Definition
An anti-friction bearing in which the rolling elements are cone-shaped rollers running between an inner race (cone) and an outer race (cup), with the rollers and races angled so they all share a common apex point. This geometry allows the bearing to carry both radial loads (perpendicular to the shaft) and thrust loads (along the shaft) at the same time. They are commonly used in aircraft wheel bearings.
Plain English
A bearing made of cone-shaped rollers set at an angle. Because of the angle, it can handle weight pushing down on the shaft and weight pushing along the length of the shaft at the same time. This is the type of bearing inside most aircraft wheels.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance discussions of wheel assemblies, landing gear parts, and other rotating parts that must carry heavy loads.
Derivation
Tapered means narrowing toward one end, like a cone. Roller refers to the cylindrical (here cone-shaped) elements that roll between the two surfaces. The taper is what gives this bearing its ability to handle loads from two directions at once.
Why Pilots Care
Wheel bearings are inspected, cleaned, and repacked with grease at regular intervals. A pilot or owner who understands how tapered roller bearings work can spot improper adjustment, contamination, or wear during preflight or maintenance — all of which can lead to wheel failure on landing.
Intuition Check
Do not think of these as simple round balls inside a bearing. The rollers are cone-shaped so the bearing can handle both turning loads and end-to-end pushing loads.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic removed the tapered roller bearings from the main wheel, cleaned them in solvent, and repacked them with fresh grease.
Example Sentence 2
Tapered roller bearings in the engine accessory section allow the shaft to turn smoothly under changing thrust loads.