Tom's on it.
Preload can be + or -. Often in the bearing industry, but mostly related to machine tool spindle bearings, clearance will be referred to as negative preload.
Due to the nature of the beast tapers are set using an axial endplay (bench endplay) value. On horizontal applications it can be a real bear to get the BEP set correctly since gravity is not your friend. On larger assemblies it is recommended to set the BEP in a vertical fixture. Trying to measure radially usually does not have good results due to trying to keep the system aligned, off-center housing mass loads, no access to both sides of the shaft, multi-piece rings, etc. It can be a very time consuming and arduous process.
Smaller TRB's like those used as discussed are great for the do-it-yourself'er since the preload is built in. There are very few self-contained TRB assemblies like these anywhere in the industrial field. I like them, and have proved very reliable for me.
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