Withdrawal sleeve is a tapered bore bearing mounting accessory with the taper oriented opposite to an adapter sleeve, enabling bearing installation and removal from a single direction on stepped shafts or confined positions where both shaft ends are not accessible, by pulling the sleeve outward rather than pushing it inward.
The structural difference from an adapter sleeve: the withdrawal sleeve has an external thread at its large end, and the locknut (KM) threads onto this end to push the sleeve out of the bearing bore during removal, per SKF mounting instructions. For a full explanation of tapered bore mounting systems, see self-aligning bearing guide and browse spherical roller bearings in E-designation tapered bore for withdrawal sleeve installation. During installation, the locknut is tightened in the direction that draws the sleeve into the bore — opposite to the adapter sleeve action. Standard taper is 1:12 per ISO 5735, compatible with EK-series tapered bore bearings.
The withdrawal sleeve is particularly well suited when: the shaft has a shoulder at one end that prevents an adapter sleeve from passing through, the mounting position is deep inside a housing accessible only from one side, or the equipment requires frequent bearing changes without removing the entire assembly.
Withdrawal Sleeve Mounting and Removal Procedure
Mounting procedure for bearing 22222 E1 (d = 110, D = 200, B = 53 mm, C = 340 kN) on withdrawal sleeve AH3122 (for 110 mm shaft):
- Install the withdrawal sleeve onto the shaft from the side without the shoulder, small taper end facing inward
- Mount the bearing onto the large taper end of the sleeve (bearing slides in from outside)
- Tighten the KM locknut to draw the sleeve into the bearing bore
- Measure radial clearance continuously — stop when the specified reduction is reached (18–25 µm for 22222)
- Lock with the MB lockwasher
For removal: loosen the locknut, then tighten the removal nut in the opposite direction — the nut presses against the bearing face and pushes the bearing off the sleeve. The bearing drops free without requiring a press or hammer.
| Withdrawal Sleeve | Compatible Bearing | Shaft Diameter | Required Clearance Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH208 | 22208 E | 35–40 mm | 10–15 µm |
| AH2316 | 22316 E | 75–80 mm | 18–23 µm |
| AH3122 | 22222 E | 105–110 mm | 18–25 µm |
| AH3128 | 23128 E | 135–140 mm | 25–32 µm |