tapered roller bearings of the type used in the axle systems of motor vehicles. In accordance with the disclosure a pair of Belleville spring washers are positioned against one of the races of a tapered roller bearing and secured in position in a manner so that the springs exert the desired preload upon the bearing. A self curing synthetic plastic material is injected into the housing containing the spring washers so as to surround the washers whereby the preload on the bearing will be set and will not be altered by subsequent high bearing loads on the spring washers. The surrounding plastic material prevents significant subsequent compression of the spring washers beyond their initial compression.