The amount of side-to-side freedom designed into a mechanism, typically measured along the axis of a shaft or pin. It provides necessary clearance for thermal expansion, lubrication, and manufacturing tolerances. Excessive side play usually indicates bearing wear or missing shims.
Heard on the job
We have about thirty thou of side play on the main shaft, which means we need thicker thrust washers.
Also heard as
- axial clearance
- end play