The contributing factors of loading on pilot bearing of a large, vertical, axial flow pump were investigated and a calculating method of the loading was developed. As an example, the bearing load of ZL307 pump (with impellor diameter of 3 1 m) was calculated by the method. The analysis and calculation indicate that the loading of the pilot bearing is mainly created by manufacturing and installing errors, non symmetrical flow in front of the impellor and flow drag on pump axle and the major factors includ...