Gents,

I roughly know what the differences are and that taper rollers are better for combined axial and radial loads, at least according to this:

Roller bearings

but I'm wondering whether there's a difference between the two at low loads? I've got a shaft mounted on two taper roller bearings, which will be subjected mostly to radial load (rough torque at around 10Nm) and I'm contemplating using ball bearings, simply for ease of use. With taper rollers you need preloading with lock nuts and oil seals as the bearing is in two pieces. Ball bearings can be preloaded with the aid of springs and are pre-sealed, so no worries about crap getting inside.

Any info on the above is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
dsc.