What occurs if angular contact bearings are mounted backwards?

If angular contact bearings are mounted backwards, they indeed cause heavy thrust on the shallow shoulder. Angular contact bearings are designed to handle axial loads in one direction, allowing them to support specific load orientations effectively. When these bearings are installed incorrectly, the intended load direction is reversed, leading to improper load distribution across the bearing surfaces.

This misalignment means that the forces acting on the bearing are no longer balanced correctly, resulting in increased pressure on the shallow shoulder of the bearing. This can lead to premature wear, overheating, and ultimately, bearing failure. Understanding that the design of angular contact bearings is specific to their orientation helps clarify why this issue arises when they are mounted incorrectly. Thus, ensuring the correct mounting position is crucial for maintaining the bearing's performance and reliability.