Abstract: A method of at least partially filling a keyway in the metal sleeve of a rolling mill oil film bearing comprises machining a pocket into the keyway. A metal key is provided with a shape complimentary to that of the pocket, with at least one exterior dimension of the key exceeding a respective internal dimension of the pocket. The key is thermally shrunk to reduce its at least one external dimension to an extent sufficient to accommodate insertion of the key in the pocket. The thermally shrunk key is then inserted in the pocket, and allowed to thermally expand, thereby establishing an interference fit between the key and the pocket.

Abstract: A seal end plate is configured and dimensioned to surround the neck of a horizontal roll in a rolling mill and comprises a circular body having a shoulder projecting axially from its outboard side. At least one well is provided on the shoulder, and a drainage passageway leads from the well to the outboard side of the body. The drainage passageway is located in a one angularly spaced from horizontal and vertical reference planes bisecting the seal end plate.

Abstract: A bushing has a cylindrical wall with an inner bearing surface configured and dimensioned to surround the journal surface of a roll neck in a rolling mill. The bearing surface has a primary recess into which oil is admitted to serve as a lubricant between the journal and bearing surfaces. The primary recess has a width measured between circumferentially spaced edges, and a length spaced from the ends of the bearing surface by land segments of the bearing surface. Secondary recesses in the land segments have widths that are narrower than the width of the primary recess.