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What are the critical clearance considerations when installing a wave spring in a bore?

2026-06-16 FAQ

For a wave spring operating in a bore, the Outer Diameter (OD) must be sized with sufficient clearance to accommodate radial expansion during compression. The recommended clearance is typically $0.005$ to $0.020$ inches per inch of diameter. If the spring is 'bore-piloted', the OD is the primary datum. If the spring is 'shaft-piloted', the Inner Diameter...

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For a wave spring operating in a bore, the Outer Diameter (OD) must be sized with sufficient clearance to accommodate radial expansion during compression. The recommended clearance is typically $0.005$ to $0.020$ inches per inch of diameter. If the spring is 'bore-piloted', the OD is the primary datum. If the spring is 'shaft-piloted', the Inner Diameter (ID) must have clearance to avoid binding as the spring 'grows' during operation. Failure to provide this clearance leads to the spring acting as a friction brake against the wall, which manifests as a hysteretic load-deflection curve and accelerated wear.

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