Water PUMP:

this question is about how to stop two bearings from moving sideways on a shaft that has to support a rotating impeller at one end; the bearings and part of the shaft are in a bearing housing. the shaft is also partly supported by the pump casing (in which the impeller is). I don't know if you can picture it but the shaft goes through a hole in the casing that is fitted with a lip seal and after that you have the impeller (on the shaft) i mentioned above.
our tutor said that having two circlips on both sides of the bearing is not very accurate(we only have our limited workshop with limited facilities). What about stepped diameters on the shaft?
Any other suggestions? I know its difficult to picture but any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thankyou.

To prevent the bearings from moving sideways on the shaft in a water pump, there are a few options you can consider:

1. Stepped Diameters on the Shaft: One option is to use stepped diameters on the shaft. This means that the diameter of the shaft is wider at the location of the bearings compared to the rest of the shaft. By increasing the diameter at the bearing locations, you create a shoulder that prevents the bearings from moving sideways. This can be achieved by machining the shaft to have different diameters in different sections.

2. Shoulder or Collar: Another option is to have a shoulder or collar on the shaft itself. This can be a machined or pressed-on collar that creates a physical barrier preventing the bearings from moving sideways. The collar can be located against the inner ring of the bearing to hold it in place.

3. Locating Pins: You can also consider using locating pins between the bearings and the housing. These pins are typically placed radially across the bearing housing and engage with holes on the outer ring of the bearing. This provides additional support and prevents the bearings from moving sideways.

4. Preload or Adjustable Axial Load: Applying a preload or adjustable axial load to the bearings can help keep them in place. This can be achieved by using a spring or preload nut on the shaft that applies a constant force on the bearings, keeping them securely in position.

It is important to ensure that the chosen solution provides enough support to prevent excessive movement of the bearings while still allowing for smooth rotation of the shaft. It is recommended to consult with an expert or an experienced engineer in your workshop to determine the most suitable method based on the available tools and resources.