The aim of this work is to develop a method for measuring radial clearance of bearings during the assembly process. A dedicated measuring device was developed. The clearance can now be measured before, during and after the process of mounting bearings. Furthermore, a corresponding intelligent algorithm developed within the frame of this work adapts to different bearing configurations, replaces the metrological identification of the test load. The curve progression of the test load was abstracted by a mechanical model and the characteristic curve correlated with the clearance. The sensor technology originally required could be replaced by an intelligent software system.