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After more than 10 years of operation, spherical roller and spherical plain bearings from The Schaeffler Group are continuing to ensure that the London Eye keeps turning safely and reliably.
The Millennium Wheel has been rotating continuously, day after day, for 10 years and is now one of the most popular visitor attractions in London, as well as a landmark of the British capital. Since opening, the total number of passengers to have used the observation wheel is more than 36 million.
At the centre of the wheel are FAG rolling bearings, originally supplied by Schaeffler in 1999/2000. The wheel, which was constructed using around 1,500 tonnes of steel, rotates with the help of two FAG double row, radial spherical roller bearings, which are fitted as a locating and non-locating bearing set at the hub of the wheel.
Firmly located on the shaft, the locating bearing has an outside diameter of 2.66m and weighs 6.3 tonnes. The non-locating bearing, which has an outside diameter of 2.62m and weighs 5.2 tonnes, moves back and forth on the shaft in order to compensate for thermal expansion. These two spherical roller bearings have a rated life of more than 50 years.
Engineers from FAG Industrial Services carry out regular inspections to ensure defect-free, reliable functioning of the bearings. These checks include endoscopic inspections of the raceways and rolling elements in order to ensure early detection of any problems. Lubricant samples are also taken at regular intervals to check for particulates and abrasion.
If at any point during the Wheel
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| 6303R KOYO | 17 | 47 | 14 |
| 6303 KOYO | 17 | 47 | 14 |