Which of the following is NOT a purpose of bearing push bolts on a belt conveyor tail pulley?

• A. Keep correct distance between tail spool and bed plate
• B. Maintain axial alignment of tail pulley
• C. Help adjust belt tracking
• D. Prevent belt slip

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how bearing push bolts are used to control the tail pulley's position along its axis to keep the belt path true. These bolts let you push the bearing inner race slightly to set the tail pulley’s axial location, which directly affects how the belt tracks as it moves around the tail pulley.

Keeping the exact distance between the tail spool and the bed plate is not accomplished with bearing push bolts. That spacing is set by the mounting hardware and fixed in place; the push bolts are meant for fine-tuning the pulley’s axial position, not for maintaining a fixed gap to the bed plate.

In contrast, maintaining axial alignment of the tail pulley is a primary purpose—adjusting the axle position helps the pulley run true along the belt centerline. This, in turn, helps with belt tracking, ensuring the belt stays centered rather than wandering to one edge. Proper alignment also helps prevent belt slip, since a correctly aligned pulley maintains consistent belt contact and load distribution.

So, the distance between the tail spool and the bed plate isn’t a function of these bolts, while axial alignment, tracking adjustment, and preventing slip are all outcomes you can influence with bearing push bolts.