The classical differential equations of motion for the rollers and cage, in a high-speed cylindrical roller bearing, are integrated under prescribed operating conditions and bearing geometry. The generalized cage motion is parametrically evaluated as a function of clearances both in the cage pockets and at the cage-to-race guide lands. Definite correlations between certain cage instabilities and the operating clearances provide practical guidance for optimization of cage clearances for a given performance specification.Presented at the 45th Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado May 7–10, 1990