The photoelastic technique was employed to investigate the adverse affect on the load distribution among the roller bearings in a rock bit cutter as a result of the relatively large radial clearance in the bearings. A mathematical solution vas obtained for the load distribution among the bearings assuming negligible radial clearance, and parts of this solution were then applied to the case of relatively large radial clearance. The possibility of achieving a more equitable load distribution through the use of hollow roller bearings was also studied.